Behavioral Health Assessment Specialist - LCSW - Night Shift

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Franklin, TN

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Assessment Specialist conducts consultative behavioral health assessments via phone and telehealth platforms, performs psychiatric triage, determines appropriate levels of care, and coordinates placement or referral services. The role supports behavioral health access across affiliated and non-affiliated facilities and helps improve patient flow from emergency departments and inpatient settings into behavioral health programs. The specialist ensures timely access to definitive care while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards and clinical best practices. The position includes comprehensive psychiatric assessments, diagnostic impressions, disposition coordination, discharge safety planning, risk assessment, documentation, interdisciplinary communication, and participation in quality initiatives and education. If licensed as a Nurse Practitioner and operating within the appropriate state scope, the specialist also completes psychiatric evaluations, consultations, progress notes, and discharge summaries; provides medication management; and participates in treatment planning under the direction of the Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Access Center. The role also requires regular and reliable attendance and compliance with policies and standards.

Requirements

Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Nursing, or a related behavioral health field.
3–5 years of experience in behavioral health assessment, crisis intervention, or psychiatric care.
Unrestricted license in the state of residence as an LCSW, LPC/MHSP, LMFT, PMHNP, or Psychologist, with the ability to obtain licensure in additional states.
Strong clinical assessment and diagnostic skills across diverse patient populations.
Knowledge of behavioral health regulations, including EMTALA and applicable licensing or accrediting standards.
Proficiency in telehealth technologies and electronic documentation systems.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on customer service and patient-centered care.
Ability to prioritize, multitask, and collaborate effectively across disciplines.

Nice To Haves

Ph.D.
Experience with telehealth or access center models.

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments by telephone and televideo to support level-of-care determinations across affiliated and non-affiliated sites.
Formulate diagnostic impressions based on psychosocial history, clinical presentation, review of systems, and patient-reported symptoms.
Coordinate dispositions and referrals with providers, hospital staff, patients, and families to support timely and appropriate placement.
Ensure compliance with EMTALA requirements during assessment and referral activities, escalating concerns to the Behavioral Health Access Director as needed.
Assist with developing and documenting Discharge Safety Plans for patients who do not require inpatient admission.
Apply critical thinking and clinical judgment to assess risk, enhance patient safety, and support optimal outcomes during psychiatric consultations.
Maintain accurate documentation and records for access workflows, performance reporting, and regulatory compliance.
Participate in interdisciplinary communication, quality initiatives, and education related to behavioral health access and assessment practices.
If Nurse Practitioner licensed and operating under the appropriate state scope, complete psychiatric evaluations, consultations, progress notes, and discharge summaries in accordance with licensure and facility guidelines.
If Nurse Practitioner licensed and operating under the appropriate state scope, provide medication management and participate in treatment planning under the direction of the Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Access Center.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Comply with all policies and standards.