Mass General Brigham·Belmont, Massachusetts
The Mental Health Specialist provides direct patient care and supports the therapeutic milieu under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Responsibilities include documenting patient progress, managing crisis situations, and assisting patients with activities of daily living.
Site: The McLean Hospital Corporation
Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.
Job Summary Summary Under direction of the Registered Nurse, the MHS provides direct patient care and participates in therapeutic milieu
Does this position require Patient Care? Yes
Essential Functions Assists the RN in providing direct patient care.
Accurate and timely documentation of AFS, progress notes, and observation sheets.
Establishes therapeutic relationships with patients, maintaining professional boundaries.
Participates in patient rounds or teams.
Completes patient care assignments.
Identifies patient behaviors that contribute to the development of a crisis; utilizes non-verbal and verbal.
Techniques to de-escalate crisis situation.
Intervenes in managing complex patient situations and patient schedules, utilizing department policies and procedures, always promoting the least restrictive alternatives.
Communicates changes in patient status to RN.
Follows Standards of Care and protocols for assigned patients.
Remains awake and alert at all times while on the job.
Performs Point of Care testing (POC).
Works effectively in the therapeutic milieu.
Participates in planning and implementation of patient groups.
Provides and supervises recreation and other off-hall activities according to needs.
Provides patients with direction, support, and supervision as needed.
Follows established Nursing policies, procedures, and protocols.
Active milieu assessment while assigned to checks, particularly attuned to safety concerns.
Participates in the maintenance of the unit environment to ensure safe care.
Identifies and reports house cleaning problems to Unit Secretary/ND.
Identifies and reports equipment problems to Unit Secretary/ND.
Participates in the unit’s inventory system, reporting when supplies are low.
Initiates activities that assist patients in maintaining a clean environment.
Initiates activities that promote an organized, safe patient and staff environment.
Assists patients in their activities of daily living.
Identifies patient hygiene needs; initiates and implements interventions to meet these needs.
Provides for patients’ nutritional needs according to unit procedure.
Assists and reassures patients during tests, exams, and procedures.
Escorts and supervises patients on and off ground, maintaining patient safety.
Maintains a commitment to professional growth and competency.
Completes mandatory in-service requirements.
Identifies areas of strengths and areas in need of professional development with supervisor.
Maintains competency for treating age-specific patient populations.
Seeks constructive feedback, regarding work performance, from peers and professional colleagues.
Participates in critical incident de-briefing.
Qualifications: Education High School Diploma or Equivalent required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No
Licenses and Credentials
Experience One year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting 1-2 years preferred and Previous experience in direct patient care preferred preferred
Additional Job Details (if applicable) On the Older Adult Unit (SB1) we provide care for adults ages 50 and older who are struggling with depression, anxiety, neurocognitive disorders, and related symptoms and conditions. Physical Requirements Standing Frequently (34-66%) Walking Frequently (34-66%) Sitting Occasionally (3-33%) Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device) Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs Pushing Occasionally (3-33%) Pulling Occasionally (3-33%) Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%) Balancing Frequently (34-66%) Stooping Occasionally (3-33%) Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%) Crouching Occasionally (3-33%) Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%) Reaching Frequently (34-66%) Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%) Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%) Feeling Constantly (67-100%) Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%) Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%) Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%) Talking Constantly (67-100%) Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
Work Location 115 Mill Street: Scheduled Weekly Hours 32
Employee Type Regular: Work Shift Rotating (United States of America)
Pay Range $22.40 - $29.73/Hourly
At Mass General Brigham, we believe in recognizing and rewarding the unique value each team member brings to our organization.
Our approach to determining base pay is comprehensive, and any offer extended will take into account your skills, relevant experience if applicable, education, certifications and other essential factors.
The base pay information provided offers an estimate based on the minimum job qualifications; however, it does not encompass all elements contributing to your total compensation package.
In addition to competitive base pay, we offer comprehensive benefits, career advancement opportunities, differentials, premiums and bonuses as applicable and recognition programs designed to celebrate your contributions and support your professional growth.
We invite you to apply, and our Talent Acquisition team will provide an overview of your potential compensation and benefits package.
1600 The McLean Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. To ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of clinical experience, preferably in a psychiatric setting. The role requires the ability to complete Epic training and maintain competency in treating age-specific patient populations.
Market context
In Massachusetts, nursing roles often draw steady demand, especially in specialty settings like oncology where prior RN experience can matter. These positions are competitive because employers commonly look for an active RN license, an ADN at minimum, and prefer candidates with oncology background and a BSN. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then tailor your application to highlight oncology experience, licensure, and any relevant advancement or recognition achievements.