SJSEMI_Behavioral Svcs Spec - Hourly_R05156

Trinity Health•Livonia, MI

About The Position

The Behavioral Services Specialist provides direct clinical services to patients, families, and others, including mental health and chemical dependency evaluations, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and referrals for additional services. The role supports people experiencing situational distress, illness, or trauma, and provides intervention and support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse, and neglect. It also provides patients and families with information and education about medical and mental health issues relevant to the setting. The specialist assists Emergency Department medical and nursing staff in assessing complex patients using clinical techniques such as crisis intervention. The role documents all services, including contact records, clinical evaluations, supportive services, and disposition plans. It facilitates entry into SJMHS Behavioral Services by evaluating patients, analyzing symptoms and history using DSMV, and recommending an appropriate level of care. The specialist obtains informed consents and other legally required admission documents, collaborates with Patient Financial Services during business hours on insurance verification and benefits determination, and completes payer pre-authorizations for individuals admitted for Behavioral Health Services within SJMHS. The role is expected to maintain cooperative relationships, approach conflict constructively, help identify and resolve problems, protect confidential information, and perform work safely. The specialist is expected to act in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Master's degree in social work, psychology, psychiatric nursing, or counseling.
Licensing appropriate to the profession.
Clinical and analytical skills to assess behavioral health service needs, including risk of dangerousness to self or others.
Knowledge of psychiatric diagnostic nosology and criteria.
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills for concise, relevant, and timely communication and documentation of clinical assessments.
Ability to learn and use software, database applications, and electronic health records.

Responsibilities

Provide mental health and chemical dependency evaluations, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and referrals.
Support patients experiencing situational distress, illness, or trauma, and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse, and neglect.
Provide patients and families with information and education about relevant medical and mental health issues.
Assist Emergency Department medical and nursing staff with assessment of complex patients, including through crisis intervention.
Document services, including contact records, clinical evaluations, supportive services, and disposition plans.
Evaluate patients seeking entry into SJMHS Behavioral Services, analyze symptoms and history using DSMV, and recommend levels of care.
Obtain appropriate informed consents and other legally required admission documents.
Collaborate with Patient Financial Services during business hours on insurance verification and benefits determination.
Complete payer pre-authorizations for individuals admitted for Behavioral Health Services within SJMHS.
Maintain cooperative relationships, approach conflict constructively, identify problems, and participate in their resolution.
Maintain confidentiality of information concerning patients, physicians, employees, and visitors.
Perform job duties safely and promptly report preventable hazards and unsafe practices to management.
Behave in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.
Perform other duties as assigned.