Clinician-Boston Emergency Services Team (Per Diem)

BMC Software•Boston, MA

5d•$31 - $39

About The Position

The Clinician is a key member of the Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) Program in the Psychiatry Department, providing telephone screening and intake for people experiencing psychiatric crises. The role provides telephone triage, supports stabilization and crisis intervention, and connects callers with appropriate resources and care. Under the direction of the Clinical Director of BEST, the Clinician helps identify appropriate inpatient settings and facilitates admissions in coordination with patients, families, and referring agents. The Clinician also connects patients with outpatient and community services, maintains relationships with providers and agencies, and documents cases and recommendations in accordance with program requirements. The role includes participation in training, teaching activities, clinical and staff meetings, and continuing education.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, psychology, education, counseling, or a related field.
Knowledge of referral processes and community resources and agencies related to health, protective services, crisis intervention, and disability.
Excellent listening skills and the ability to diagnose problems, resolve conflict, develop practical solutions when resources are scarce, and make alternative plans.
Advanced interpersonal skills to work effectively with healthcare professionals, instill confidence, and advocate for patients and families.
Excellent English-language skills to summarize and communicate moderately complex information orally and in writing across varied formats to internal and external customers.
Cultural sensitivity and comfort working with a wide range of social, racial, and ethnic populations.
Proficiency with standard healthcare software such as MS Word and Outlook, patient registration systems, electronic medical records, and web browsers.

Nice To Haves

LCSW, LICSW, or LMHC license preferred.
Previous field experience in emergency psychiatry-related clinical activities preferred.
Bicultural or bilingual competency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct accurate telephone screening and triage for individuals experiencing psychiatric crises.
Provide resource information based on patient needs and transfer case information accurately to other providers.
Document calls and recommendations for action.
Under the direction of the Clinical Director of BEST, identify appropriate inpatient settings for patients requiring admission.
Work with patients, their families, and referring agents to facilitate admission to an appropriate unit.
Maintain an up-to-date roster of area inpatient psychiatric units for adults, children, and adolescents, and maintain liaison relationships with those facilities.
Develop and maintain liaison relationships with MBHP, DMH, and referring agencies.
Refer patients to appropriate outpatient facilities and maintain current listings and liaison relationships with outpatient facilities, residential facilities, shelters, and halfway houses.
Inform referring sources of the final disposition of cases.
Review findings with senior clinicians or the Clinical Director and consult with providers as needed regarding client assessments and crisis interventions.
Maintain case documentation and records in accordance with program requirements.
Contribute to the organization and administration of teaching programs and participate in required orientation and training.
Complete required paperwork, including evaluation forms, promptly and in accordance with hospital, state, and federal regulations.
Attend appropriate clinical and staff meetings.
Maintain field competency through continuing education and keep applicable licenses up to date.
Perform other related duties as needed.