Emergency Services Intake Counselor - Flex/PRN

UHS•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Responds to clinical inquiry calls from families or referring professionals and completes crisis assessments. Crisis assessments include the ability to assess current risk factors (suicidal, homicidal, psychosis, self-injurious, substance abuse, etc., family dynamics, health screen, treatment history, medications, etc.). Provides appropriate clinical triage. Understands basic growth and development needs, specific to the age and population served. Oversees the admission process including appropriateness of the admission, completion of all required admission paperwork, pre-certifications and coordination of care with the Physician. Assures compliance with all applicable mental health laws, codes, rules and regulations. Maintains all data/records regarding the intake and admission process and follows all policies/procedures related to release of information and confidentiality. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team regarding admissions, deflections, bed availability, and other tasks as needed. Must have physical stamina and high energy level to maintain continuity of quality services to children in mental health crises and their families. This is the equivalent of an Emergency Room environment, it is fast paced and requires the ability to multitask and handle highly stressful situations.

Requirements

Masters Degree required in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related clinical field.
Licensure or eligibility for licensure (LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW) preferred or Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois preferred.
BLS Provider certification through the American Heart Association required upon completion of orientation.
CPI certification required upon completion of orientation.
BLS Provider and CPI certifications must remain active throughout employment.
Thorough understanding of the DSM-V criteria.
Thorough understanding of psychotropic medications.
Proficient assessment skills with the ability to develop quick and strong clinical rapport.
Working knowledge of Illinois Confidentiality Act.
Working knowledge of Illinois Mental Health Code.
Working knowledge of EMTALA.
Working knowledge of ILPA process.
Detailed understanding of psychiatric criteria for various levels of care.
Detailed understanding of insurance/benefit verifications.
Ability to provide de-escalation techniques.
Ability to provide crisis stabilization.
Ability to utilize CBT effectively.
Ability to utilize Trauma Informed Care effectively.
Ability to utilize Crisis Intervention effectively.
Ability to work cooperatively with other hospital staff and community agencies.
Good organization skills.
Attentive to detail.
Thoroughness.
Excellent oral and written clinical communication skills.
Ability to proficiently communicate verbally and in writing.
Physical agility to manage patients.
Ability to push, pull and lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping.

Nice To Haves

Two years of psychiatric experience preferred.
Bilingual in both Spanish and English preferred.

Responsibilities

Completes crisis assessments, including assessing current risk factors (suicidal, homicidal, psychosis, self-injurious, substance abuse, etc.), family dynamics, health screen, treatment history, and medications.
Provides appropriate clinical triage.
Understands basic growth and development needs specific to the age and population served.
Oversees the admission process, including appropriateness of admission, completion of required admission paperwork, pre-certifications, and coordination of care with the Physician.
Assures compliance with all applicable mental health laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Maintains all data/records regarding the intake and admission process and follows all policies/procedures related to release of information and confidentiality.
Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team regarding admissions, deflections, bed availability, and other tasks as needed.
Maintains physical stamina and high energy level to ensure continuity of quality services to children in mental health crises and their families.
Multitasks and handles highly stressful situations in a fast-paced environment.