Crisis Intervention Specialist, 32 Hours Evenings, University Campus

UMass Memorial Health•Worcester, MA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides crisis evaluations for patients in the Psychiatric Service, both on and off site, for young children, adults, and geriatric patients. The specialist utilizes the language of the current DSM V to establish comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and subsequent planning and treatment. They coordinate and facilitate system treatment meetings, on and off site, to develop comprehensive treatment plans. The role involves working with patients and their families on treatment planning implementation, group and individual therapy, and coordinating community services and discharge planning. Additionally, the specialist works with insurance companies to fulfill requirements for appropriate referrals to inpatient units, outpatient care, and diversion programs, while advocating for the patient. Participation in the orientation and/or training of new staff, students, and others is also a component of this role.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Human Services or equivalent.
Must be license eligible upon hire (LICSW, LCSW, or LMHC). If not licensed upon hire, employee must obtain LICSW or LCSW license within 18 months of hire or will be subject to termination. If not licensed upon hire, employee must obtain LMHC license within 24 months of hire or will be 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, ability in discharge planning, and ability to work with a multidisciplinary team.
Excellent written and communications skills.
Basic computer skills.
Maintains basic life support (BLS) certification every two years.
Maintains all psychiatric competencies including annual CARE training.

Nice To Haves

LCSW, LICSW, or LMHC licensure

Responsibilities

Provides psychosocial history and mental status assessment of patients in psychiatric crisis at the University campus and mobiles to off-site locations.
Assigns the appropriate clinical level of care to each patient including inpatient, outpatient, diversion programs, providing information and referrals to specialized intervention programs, including substance abuse detoxification and rehabilitation.
Develops and maintains a safe therapeutic environment. Actively participates in psychiatric emergencies, including restraint of out-of-control patients, while maintaining safety in the milieu.
Triages calls of patients with psychiatric emergencies, including suicide ideation and/or attempts, and determines which intervention is needed. Identifies clinical resources and makes referrals when necessary. Serves as a referral source for patient, family members and agency staff.
Functions in a Case Management role, facilitating and coordinating referral and access to psychiatric treatment, delivery of social services, including financial assistance, health insurance, community-based care and medical contracts/collaboration.
Assesses factors relating to need for care, adjustment to care, and response to treatment as documented in the clinical record. Facilitates communication with all outpatient treaters, including psychiatric outpatient, social services and medical, i.e. Primary Care Physicians, Nurse Practitioners and Visiting Nurse, and interfaces with these providers to coordinate treatment planning, serving as a referral source for patients and family members to assist in their compliance with treatment recommendations.
Maintains current knowledge and compliance for all managed care specifications regarding notification, presentation of clinical information, pre-certification, billing and faxing requirements.
Documents all information obtained in evaluation, assessment, consultation, referral and disposition to comply with regulatory requirements, as well as ensuring best possible patient outcome. Actively participates in formulation and execution of Quality Improvement and subsequent data collection.
Maintains service logs as required. Codes for billing according to current practice.
Obtains vital signs and specimens as ordered, and uses computer ordering system to facilitate specimens to the lab.
Actively engages in Continuing Education to maintain and expand current knowledge as required to maintain licensure, as well as to enhance professional expertise and keep abreast of current trends.
Maintains basic life support (BLS) certification every two years.
Maintains all psychiatric competencies including annual CARE training.
Complies with established departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
Attends a variety of meetings, conferences, seminars as required or directed.
Demonstrates use of Quality Improvement in daily operations.
Complies with all health and safety regulations and requirements.
Respects diverse views and approaches, demonstrates Standards of Respect, and contributes to creating and maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors.
Maintains, regular, reliable, and predictable attendance.
Performs other similar and related duties as required or directed.