Mental Health WorkerAt — BRIDGES, Inc.

BRIDGES will provide qualified students with access to clinical areas and patient/client care opportunities as appropriate to the level of understanding and education of such students and as appropriate to the provision of quality care and privacy.

Tasks:

Teaches and monitors activities of daily living; provides hands-on instruction and guidance. This includes daily, weekly, and other household chores, including cleaning, meal preparation and cooking, assisting clients to understand and follow the program guidelines, and various other activities.

Teaches, guides, and assists clients in menu planning, shopping, and preparing meals.

Monitors and documents treatment/program progress, timely, accurately, and in accordance with Agency policies and procedures, CCL regulations, and DMH standards and policies.

Monitors activity program that encourages and promotes wellness and socialization. Activities take place within the program and in the general community.

Training:

Student interns in the residential program will receive training in the following areas:

Program Orientation & Professional Expectations
Overview of the residential program, intern roles and scope, confidentiality (HIPAA), mandated reporting, and professional boundaries.

Trauma-Informed & Recovery-Oriented Care
Understanding the impact of trauma, using strength-based approaches, and supporting client dignity, choice, and engagement.

Crisis Awareness & De-escalation
Recognizing early signs of distress, applying verbal de-escalation techniques, and following supervision and safety protocols.

Documentation & Team Communication
Objective observation, basic documentation practices, and effective communication with supervisors and team.

Ethics, Safety, & Self-Care
Ethical conduct in residential settings, basic health and safety procedures, and strategies for self-care and burnout prevention.

Learning Outcome:

Demonstrate trauma-informed and recovery-oriented care when supporting clients, promoting safety, dignity, and client self-determination in daily interactions.

Apply effective communication and de-escalation techniques to respond appropriately to clients experiencing emotional distress, behavioral challenges, or crisis situations.

Support clients in developing independent living and coping skills by modeling healthy behaviors, reinforcing treatment goals, and encouraging personal responsibility.

Accurately observe, document, and report client behaviors and progress in accordance with program policies, confidentiality requirements, and professional standards.

Collaborate effectively with the multidisciplinary treatment team, including clinicians and supervisors, to support individualized treatment plans and continuity of care.