Mental Health Worker II
Bangor, ME
Opening Date: January 13, 2023
Closing Date: March 30, 2023
Job Class Code: 4016
Grade: 14
Salary: $20.10/hr – $24.90/hr.
***This is inclusive of a $1.00/hr. salary stipend and a $1.00/hr. direct care.
JOB DUTIES:
This is a second level paraprofessional support worker and requires a minimum of two years' experience in the field of mental health. The MHWII performs a variety of tasks involving direct care, rehabilitation, and behavior modification of patients in the hospital setting. Work includes assisting and instructing lower-level employees in the care and treatment of patients. This employee is expected to protect the health and safety of patients on the unit by following, supporting, and promoting nursing standards and DDPC policies and procedures. The work of the MHWII is completed under the supervision of a registered nurse.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:(A position may not be assigned all the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all the duties that may be assigned).
Develops a trusting relationship with patients, provides leisure opportunities specific to patient interest, monitors the safety of patients and supports prosocial skill building opportunities.
- Completes appropriate paperwork i.e. observation sheet, census, documentation
- Provides orientation/partnership to entry level MHWI, other new employees and students as applicable
- Attends treatment plans and collaborates with treatment teams
- Assist with direct patient care (fresh air breaks, 1:1, census, meals, transports, etc.)
- Provides training for staff in CPR and RAD and other training opportunities as assigned
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:(These are required to successfully perform the work assigned).
Knowledge of nursing practices and techniques.
- Knowledge of mental illnesses, their symptoms, and the appropriate psychiatric/medical terminology.
- Knowledge of the equipment used and the workflow of an inpatient unit.
- Knowledge of therapeutic intervention with persistent mental illness.
- Ability to apply appropriate nursing techniques and interventions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or equivalent and two (2) years of direct care mental health experience; and current valid certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant as issued by the Maine Department of Education – OR – completion of a Department approved training program.
Agency information:
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is dedicated to promoting health, safety, resilience, and opportunity for Maine people. The Department provides health and social services to approximately a third of the State's population, including children, families, older Mainers, and individuals with disabilities, mental illness, and substance use disorders. The Department also promotes public health, operates two state psychiatric hospitals, and provides oversight to health care providers.
Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center (DDPC) is a 69-bed psychiatric hospital serving the entire State of Maine that provides services for people with severe mental illness. As a member of a statewide community of care givers, DDPC collaborates with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, their community and personal supports, to provide recovery-oriented, respectful, compassionate, and effective psychiatric care and treatment in the least restrictive, safest, and most therapeutic environment we can create.
Application Information:
For additional information about this position, please contact Sharon MacDougall at 207-561-5505 or email [email protected]
To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter with your Direct Hire application. To request a paper application, please contact Theresa Peppard at [email protected]
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100%of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
- Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 17.96% of payto the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
- Learn aboutadditional wellness benefitsfor State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.