Behavioral Health Specialist

MedStar Health • Baltimore, MD

391d • $60,632 - $101,899

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist at Medstar Health is responsible for providing therapeutic interventions, assessments, evaluations, and dispositions for patients with psychiatric concerns in the Emergency Department. This role involves coordinating admissions to inpatient psychiatric units and ensuring compliance with documentation standards while making independent clinical decisions. The specialist will work closely with various hospitals and outpatient resources to facilitate patient care and manage aggressive behaviors when necessary.

Requirements

• Master's degree in psychology, Social Work, or related field.
• Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical (LCSW-C), Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or Ph.D.
• 1-2 years' experience in the assessment and disposition of behavioral health disorders preferred.

Responsibilities

• Completes documentation relevant to activities and ensures adherence to documentation standards.
• Coordinates admission to programs and services within Behavioral Health Services.
• Provides and coordinates referrals to internal or external resources as appropriate.
• Ensures accurate documentation to clinically substantiate the recommended level of care.
• Coordinates insurance authorization for higher levels of care.
• Works directly with inpatient units to coordinate admissions.
• Communicates effectively with other area hospitals and outpatient resources.
• Serves as liaison between inpatient psychiatric units and outside agencies to facilitate admissions.
• Processes referral information for review by inpatient unit/providers.
• Participates in the management of aggressive patients to ensure safety.
• Recognizes early warning signs of escalating behaviors and intervenes appropriately.
• Provides clinical assessment, evaluation, and disposition of patients with behavioral health concerns.
• Educates patients and families about inpatient and outpatient processes and resources.
• Collects information from family and referral sources to integrate into care recommendations.
• Communicates effectively with treating physicians, nurses, and community-based resources.
• Provides timely documentation and ongoing assessments in the Emergency Department.
• Supports Emergency Department staff for behavioral health issues.
• Conducts comprehensive crisis assessments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $60,632.00 - $101,899.20

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Master's degree