Loretto Hospital·Chicago, Illinois
The Mental Health Specialist provides basic physical, spiritual, and psychosocial care to patients while maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment. Key duties include monitoring patient behavior, facilitating groups, and assisting with admission and discharge processes.
Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital that serves more than 33,000 patients each year from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto offers its community a unique patient-centered healthcare delivery system that promotes general wellness and education. The hospital staff are committed to providing the best possible medical care in a holistic, safe and comfortable resident environment. By empowering patients with knowledge and resources, Loretto Hospital strives to cultivate a culture of proactive medical management within the community, with the goal of increasing the quality of life for patients and community residents.
The Mental Health Specialist provides age specific basic physical care and addresses spiritual and psychosocial needs of patients including cultural values, religious belief and barriers to learning intervention through the implementation of appropriate therapeutic approaches under the direct supervision of a registered nurse. Promotes a therapeutic environment and participates in the total program according to the philosophy, goals and function of the hospital and the Department of Behavioral Health. Maintains treatment activities of the department in compliance with standards of practice, department and hospital policies and procedures, and regulatory standards: HFAP, IDPH, and the Illinois Mental Health Code. The Mental Health Specialist primary responsibilities includes the provision of a safe and therapeutic milieu, facilitate groups, crisis intervention and activity of daily living.
Essential duties and responsibilities
Monitors unit milieu and maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for patients, family members and staff.
Modifies treatment approach according to developmental/psychological needs of the patient to ensure patient and unit safety.
Observes patients' behaviors, informs charge nurse of changes and implements interventions as directed by the nurse.
Documents patient's behaviors, affect and verbalization along with staff interventional and patient response to interventions in progress notes as assigned.
Completes patient rounds timely in accordance with unit requirements and accurately documents patient's observations on the Patients Observation Record.
Assist with admission process.
Assist RN with admission of patients and completes all admission forms as assigned.
Thoroughly completes personal belonging search, contraband removal and body map.
Documents findings in patient record and shares outcome with the R.N.
Assist patient with discharge and supervises collection of all patient belongings.
Provides continuous eyesight monitoring of patients in restraints and maintain their privacy, safety, and physical needs.
Accurately identifies strengths and weaknesses of the patient and his/her social, cultural, environmental and spiritual support network.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Compliance responsibilities
Understands and adheres to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards as they appear in the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy.
Keeps abreast of all pertinent federal, state and Hospital regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified. For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Job Duties” are essential job functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk as well as occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
Using proper body mechanics, the employee may be expected to lift, pull, push, or move patients and/or equipment.
Fine motor skills are required when using hands and fingers to handle, feel or reach.
Normal or corrected vision, hearing and ability to speak are necessary.
Specific visions abilities require include close, sharp eye focus and ability to distinguish colors.
There will be periods of stressful intense concentration with more than average pressure used in a variety of problem-solving situations.
Along with a competitive salary, Loretto Hospital offers a comprehensive, competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.
Loretto Hospital is a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to administering excellent patient care. Whether you are pursuing a career in allied health, support services, clinical or nursing support, or professional administration, Loretto Hospital is a tremendous place to grow as a health care professional.
As a not-for-profit, community-focused hospital, Loretto Hospital is truly a place where patients come first. We are seeking team members who not only support our mission, but who are customer service-driven and who desire to enhance the patient experience.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.
