Assessment Clinician, Peace Hospital, 3p-11p

UofL Health•Louisville, KY

About The Position

The Assessment Clinician I evaluates individuals seeking behavioral health or substance use treatment, determines whether admission is justified, and coordinates level-of-care expectations with physicians, Assessment Referral Center personnel, patient care units, external agencies, and community partners. The clinician conducts evaluations at local hospitals, UofL Peace Hospital, and other community agencies and facilities; refers patients to appropriate services; and assists with intake for admitted patients. The role may serve pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. The clinician assesses patients’ psychological, social, and treatment needs using information from patients, families, and collateral sources; establishes provisional diagnoses; discusses treatment recommendations with patients, families, and medical providers; and records and communicates clinical information to physicians and interdisciplinary treatment teams. The role also conducts insurance prior authorizations and collaborates with nursing staff and medical providers to determine appropriate levels of care and medical needs. Assessment Referral Center clinicians employed by the hospital and qualified by education, experience, and demonstrated current competence are considered Qualified Medical Persons under the UofL Health Medical Staff and Board of Directors EMTALA policy for conducting emergency behavioral health and substance use screening exams. The position requires professional development, compliance with applicable policies and confidentiality requirements, and effective collaboration and customer service.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Family and Marriage Therapy, Mental Health Counseling, or a related field.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA).
Facility-provided Safe Crisis Management training.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to learn relevant systems and databases, including electronic medical record systems and telehealth programs.
Knowledge of human behavior, individual differences, learning and motivation, psychological research methods, and assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
Social perceptiveness, active listening, critical thinking, service orientation, and problem sensitivity.
Ability to break down problems or tasks and use knowledge and experience to identify causes and consequences.
Valid driver’s license, required for Mobile Assessment Clinicians only.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in the mental health field.
Previous experience in crisis intervention or an assessment/diagnostic setting.

Responsibilities

Evaluate individuals seeking behavioral health or substance use treatment and seek justification for admission.
Conduct evaluations at local hospitals, UofL Peace Hospital, and other community agencies and facilities.
Refer patients to appropriate services and assist with intake for patients who are admitted.
Determine provisional diagnoses and discuss treatment recommendations with patients, families, and medical providers.
Coordinate level-of-care expectations with physicians, Assessment Referral Center personnel, patient care units, and external agencies.
Develop relationships with community partners by consistently providing quality services.
Assess patients’ psychological, social, and treatment needs using information from patients, families, schools, outpatient therapists, and community providers.
Establish provisional diagnoses based on thorough level-of-care assessments.
Record and communicate clinical information to physicians and interdisciplinary treatment teams as indicated.
Perform insurance prior authorizations for patients.
Present detailed clinical information to medical providers and collaborate with nursing staff to assess the appropriate level of care and patients’ medical needs.
Maintain professional development and education.
Provide appropriate referrals based on clinical assessments and communicate relevant information about treatment programs and patient rights to patients and families.
Apply understanding of legal issues related to assessment and admission, including voluntary status, EMTALA, and Mental Inquest Warrant processes.
Provide assessment services for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations as needed.
Comply with company policies, procedures, standards of conduct, and HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
Maintain confidentiality, protect sensitive data, and follow organizational and department safety standards.
Work collaboratively, support team members, and demonstrate professional conduct and exceptional customer service.
Perform other duties as assigned.