Crisis Intervention Specialist, 40 Hours Nights, Marlborough Campus

UMass Memorial Health•Marlborough, MA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Crisis Intervention Specialist provides crisis evaluations for psychiatric-service patients of all ages, both on campus and at off-site locations. The role uses current DSM-5 terminology to conduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and support treatment planning. The specialist coordinates treatment meetings, works with patients and families on treatment implementation, provides group and individual therapy, coordinates community services and discharge planning, and works with insurers to arrange appropriate inpatient, outpatient, and diversion referrals while advocating for patients. The position includes psychosocial assessment, triage of psychiatric emergencies, case management, coordination with outpatient and community providers, and documentation in compliance with regulatory and managed-care requirements. The specialist helps maintain a safe therapeutic environment and participates in psychiatric emergencies, including restraint of out-of-control patients. Additional duties include obtaining ordered vital signs and specimens, participating in quality improvement, maintaining required competencies and BLS certification, and engaging in continuing education. This is a 40-hour-per-week night-shift position at the Marlborough Campus, scheduled 10 p.m.–8 a.m. on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with on-call availability required Monday. Work is sedentary and performed indoors in a patient-care office environment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Human Services or equivalent.
Must be license-eligible upon hire for LICSW, LCSW, or LMHC. If not licensed at hire, must obtain LICSW or LCSW within 18 months of hire, or LMHC within 24 months of hire; otherwise subject to termination.
One to three years of experience in Psychiatry/Mental Health.
Demonstrated ability in psychosocial assessment, knowledge of community resources, crisis-intervention skills, discharge planning, and working with a multidisciplinary team.
Excellent written and communication skills.
Basic computer skills.
Maintain BLS certification every two years and required psychiatric competencies, including annual CARE training.

Nice To Haves

LCSW, LICSW, or LMHC licensure.

Responsibilities

Provide psychosocial histories and mental-status assessments for patients in psychiatric crisis at the University campus and at off-site locations.
Determine the appropriate clinical level of care, including inpatient, outpatient, and diversion programs; provide information and referrals to specialized programs, including substance-use detoxification and rehabilitation.
Develop and maintain a safe therapeutic environment and participate in psychiatric emergencies, including restraint of out-of-control patients, while maintaining safety in the milieu.
Triage calls concerning psychiatric emergencies, including suicidal ideation or attempts, determine needed interventions, identify clinical resources, make referrals, and serve as a referral source for patients, families, and agency staff.
Perform case-management functions by facilitating access to psychiatric treatment and coordinating social services, financial assistance, health insurance, community-based care, and medical collaboration.
Assess factors related to the need for care, adjustment to care, and response to treatment; document findings in the clinical record.
Coordinate communication and treatment planning with outpatient providers, social services, and medical providers, including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and visiting nurses; help patients and families follow treatment recommendations.
Maintain knowledge of managed-care requirements for notifications, clinical presentations, precertification, billing, and faxing.
Document evaluations, assessments, consultations, referrals, and dispositions to meet regulatory requirements and support patient outcomes.
Participate in quality improvement and related data collection; maintain required service logs and code billing according to current practice.
Obtain vital signs and specimens as ordered and use the computer ordering system to facilitate sending specimens to the laboratory.
Participate in orientation and/or training of new staff, students, and others.
Engage in continuing education to maintain licensure, enhance professional expertise, and stay current with trends.
Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification every two years and maintain psychiatric competencies, including annual CARE training.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, health and safety requirements, and quality-improvement practices; attend required meetings and maintain regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
Demonstrate respect for diverse views and contribute to a professional, tolerant, civil, and accepting environment; perform other similar duties as required or directed.