Mental Health Specialist at WVU Medicine: A Rewarding Career in Morgantown

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges? WVU Medicine is seeking dedicated and compassionate Mental Health Specialists to join our Healthy Minds team in Morgantown, West Virginia. In this role, you will provide paraprofessional mental health care under the direct supervision of licensed professionals, playing a vital role in our commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care.

Role Overview

As a Mental Health Specialist, you will be responsible for assisting clients in developing coping mechanisms, managing their mental health conditions, and achieving their personal goals. You will work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses, to ensure that clients receive the highest quality of care. Your responsibilities will encompass a range of duties, from facilitating therapeutic group sessions to providing individual support and assistance with daily living activities.

A Day in the Life of a Mental Health Specialist

A typical day for a Mental Health Specialist at WVU Medicine might include:

• Facilitating or co-facilitating therapeutic group sessions focused on topics such as coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention.
• Providing individual support and encouragement to clients, helping them to identify and achieve their goals.
• Assisting clients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as needed.
• Monitoring clients' vital signs and reporting any concerns to the appropriate medical staff.
• Documenting clients' progress and behavior in medical records.
• Collaborating with other members of the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Responding to crisis situations and implementing de-escalation techniques as necessary.
• Answering phone calls and providing information to clients and their families.
• Participating in staff meetings and training sessions.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown is a vibrant and growing city nestled in the heart of West Virginia. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With a thriving arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, Morgantown provides a high quality of life for its residents.

Morgantown is also a hub for healthcare innovation, with WVU Medicine serving as the region's leading academic medical center. By joining our team in Morgantown, you will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest minds in healthcare and contribute to cutting-edge research and patient care.

Career Path and Advancement Opportunities

WVU Medicine is committed to supporting the professional growth and development of its employees. As a Mental Health Specialist, you will have access to a variety of training and mentorship opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. With experience and further education, you may have the opportunity to advance to roles such as:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
• Social Worker
• Case Manager
• Therapist
• Mental Health Counselor

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for a Mental Health Specialist at WVU Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia, typically falls between $35,000 and $55,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to a competitive salary, WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Life insurance and disability coverage
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health support
• Professional development opportunities and continuing education
• Tuition reimbursement for eligible employees
• Employee discounts on WVU Medicine services and products
• Wellness programs and resources to support employee health
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health savings accounts (HSA) with employer contributions
• Commuter benefits for transportation costs
• Employee recognition programs

WVU Medicine Culture: A Commitment to Excellence and Compassion

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of excellence, compassion, and respect. We believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and we strive to provide a supportive and rewarding work environment where everyone can thrive. We are dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion and ensuring that all employees feel valued and respected.

At WVU Medicine, we are guided by our core values:

• Patient-Centered: We put the needs of our patients first in everything we do.
• Integrity: We act with honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct.
• Respect: We treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• Collaboration: We work together as a team to achieve common goals.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas and technologies to improve patient care.
• Excellence: We strive for the highest standards of quality and performance.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about mental health and are looking for a rewarding career with a leading healthcare organization, we encourage you to apply for the Mental Health Specialist position at WVU Medicine. To apply, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page and complete the online application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the minimum qualifications for the Mental Health Specialist position?

   The minimum qualifications include certification in BLS within 30 days of hire, a state criminal background check, a federal background check (if applicable), and two (2) years of college study OR two (2) years of experience in inpatient acute psychiatric care.

2. What are the preferred qualifications for the Mental Health Specialist position?

   The preferred qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Social Work, or Nursing, and a valid driver's license.

3. What are the core duties and responsibilities of a Mental Health Specialist?

   The core duties and responsibilities include facilitating therapeutic group processes, applying effective communication techniques, assisting clients to structure their lives, utilizing the master treatment plan, implementing appropriate interventions, identifying thought patterns and behaviors, providing assistance to family members, performing basic medical tasks, assisting clients in activities of daily living, transporting and supervising clients, organizing recreational activities, and answering phone calls.

4. What is the salary range for a Mental Health Specialist at WVU Medicine?

   The salary range typically falls between $35,000 and $55,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

5. What benefits does WVU Medicine offer to its employees?

   WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, wellness programs, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and commuter benefits.

6. What is the work environment like at WVU Medicine?

   WVU Medicine is committed to creating a culture of excellence, compassion, and respect. We provide a supportive and rewarding work environment where employees can thrive.

7. What are the opportunities for career advancement at WVU Medicine?

   WVU Medicine is committed to supporting the professional growth and development of its employees. With experience and further education, you may have the opportunity to advance to roles such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), Social Worker, Case Manager, Therapist, or Mental Health Counselor.

8. How does WVU Medicine support employee well-being?

   WVU Medicine offers a variety of wellness programs and resources to support employee health, including an employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health support.

9. What is the application process for the Mental Health Specialist position?

   To apply, please click the "Apply" button located at the top of this page and complete the online application.

10. What is the mission of WVU Medicine?

    The mission of WVU Medicine is to improve the health of West Virginians and all we serve through excellence in patient care, research, and education.