Crisis Worker, Stroger Hospital

Thresholds•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Crisis Worker is a frontline behavioral health professional who provides crisis intervention and assessment services to people experiencing mental health emergencies. Based in a hospital emergency department, the role conducts risk assessments, determines appropriate levels of care, coordinates referrals to treatment and community resources, and collaborates with medical and psychiatric teams. The Crisis Worker uses clinical judgment in high-pressure situations and supports patients through stabilization, education, and care planning. The position is part-time and scheduled Saturday and Sunday, 2:45 p.m. to 11:15 p.m.

Requirements

Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a closely related field.
Ability to work effectively as a team player.

Nice To Haves

Licensed Professional in the Healing Arts (LPHA), such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
Experience working with people diagnosed with mental illness.
Knowledge of medical terminology and ability to communicate with medical staff.

Responsibilities

Perform risk assessments in an emergency room setting to determine appropriate disposition.
Formulate working diagnoses and recommend treatment.
Use clinical judgment to make timely decisions in high-stress situations with large patient volumes.
Complete documentation needed to facilitate patient transfers to inpatient facilities, including USARF and Petition.
Collaborate with emergency room physicians, nurses, technicians, and psychiatry staff.
Use de-escalation skills during crisis interventions.
Provide psychoeducation and bedside interventions to patients in the Emergency Department.
Assist the inpatient psychiatry team with assessments and linkage to inpatient care on medical floors.
Contact appropriate resources, hospitals, and agencies to link patients to additional care.
Gather collateral information, assess service needs, recommend treatment, and identify and investigate existing natural resources and supports.
Communicate significant member information to other staff or leadership when required.
Provide the supervisor with accurate and timely information about agency operations and member well-being.
Meet required billing targets and complete documentation within assigned time frames in SmartCare and Cerner.
Participate in collaborative case discussions.
Perform other duties as assigned.