Crisis Clinician

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Wilkes-Barre, PA

16h

About The Position

The Crisis Clinician is responsible for the immediate assessment, intervention, and treatment disposition of individuals in need of emergency psychiatric evaluation and care. This role involves working with patients experiencing acute mental health crises, providing support, stabilization, and connection to appropriate resources. The Crisis Clinician collaborates with other healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in crisis.

Requirements

A mental health professional must meet one of the following:
A Master’s degree in social work, psychology, rehabilitation, activity therapies, counseling, education or related fields and three (3) years of mental health direct care experience
A Bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, anthropology, political science, history, criminal justice, theology, counseling, education or a related field, and five (5) years of mental health direct care experience, two (2) of which shall include supervisory experience
A Bachelor’s degree in nursing and three (3) years of mental health direct care experience
A Registered Nurse license, certified in psychology or psychiatry
Crisis Clinicians who are not mental health professionals shall be supervised by a mental health professional and have one of the following:
A Bachelor’s degree with major course work in sociology, social work, psychology, gerontology, anthropology, political science, history, criminal justice, theology, nursing, counseling, education or related field
A Registered Nurse license
A high school diploma or GED and three (3) years of mental health direct care experience in public or private human services with employment as a mental health staff person prior to January 1, 1992
A consumer or a family member who has one (1) year of experience as an advocate or leader in a consumer or family group and has a high school diploma or equivalency
Staff persons employed by a provider who have five (5) years of experience as a supervisor of mental health services in mental health agency prior to January 1, 1992 are exempted from this requirement
Strong assessment and diagnostic skills in psychiatric and crisis intervention settings.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage high-stress situations and de-escalate crises effectively.
Knowledge of mental health regulations, including state and federal laws related to psychiatric care and patient rights.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with law enforcement and healthcare providers.
Proficiency in documentation, patient records management, and using electronic health records (EHR) systems.

Responsibilities

Conducts emergency psychiatric evaluations, assessing the mental health needs of individuals in crisis, and determining the appropriate course of action.
Provides immediate intervention and stabilization to patients experiencing acute mental health crises, including those at risk of harm to themselves or others.
Collaborates with physicians, nurses, social workers, law enforcement, and other relevant parties to develop and implement treatment plans.
Coordinates patient admissions to psychiatric facilities or referral to outpatient services as appropriate, ensuring smooth transitions and follow-up care.
Provides crisis counseling and short-term therapy to help individuals manage their mental health symptoms and avoid further escalation.
Ensures accurate and timely documentation of assessments, interventions, and referrals, adhering to departmental policies and regulatory standards.
Acts as a liaison between the patient, their family, and healthcare providers, offering support and education regarding treatment options and mental health care.
Participates in regular debriefings and case reviews with the mental health team to ensure consistent quality of care.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Complies with all policies and standards.