Behavioral Health Clinician

PMHCC•Philadelphia, PA

12d

About The Position

Conducts clinical and psychosocial assessments, case formulations, clinical updates, and recommendations regarding extended acute and long-term inpatient psychiatric care for individuals with severe and persistent mental health and co-occurring issues, at the request of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities. The clinician also assists with responsibilities and tasks identified with the Clinical Program Manager. The role involves interviewing members and consulting treatment teams and other relevant contacts to formulate clinical opinions about the need for extended hospitalization. The clinician reviews documentation, completes assessments and clinical updates within required timeframes, communicates with referral staff, prepares written summaries, reassesses the need for continued inpatient care, and participates in meetings and case conferences as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, clinical social work, or a human service discipline with at least 7 years of clinical experience, or a master’s degree with at least 5 years of clinical experience.
Excellent clinical, interviewing, and assessment/evaluation skills.
Thorough knowledge of the DSM-IV, initial status exam, and multi-axial diagnostic system.
Knowledge of medical necessity criteria and the Pennsylvania Client Placement Criteria.
Knowledge or capability to learn and execute trauma-focused training.
Thorough knowledge of MS Word and Excel; knowledge or capability to learn word processing, Excel, and common office equipment.
Exceptional writing ability.
Knowledge of community-based resources in Philadelphia.
Ability to physically perform the duties and work in the environmental conditions required of the position.
Driver’s license and use of a personal car.
Ability to work in an office environment that may include varying levels of distraction, noise, lighting, and privacy.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Understanding of diagnostic criteria and appropriate treatment approaches, clinical guidelines, or best practices.

Responsibilities

Schedule appointments with the referring individual to interview members.
Confirm which materials must be included in the referral packet.
Interview the member, including a mini-mental status exam as appropriate; consult available treatment-team members; and ensure all required forms are completed properly.
Initiate contacts necessary to formulate a clinical opinion about the member’s need for extended hospitalization, including family members, case management, and residential staff.
Review related documentation and prepare and complete assessments within the allotted timeframe.
Maintain communication with referral staff as necessary to ensure appropriate disposition of referrals.
Review mental status and treatment response with referring clinical team members during the first and third weeks of the month.
Prepare written summaries in the provided format and reassess as indicated to determine the need for continued inpatient care.
Participate in staff meetings and case conferences as needed.
Assist with responsibilities and tasks identified with the Clinical Program Manager.