Mental Health Assistant

This is a direct care, entry-level position, responsible for a variety of duties relating to and primarily concerned with implementing the students’ treatment and educational programs. These direct care individuals provide the basic staff coverage necessary for the maintenance of the school, residential, and workshop programs. The position affords a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience with and knowledge of the current methods for treating the problems of autistic-like adolescents and young adults and young adults with behavioral disorders. This position reports to the Teachers, Classroom Coordinators, Residential Coordinators, Workshop Coordinator and Monitoring staff. It is an hourly non-exempt full time position. Hours of work are assigned on a weekly basis and can be comprised of any day or shift necessary to assure adequate staffing, including weekends, nights, and holidays.1.Must be able to work consistently for entire shift, with a break.2.Must be able to physically restrain assaultive students (with possible assistance of one or several staff members) after training.3.Must be able to transport non-ambulatory students (pushing wheelchair, carrying up and down stairs, lifting in and out of bathtub, etc.)4.Must be able to carry or transport uncooperative students, with and without assistance.5.Must be able to attend and participate in various athletic events with students, i.e. roller-skating, basketball, Special Olympics, etc.6.Must be able to watch remote camera monitors for several hours at a time (remaining in seat, and watching screen).7.Must be able to prepare meals for and with students.8.Must be able to complete housekeeping chores such as laundry, washing floors, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, etc.9.Engages in incidental learning whenever possible.10.Rewards and evaluates staff members as needed.11.Must report any damage (to include property that has been exposed to any bodily fluids/secretions) to JRC property on End of Shift form.12.Report any problems/suggestions to immediate supervisor. Report to next supervisor in line if no results are achieved with immediate supervisor.13.Must be able to shower and bathe students, even if uncooperative.14.Participates in at least 2.5 hours per month (a total of 30 per year) of In-Service training.15.Must be able to carry out each students individual program as outlined16.Must be able to speak clearly in English to students.17.Must be able to hear other staff persons in a noisy classroom when they speak, even if not looking at them.18.Must have a “strong stomach” because students may defecate inappropriately, smear feces on objects and on staff, vomit on selves or staff. Cleaning student is required in these situations.19.Must be able to react quickly and possess good peripheral vision in order to insure safety of students.20.Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive passenger vans in order to drive students to and from medical/dental appointments.
21.Must have a working telephone where direct care worker can be reached and where they can contact the Center.22.Must be available to work “on-call” as required.23.Must be available for an intensive training period and able to pass quizzes (grade of 80% or better) during this period.24.Responsible for completing recording sheets, food sheets, etc accurately.
25.Responsible for reporting abuse to JRC and appropriate agencies.
26.Responsible for reading posts on the Discussion Board. Required to post a minimum of 1 message per 2 weeks on the Discussion Board.
27.May be required to act as “Head of Provider” or “Authorized Staff Person”, when needed to monitor and approve emergency restraint.28.May be required to act as “Staff in Attendance”
REQUIREMENTS
High School diploma, or equivalent.Stamina and physical endurance for a physically demanding schedule.Candidates should possess excellent problem solving, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.Must be able to function with moderate supervision.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in English.20/20 vision or correctable to 20/20 with corrective lenses.Ability to stand and walk for at least 90% of the workday.Ability to sit for at least 20% of the workday.Position involves kneeling, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, crawling, and handling during the treatment process.Ability to lift up to 200 lbs., with assistanceNormal depth perception is required.All entry level staff may be required to work both weekend days and all holidays.