Crisis Intervention Specialist, 40 Hours Days, Marlborough Campus

UMass Memorial Health•Marlborough, MA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Crisis Intervention Specialist provides crisis evaluations for children, adults, and geriatric patients in the Psychiatric Service, both on site and at off-site locations. The role uses current DSM-5 terminology to conduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and inform treatment planning. It coordinates treatment meetings, works with patients and families on treatment implementation, provides group and individual therapy, and coordinates community services and discharge planning. The specialist also works with insurance companies to meet referral requirements for inpatient, outpatient, and diversion services while advocating for patients. The position includes psychosocial assessment, triage of psychiatric emergencies, case management, referral coordination, documentation, quality improvement activities, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and community providers. It also involves participating in staff orientation or training, maintaining required competencies and BLS certification, and obtaining vital signs and specimens as ordered. This is a 40-hour-per-week day-shift position, Monday through Friday, with on-call coverage required. The work is sedentary and performed indoors in a patient-care office environment. A signing bonus may be available; eligibility is confirmed during the interview process.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Human Services or equivalent.
Must be license eligible upon hire for LICSW, LCSW, or LMHC.
If not licensed upon hire, obtain an LICSW or LCSW license within 18 months of hire, or an LMHC license within 24 months of hire.
One to three years of experience in Psychiatry or Mental Health.
Demonstrated ability in psychosocial assessment, knowledge of community resources, crisis intervention, discharge planning, and working with a multidisciplinary team.
Excellent written and communication skills.
Basic computer skills.
Maintain basic life support 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 experiencing psychiatric crises at the University campus and at off-site locations.
Determine and assign appropriate clinical levels of care, including inpatient, outpatient, and diversion programs, and provide information and referrals to specialized programs such as substance-use detoxification and rehabilitation.
Develop and maintain a safe therapeutic environment; 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, and make referrals.
Serve as a referral resource for patients, family members, and agency staff.
Coordinate access to psychiatric treatment and social services, including financial assistance, health insurance, community-based care, and medical contracts or collaboration.
Assess factors related to the need for care, adjustment to care, and response to treatment, and document findings in the clinical record.
Coordinate treatment planning and communication with outpatient providers, social services, and medical providers, including primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and visiting nurses.
Maintain knowledge of and comply with managed-care requirements for notification, 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 activities 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 specimen delivery to the laboratory.
Participate in continuing education to maintain licensure, develop professional expertise, and stay current with trends.
Maintain basic life support certification every two years and psychiatric competencies, including annual CARE training.
Participate in orientation or training of new staff, students, and others.
Comply with departmental policies, procedures, objectives, health and safety requirements, and attendance expectations; attend required meetings and contribute to quality improvement and a respectful, professional environment.
Perform other similar and related duties as required or directed.