Behavioral Health Case Manager, Behavioral Health Patient Access

Heywood Hospital•Gardner, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Case Manager is responsible for coordinating care for patients who are evaluated in the Emergency Department. This includes referring the patient to psychiatric inpatient placements and/or community based services. The Behavioral Health Case Manager will also provide brief mental health support during discharge follow up calls. They will verify patients’ insurance & obtain prior authorizations for placements when necessary. The Behavioral Health Case Manager should have at least a basic understanding of the mental health & social services systems.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field preferred or equivalent lived experience navigating the behavioral health system for a loved one or themselves and who could serve as a Peer Support for patients when appropriate.
At least 2 years of case management experience preferred.
At least 2 years working in a behavioral health setting preferred.
Familiarity with navigating Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system & Point Click Care platform preferred.
Knowledgeable about the behavioral health system & local community resources.
Comfortable with providing brief mental health support to patients over the phone.
Ability to coordinate care for patients with behavioral health challenges.
Knowledge of insurance verification processes & obtaining prior authorizations.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

Assists with providing mental health support during crisis evaluation (when needed) & during discharge follow up calls.
Coordinates care for patients by getting them connected to local behavioral health resources and referring patients to the appropriate services.
Coordinates bed searches for patients requiring admission to a psychiatric inpatient unit or a step-down placement (ie. CBAT/YCCS, CCS), for patients boarding in the Emergency Department or med-surg units.
Completes insurance verifications for all patients and obtains prior authorizations when required.
Assists clinicians with facilitating collateral contact with families, providers, and community support.
Collaborates with the Emergency Department, inpatient staff and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
Maintain timely and accurate EMR documentation throughout the referral and admission process while adhering to all patient privacy and confidentiality requirements.
Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered care.
Other duties as assigned.