For all of you who aspire to do direct practice in the field of mental health, this position is an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of people with mental illnesses. It is a shame that many people who take all the right psychology classes and do all the right esoteric research fail to know the individuals behind the mental illnesses. Working as a mental health worker is one of the best ways to develop an understanding of the person rather than the label. The minimum qualifications for this position are often a high school diploma and a valid driver's license, but in some settings a degree in a social science is required. Passing out medications, performing crisis intervention, responding to emergency situations, observing and accurately documenting client behavior and activities, and informal counseling are some of the responsibilities.
Shifts generally last six to ten hours.
The people you would be working with will be functioning too well to remain in a mental hospital, but not independently enough to live on their own. If you are one of the people who really do want to help people with mental illnesses, please take advantage of this opportunity and apply for a job this summer.