
Posting number: 27-01383
Department: 400 Health & Human Services - State Operated Specialty Care
Job classification: Resident Treatment Worker
Posting type: Open
Categories: Health Services, Human Services
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) is seeking a Resident Treatment Worker to join our team! This is a full-time position with an available shift differential of $0.90 per hour for second shift and $1.00 per hour for third shift and a strong opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.
A Resident Treatment Worker (RTW) provides direct care to patients and routinely escorts patients to activities off the ward as needed for meals, medical appointments, recreation and other activities within the institution. Specialized duties may be assigned by the shift supervisor and other responsibilities covering a variety of practical tasks essential for operation of the unit in order to maintain an efficient, clean, and safe environment for patients and staff may be assigned as well.
An RTW performs essential safety functions including but not limited to being present on and observing the patient wards, monitoring the tone and milieu of each area to assist in maintaining a calm and therapeutic environment, identifying potential situations that need to be addressed, utilizing de-escalation techniques as needed, responding to and participating in emergency codes and conducting observation and/or security checks. The RTW is a role model for patients so should also exhibit respectable skills in language, behavior, attitude and personal interactions.
In addition, RTWs work with the Nursing/Staff Development Department to schedule and teach hospital-wide trainings including Professional Assault Crisis Training (Pro-Act) for new employees, annual recertification and quarterly reviews. RTW team members also provide instruction and feedback to staff based on their observation of Pro-Act techniques used in patient interactions.
Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services including individualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well. For more CMHI info: https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/specialty-care-facilities/cherokee-mental-health-institute
Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth.
For additional information on benefits click here.
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CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River which winds through town providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the “best kept secret in Northwest Iowa.”
Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa.
HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.
No specific education or experience is required.
For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.
Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required Commercial Drivers License or Chauffeurs License and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.

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