Job Description

Gemma Services is currently seeking full-time/part-time/per diem/on-call Mental Health Workers (MHW) for its Children's Psychiatric Residential Treatment Program.

The Mental Health Worker will provide excellent care and treatment services for children served by Gemma Services Psychiatric Residential Treatment Program, they will foster commitment to help nurture, counsel, set limits, educate and heal, along with prioritizing the ability to work and form positive relationships with the children participating in the program. The Mental Health Worker will be required to display a willingness to learn and use agency-approved therapeutic crisis intervention techniques.

Responsibilities for Mental Health Worker are as follows, but not limited to:

• Providing care and treatment services for the children served by Gemma Services; coordinating work within the department as well as with other divisions and departments; reporting pertinent information to the immediate supervisor or Executive-on-Duty; responding to inquiries or requests for information.
• Uses and models correct Safe Crisis Management (SCM), as well as other agency trained behavioral management techniques, when situations warrant, in accordance with SS/MLS policies, procedures and applicable Commonwealth, Federal and other regulatory bodies.
• Provide a high level of supervision for all children in adhering to the supervision, discipline, and behavioral management policies.
• Writes daily progress notes on assigned children that specifically connect to the treatment plan document of each child under care; monitors the effectiveness of treatment services and participates in team decisions/discussions on ways to modify/implement the treatment plan to best meet the needs of the child.
• Participate in the children’s activities. Assist each child in promoting positive interactions with other children. Encourages each child to develop emotional regulation and behavioral skills through positive praise, a sense of security and teaching frustration, tolerance and acceptance.
• Submits all required reports and documentation (e.g. treatment plans, progress notes, logs head checks, etc.) on time and in the appropriate form.
• Writes Critical Incident Reports (CIRs) that accurately reflect the behavior of children and provide all other needed information.

Education/Training and requirements:

• HS Diploma/GED; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Ability to tolerate defiant and aggressive behavior and frequent stressful situations.
• Understanding of behavioral theory and its practical application.
• Thorough knowledge of treatment services for emotionally disturbed children.
• Thorough knowledge/understanding of applicable laws and regulations, i.e., PA Residential Regulations (3800) and PA Child Protective Services Law.
• Knowledge of Crisis Prevention/Emergency Safety Intervention.
• A minimum of one (1) year of related experience is normally required.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.

Gemma Services is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.