About Children's Minnesota
Children's Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only health system in Minnesota to provide care exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system since 1924, Children's Minnesota is one system serving kids throughout the Upper Midwest at two free-standing hospitals, nine primary care clinics, multiple specialty clinics and seven rehabilitation sites. As The Kids Experts™ in our region, Children's Minnesota is regularly ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a top children's hospital. Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org .
Children's Minnesota is proud to be recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2023's Top Diversity Leaders. The national honor recognizes the top diverse healthcare executives and organizations influencing public policy, care delivery, and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in their organizations and the industry.
Department Overview
The pediatric emergency department at Children's Minnesota St. Paul hospital is a 32-bed, Level IV trauma center that specializes in the assessment and stabilization of acute pediatric illness, injury and trauma. Our multidisciplinary care team of more than 150 pediatric professionals cares for over 45,000 patients a year, and can treat just about anything. The St. Paul emergency department offers 24-hour access and has some of the shortest wait times in the country. The emergency department has all private rooms, two resuscitation rooms, and is staffed with board-certified, pediatric emergency medicine physicians, pediatric nurse practitioners, and certified pediatric emergency registered nurses. Our care team has access to cutting-edge technology, intensive and medical-surgical units, and specialists to provide the best care and outcomes for our patients possible, all in a child-focused, emergency environment. . We value teamwork, open communication, safety and respect. We embrace an environment that encourages learning and professional growth. Our amazing team is committed to providing excellent care to our patients and families. We incorporate the Comfort Promise into our care - ensuring that procedural pain is minimized whenever possible. Our family-centered focus strives to consider social, economic and cultural diversity - living our core value of putting "Kids First."
Position Summary
The Mental Health Specialist (MHS) in the Emergency Department (ED) is responsible for providing direct patient care to children and adolescents who arrive with behavioral challenges or are in acute mental health crises. Under the direction of a Registered Nurse and in conjunction with the Clinical Support Associate (CSA), they assist with collecting data regarding a patient's physical, psychological, or safety status on an ongoing basis. The MHS will need to communicate efficiently and effectively regarding the patient's status and safety with the RN. They will need to communicate with the clinical support staff (CSA's) in order to fulfill the patient's ongoing needs or facilitate the response of the RN if there is a concern. The MHS will be responsible for engaging in activities and education to assist in building rapport, providing distraction with the goal of keeping the patient safe and regulated during their time in the ED. Utilizing a therapeutic approach, the MHS in the ED will be the primary communicator and responder during patient escalations. De-escalation training will be provided. Behavioral modification and management may be required when appropriate and directed by social work or the provider. The MHS is responsible for continually monitor patient rooms and the surrounding area to assess for any potential hazards or personal patient safety concerns. This role may float to provide care and support for the Inpatient Mental Health patients.
License/Certification/Registration:
*Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
Education:
*Bachelor's degree required - preferred in social work / psychology field
Experience:
*One year of experience working with patients in a pediatric healthcare setting preferred
*Experience working with children with behavioral dysregulation, autism, intellectual or cognitive impairments, or developmental delays is preferred
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
*Proactive and positive approach to patient care
*Education and experience providing gender, culture, and age-appropriate care
*Creativity with generating ideas regarding safe activities to provide/do with the patients
*Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively
*Excellent verbal and written communication skills
*Ability to display a professional attitude in all aspects of performance
*Ability to develop rapport with wide variety of patients and families
*Flexibility to float to inpatient mental health (IPMH) when needed
The posted salary represents a market competitive range based on salary survey benchmark data for similar roles in the local or national market. When determining individual pay rates, we carefully consider a wide range of factors including but not limited to market indicators for the specific role, the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate, internal equity and organizational needs.
In addition to your salary, this position may be eligible for medical, dental, vision, retirement, and other fringe benefits. Positions that require night, weekend or on-call work may be eligible for shift differentials or premium pay.
All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of an occupational health assessment, drug screen, background investigation, and compliance with the U.S. Government Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
Children's Minnesota is proud to be an equal opportunity employer whose staff is representative of its community and considers qualified applicants for open positions without regard to race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
