Job Responsibilities
I work in a crisis walk-in mental health clinic. My clerical
duties include assisting clients with paper work, explaining
procedures, looking up data and completing and inputing insurance
information. I spend about 50% of my time doing this. I offer
general support, listen, offer cold water and keep impatient and
ill clients as comfortable as possible. I spend 30% of my time
doing this. I spend my remaining time communicating with the
clinical staff (QMHP-Qualified Mental Health Professional)about
the clients and my assessment of the waiting room, include triage.
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Job Requirements
This position did not require a degree but I had hoped it would
lead to my QMHA (Qualified Mental Health Associate). This
requires a degree in the social sciences OR 3 years working with
the mentally ill. I learned very late in the game that my 3 years
of work was not considered clinical--although the QMHPs and
medical practioners disagree with HR. I earned my degree very
slowly, always working full time, and because of this ended up
with a major in Liberal Studies with a minor in psychology. I had
HR do a degree audit and they found my academic work an
acceptable substitute for the social science degree but I still
have to be signed off on some clinical competenties, which is
next to impossible in what HR considers "a non-clinical setting."
I would advise any students who hope for a career in the field to
major in one of the social sciences and get clinical exerience.
I began work on the MAT--Masters of Arts in teaching--including
taking and passing my entrance exams: CBEST an MSAT. The exams
were not easy and I recommend much study and review. The School
of Education has been very supportive and the pre-requisit
courses applicable and fun--not to say they won't work. It was
very easy to get my classes even while working around my work
schedule. I took my first college math course--Teaching
Elementary Math--very challenging but quite necessary. I aim for
A's but was proud of the B I received. My MAT goal has been
curtailed by a serious and progressive illness.
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Uppers
Working with the mentally ill, and with those having mental health crisises can
be very rewarding, especially in a non-profit clinic that does not charge if you
have no insurance. I love the truly compassionate and professional clinical
staff I work with. I like the wide range of trainings offered, including a
lengthy, but free CDAC. Social services has always been good as far as relevant
trainings. I like using my assessment skills, using my judgement skills
regarding triage and safety issues.
The mentally ill are still terribly stigmatized and there is not health
insurance parity so many people go untreated. What is true is that the majority
of mental illness had physiological roots and responds to medication. It feels
good to show my compassion. So many people who come to the clinic are destitute.
If you do this work, aim for a Master's Degree in psychology, social work or
counseling. You won't make a lot of money--our QMHPs are in the 35,000
range--but you will feel rewarded.
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Downers
It is very stressful to work with the mentally ill. You have to
tailor your interactions with the illness in mind. Many people
go off their medications. Many people don't follow through.
Their illnesses have often created multiple problems in housing,
employment and health care. If these elements discourage you,
don't enter the profession.
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Lifestyle
Working with the SPMI (severe and persistent mentally ill) is a 24/7 job. There
are 9-5 jobs but they are rare. My company has a built in benefit of substantial
accrued paid time off because they understand how stressful the work is. Company
events are ususually pot luck. There are no fringe benefits like free meals or
travel. But the pharmacutical companies cater wonderful meals with their
medication trainings. They used to give away a lot more (paid trips or spendy
dinners out to the doctors) but this has been curtailed much due to ethical
reasons. If you have a nose piercing, tatoo sleeve, or any of the like, it won't
keep you from being hired. Our dress code--if there is one--is very casual
although I've always tried to dress neat casual.
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Compensation
I'm only paid $10.68 an hour but we have a good benefit package.
If you work full-time, the company will pay the full premium for
your dental and health insurance. There is generous paid time
off, retirement accounts where they match your contributions and
company paid life insurance with the option to purchase more for
yourself and your spouse/partner. Domestic partnerships are
recognized in regard to benefits. All benefits are pro-rated
from 20 hours.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Major in psychology, sociology or social sciences. Get a
Master's degree if you want to earn a living wage. Learn about
mental illnesses before you begin a position. You should have
good boundaries. Your compassion is needed and appreciated.
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