Behavioral Health Officer - Per Diem

UR Medicine Thompson Health • Canandaigua, NY

1d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Assessment Officer (BHAO) is the primary evaluator of patients referred for psychiatric assessment in the emergency department and of acute inpatient patients identified by hospital providers as experiencing mental health symptoms that impair functional status. The role provides psychiatric evaluations, triage, and brief crisis interventions, including suicide risk assessments, safety planning, and safe disposition related to behavioral health needs.

The BHAO coordinates with hospital and community providers to support communication and facilitate appropriate follow-up for mental health, substance use, and primary care needs. When clinically appropriate, the role administers rating scales and collects patient-reported outcome measures for patients in the emergency department or inpatient units. The BHAO consults by phone with the assigned psychiatrist to assess patients and develop treatment plans, then communicates that information to the medical care teams.

Requirements

• MSW from an accredited social work graduate program.
• New York State LMSW, LCSW, or LCSW-R licensure; LMSW may be obtained within 12 months of hire or transfer.
• Competency in providing cognitive and behavioral interventions in an emergency department or inpatient setting.
• Internship or work experience in a mental health setting providing suicide risk assessments and safety planning.
• At least 1–2 years of experience working in an emergency room setting providing mental health evaluations.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients referred for psychiatric assessment in the emergency department and acute inpatient units.
• Provide psychiatric evaluations, triage, and brief crisis interventions.
• Conduct suicide risk assessments and safety planning, and determine safe disposition related to behavioral health needs.
• Coordinate with hospital and community providers to facilitate communication and appropriate mental health, substance use, and primary care follow-up.
• Administer rating scales and collect patient-reported outcome measures when clinically appropriate.
• Consult by phone with the assigned psychiatrist regarding patient assessments and treatment plans.
• Communicate assessment and treatment-plan information to medical care teams.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level