Behavioral Health Navigator, Mental Health Unit, 40-Hours, Days, Flexibility to department needs

Heywood Hospital•Gardner, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Navigator is responsible for providing clinical oversight and operational support to staff conducting behavioral health crisis evaluations in the Emergency Departments and on the inpatient units (as needed). This role ensures timely assessments, appropriate level-of-care determinations, and safe, effective discharge planning. The Behavioral Health Navigator serves as a supportive and collaborative leader, ensuring high-quality care for patients and a positive, responsive environment for staff. This position reports directly to the Director of Behavioral Health. Heywood Healthcare values its employees and offers competitive wages, great benefits, and generous earned time off. The organization is committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices, with final compensation determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
LICSW: independent clinical licensure required.
3–5 years of behavioral health crisis experience, preferably in an emergency department or acute psychiatric care setting.
Knowledge of psychiatric assessment, levels of care, and crisis intervention.
Strong clinical judgment and decision-making
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to lead and support staff in a fast-paced environment
Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
Experience with insurance authorization processes preferred.
Familiarity with Point Click Care platform preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide clinical supervision and real-time support to staff completing crisis evaluations in the Emergency Department and on the inpatient units.
Review and approve clinical assessments and discharge dispositions.
Coordinate inpatient psychiatric bed searches for patients requiring admission.
Oversee insurance verification and prior authorization processes.
Ensure completion of safety plans and appropriate discharge planning for patients returning to the community.
Facilitate collateral contacts with families, providers, and community support.
Collaborates with the Emergency Department, inpatient staff and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
Monitor workflow and support efficient patient throughput.
Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered care.
Other duties as assigned.