Behavioral Health Clinician

Merrimack Health•Lawrence, MA

12d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Clinician provides compassionate, person-centered behavioral health care and low-threshold access to services. Clinicians use creative problem-solving and evidence-based treatment, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to help clients meet their goals and improve their lives. Full-time, part-time, and per-diem shifts are available. On-site work is preferred, with consideration for remote or hybrid work. The role includes evaluating people presenting to LGH with behavioral health diagnoses, assessing their needs and appropriate levels of care, coordinating referrals and inpatient bed searches, and working with clients and their care teams on treatment planning and care coordination. The clinician documents clinical encounters in Meditech and the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) system, provides information for prior authorizations when needed, and follows applicable confidentiality requirements.

Requirements

Independently licensed as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or be an acceptable social worker working under the supervision of a licensed clinician.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health.
Independent licensure as an LCSW; the posting also lists MSW as preferred.
Knowledge of Meditech.
Knowledge of a hospital setting.

Responsibilities

Understand levels of behavioral health care and how to access them appropriately.
Perform crisis evaluations for new patients presenting to LGH with a behavioral health diagnosis.
Conduct intake assessments to determine the appropriate level of care, such as inpatient behavioral health or outpatient behavioral health follow-up.
Initiate inpatient bed searches or referrals to outpatient behavioral health programs in collaboration with Bed Finder and health needs.
Collaborate with LGH staff, the Behavioral Health Care Coordinator, and technicians to develop individualized, comprehensive treatment plans and coordinate care with clients, providers, and community supports.
Coordinate with clients’ existing care teams to support a team-based approach to their behavioral health and medical needs.
Report and respond to changes in patient condition by performing mental status updates every 24 hours for patients awaiting transfer to inpatient behavioral health facilities.
Provide regular updates to LGH staff, patients’ family members and caregivers, outpatient providers, group home staff, and care managers or case workers.
Document clinical encounters concisely, promptly, and in a clinically sound manner using Meditech assessment templates.
Provide clinical information needed for prior authorization to inpatient behavioral health facilities as needed.
Document all patient encounters in the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Partnership (MBHP) system.
Adhere to confidentiality requirements under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
Perform related duties as assigned.