Resident Treatment Worker (RTW)

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a Resident Treatment Worker (RTW) to join the team at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI). This is a  full-time position with an available shift differential of $0.90 per hour for second shift and $1.00 per hour for third shift with a strong opportunity for advancement, growth, and development.
  
A Resident Treatment Worker provides direct care to patients and routinely escorts patients to activities off the ward as needed for meals, medical appointments, recreation and other activities within the institution. Specialized duties may be assigned by the shift supervisor and other responsibilities covering a variety of practical tasks essential for operation of the unit in order to maintain an efficient, clean and safe environment for patients and staff may be assigned as well.
 
 An RTW performs essential safety functions including but not limited to being present on and observing the patient wards, monitoring the tone and milieu of each area to assist in maintaining a calm and therapeutic environment, identifying potential situations that need to be addressed, utilizing de-escalation techniques as needed, responding to and participating in emergency codes and conducting observation and/or security checks. The RTW is a role model for patients so should also exhibit respectable skills in language, behavior, attitude and personal interactions.
 
 In addition, RTWs work with the Nursing/Staff Development Department to schedule and teach hospital-wide trainings including Professional Assault Crisis Training (Pro-Act) for new employees, annual recertification and quarterly reviews. RTW team members also provide instruction and feedback to staff based on their observation of Pro-Act techniques used in patient interactions.
 
 
CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care. The facility offers several services including individualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well. 
 
We have a great total compensation package, including:
 

• Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) (Employee contributes 6.29%/State of Iowa contributes 9.44%)
• Retirement Investors Club (RIC) (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan) (State of Iowa matches up to $75/month)
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (See below for additional information)
• Vacation Leave (96 hours/year to begin, and increases with years of service)
• Sick Leave (144 hours/year)
• Paid Holidays (9 days/year)
• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Life Insurance ($20,000 paid for by the State of Iowa)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

 
For additional information on benefits click here.
 
Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator.
 
Cherokee Highlights
 
CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa. Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River that winds through town, providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951. Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra! This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the “best kept secret in Northwest Iowa.” Cherokee is 1 hour from Sioux City, 2 hours from Omaha. Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa. 
 
The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer
 
HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the DHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).
 
Our agency uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.