- Q: Tell me about yourself: …
- Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? …
- Q: Why did you choose to become a Mental Health Worker? …
- Q: What about this role appeals to you? …
- Q: How did you handle a difficult situation? …
- Q: Do you have any questions for us?
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER Interview Questions & Answers! (Mental Health Nurse, Worker, Assistant!)
3. How Does a Typical Day of Mental Health Workers Look Like?
This question is meant to test your familiarity with the daily routine of a mental health worker.
Tip #1: State the responsibilities of a mental health worker
Tip #2: Prove that you know your duties
Sample Answer
Mental health workers offer basic assistance, therapy, and care to patients with psychological conditions or developmental disabilities. They assist doctors, psychiatrists, and nurses; administer therapeutic care, monitor the conditions of their patients, and provide crisis intervention. They also develop treatment strategies and plans that suit their patients’ needs.
12. Briefly Describe an Instance When You Consoled a Mentally Ill Patient.
This question is aimed at testing whether you are compassionate or uncompassionate.
Tip #1: Describe a time you consoled an individual with a psychological problem.
Tip #2: Prove that you can support a patient by showing them compassion
Sample Answer
Some time back, I interacted with a patient who was going through depression occasioned by job loss. Seeing his family lack food and other basic needs made him very depressed to a point of seeking medical help. After realizing this, I comforted him by making him understand that such happenings were not uncommon in this world. I encouraged him and also referred him to a construction company where he could work and get daily pay to support his family.
17. Where Do You Draw Your Motivation to Offer Quality Care and Support to Mentally Ill Persons at All Times?
This question is meant to assess your source of motivation.
Tip #1: State what motivates you to work productively
Tip #2: Give the impression that you stay motivated
Sample Answer
I am caring, empathetic, and compassionate. These traits are the source of my motivation. They inspire me to offer quality support and care to the mentally ill. Besides, being hopeful that my patients will get well also motivates me. Whenever I recall the patients who have recovered from different mental conditions, I get inspired to care for others so that they can also recover and lead healthy life.
13. If You Notice a Client’s Health is Deteriorating, What Would You Do?
Here, the interviewer wants to test your knowledge regarding how to report concerns and handle difficult situations.
Tip #1: Describe the actions you would take
Tip #2: Prove your ability to act swiftly
Sample Answer
I would report the case to the Mental Health Nurse on duty so that the patient can be checked immediately. I would also find out whether the patient was attended to and if medication has been administered. Also, I would keep a close watch on the patient to make sure he or she is comfortable.
How did you adapt to the new normal? How do you consider the current situation — a disaster or an opportunity to learn and grow?
Companies want to know if you have a dedicated workspace to be productive at home. Do you have a good Wifi network so you can join conference calls easily? Is your space distraction-free and conducive to productivity?
While discussing how you have adapted to remote work, be careful not to reveal too much. Avoid talking about personal situations, such as how your kids are coping with homeschooling, how you have to prepare their meals in between meetings, and more. Instead, indicate that your environment is free of distractions and allows you to deliver on deadline.
Additionally, the employer might also want to understand which work environment works best for you — home or office. Be clear that you are comfortable with the technologies used to conduct remote work, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.
You can also explain how you have taken initiative to learn useful features of these technologies in your free time. Keep in mind that the employer may not just be looking to fill vacancies, but also to identify employees that can work from home permanently.