Abolished

MENTAL HEALTH AIDE

7019F1

Pay Grade: 12

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is full performance technical work providing personal services and assisting in active treatment for the individuals of a state operated treatment facility for the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed.

Work involves assisting in the performance of therapeutic (either individual or group) tasks, and habilitative and rehabilitative treatment of an assigned group of mentally ill or emotionally disturbed individuals.

Standard Classification Factors

Supervision Received - LEVEL B: "Under general supervision…" Employees working under general supervision usually receive some instructions with respect to the details of most assignments but are free to develop their own work sequences within established procedures, methods and policies. They are often physically removed from their supervisor and subject to only periodic checks.

Difficulty - LEVEL A: Routine… Where the work is usually repetitive and the employee works from detailed instructions, the difficulty is usually limited to accuracy and speed.

Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial.

Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well-defined relationship. Normal communication skills are required.

Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Mental Health Aide Trainee class in which the incumbents are in training to provide care to mentally ill or emotionally disturbed individuals.

Differs from the Licensed Mental Health Technician I class which provides for skilled technical work providing active treatment for  individuals who are emotionally disturbed or mentally ill.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Under the direction of supervisory staff, implements and documents individualized treatment programs for assigned individuals.

Observes individuals behavior to detect significant or unusual behavior and signs of stress, intervenes to prevent injury to individuals requiring special precautions and takes patient census.

May restrain or seclude individuals according to accepted policies and procedures.

Provides for the basic personal care and grooming of individuals. Depending upon the functioning level and treatment plan of the individual, this involvement may vary from total care to training or supervising individuals to care for themselves.

Escorts individuals to appointments, dining rooms and recreational activities, on and off grounds.

Performs tasks in keeping the ward clean and orderly, and in providing a safe, sanitary ward environment.

Develops verbal, cognitive, physical, and social skills by role-playing, functioning as role model, through interpersonal relationships, and through reward of desired behavior.

May assist in conducting a workshop program.

Knowledge

*Knowledge of basic techniques for treating mentally ill or emotionally disturbed patients.

*Knowledge of principles and procedures used in working with mentally ill or emotionally disturbed patients.

*Knowledge of the procedures for preventing injuries to patients, self, and others.

*Knowledge of patient's rights.

Knowledge of procedures for documenting patient behavior and progress.

Abilities

*Ability to work and interact with other personnel and patients.

*Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to carry out individual program plans for treatment of patients.

*Ability to relate to and work constructively with mentally ill or emotionally disturbed patients.

Ability to detect significant or unusual patient behavior and/or signs of stress.

*Necessary at Entry

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High school or equivalent and completion of an approved mental health training course that was taken after July 1, 1974.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class require that at the time of appointment the selected candidate must take and pass a drug screening test approved by the Division of Personnel Services.

REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 09/03