Mental Health Worker Per Diem

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Worker (MHW) assists professional and technical personnel in the observation of patients, some of whom may require continuous, intermittent or video observation. The goal of observation is to prevent harm to the patient, staff, and to reassure patient safety and prevent any harm that may result in a negative medical outcome.

MHWs may assist the Registered Nurse with routine patient care such as feeding, hygiene needs, as well as organizing activities and interactive therapy sessions with continuous observation of patients. MHWs also help to ensure that a calm, safe setting is maintained white gaining insight into treatment options for patients and participating in patient's treatment planning with nursing staff and doctors.

Apply By Date : 9/19/2025 by 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Training within 3 months of hire

American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or UC Davis Health CPR within 3 months of hire

One (1) year experience in an inpatient hospital setting.

One (1) year experience in an outpatient or inpatient psychiatric treatment facility

De-escalation/behavioral health training, MAB Certification, or relevant training or experience

Incumbent must complete Crisis Intervention Training within 3 months of hire and is required to complete training on an annual basis

Performs routine duties which do not require special skills or training. In addition, performs tasks requiring special skills or training acquired through formal or on the job training but which do not require special licensure

Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language

Ability to use a computer, keyboard, and/or mouse to appropriately utilize healthcare systems for documentation, communication, training/education and completion of schedule/timecard

Ability to utilize medical terminology appropriately

Commitment to excellence in patient care

Effective interpersonal skills to effectively deal with patients, visitors, patients and staff

Demonstrates accountability and professionalism

Adapts to change in a positive, professional and productive manner

Preferred Qualifications

Outpatient and/or inpatient psych experience

Key Responsibilities

40% - Provides observation for patient safety.

40% - Performs selected nursing procedures for which special training is provided

5% - Maintain a clean, safe hospital environment

5% - Documentation and Communication

5% - Cost Containment

5% - Personal Growth and Development

Department Overview

Patient Support Services oversees Lift Team, Patient Transportation, Mental Health Workers and Special Duty Caregivers and the Safe Patient Handling Program.

Department Specific Job Scope

Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the Mental Health Worker (MHW) assists professional and technical personnel in the observation of patients, some of whom may require continuous, intermittent or video observation. The goal of observation is to prevent harm to the patient, staff, and to reassure patient safety and prevent any harm that may result in a negative medical outcome.

POSITION INFORMATION

Salary or Pay Range: $ 29.62

Salary Frequency: Hourly

Salary Grade: 277

UC Job Title: HOSP AST 2 PD

UC Job Code: 009244

Number of Positions: 3 (1 of 3)

Appointment Type: Staff: Per Diem

Percentage of Time: 20 %

Shift (Work Schedule): VARIABLE

Location: Main Hospital (HSP001)

Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical

Benefits Eligible: No

This position is 100% on-site

This is not an H-1B opportunity

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page .

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC:

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs

• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family

• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave

• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement

• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement

• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement

• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth

• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources

• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services

• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles

• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

Standing - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Walking - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Bending/Stooping - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Squatting/Kneeling - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Twisting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Reaching overhead - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Environmental Demands

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Microwave/Radiation - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Extreme Temperatures - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit:

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