Behavior Health Specialist - (BH) - PRN

Northeast Georgia Health System • Gainesville, GA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides assessments and referrals of mental health and chemical dependency patients presenting at NGMC and at Laurelwood and various support functions necessary for the operation of Laurelwood. Provides service for a full range of patients including adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. This position will care for patients in the child, adolescent, adult and geriatric age groups. Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to policy and procedures of Laurelwood and NGHS.

Requirements

• Licensure at Associate level required within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related field that meets the requirements for licensure in the state of Georgia
• One (1) to three (3) years interview and assessment experience with patients having psychiatric, emotional, or chemical dependency problems
• Communication skills
• Positive interpersonal skills
• Ability to gather data and come up with clinically sound disposition for patient being assessed
• Ability to interview, gather data, and facilitate disposition
• Ability to function with independence and autonomy, following proper protocol and procedure

Responsibilities

• Provides assessments for mental health and chemical dependency patients.
• Conducts mental health and chemical dependency assessments in ER, NGMC Floor, or Laurelwood lobby (and other areas as designated) in an exceptionally responsive manner following the established protocol.
• Reviews all intake assessments on a daily basis to ensure that the triage protocol was followed.
• Attends intake supervision/staff meetings for the purpose of in-service, communication and problem solving.
• Clinical interviews are indicated by accurate and thorough assessments.
• Responds appropriately to all intake calls and request of Laurelwood staff with assistance of intake backup calls.
• Conducts pre-certification as needed with all payer sources.
• Routes all paperwork regarding pre-certification to the appropriate parties.
• Pre-certification includes voluntary and involuntary admission.
• Can operate independently, following proper protocol and procedures.
• All information regarding intake calls, assessments and other documentation is logged and paperwork completed and filed in the appropriate location.
• Maintains individual assessment files (assessment record, ER sheet, voluntary form, 1013, 2013, transfer summary, etc.) to ensure coverage for risk management issues.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, referents, the North Georgia Medical Center and Laurelwood clinical and medical staff.
• Referral communications worksheet is completed on all admissions, voluntary or involuntary and routed to the appropriate area.
• Contacts all referents to inform of disposition, even if assessment is not an admission.
• Maintains appropriate records of patient intake.
• Reviews all intake records daily to ensure proper information has been recorded.
• Responsible for checking email on a daily basis to keep current with all job related communications.
• Monitors monthly intake assessments obtained by the intake staff to ensure that the standards of care for each patient are met.
• Participates in quality assurance for the department.
• Randomly documents staff’s knowledge of Department Policies and Procedures through QA monitoring procedures.
• Implements a process for monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of the department.
• Attends all Performance Improvement meetings to help take part in evaluating data, problem, solving, taking action, follow-up and documentation of activities.
• Maintains knowledge of all current policies and procedures and know where to access these policies and procedures for clarification if needed.
• Maintains adequate supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level