Emergency Services Intake Counselor Flex PRN

UHS • Chicago, IL

22d • Onsite

About The Position

Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital provides psychiatric and behavioral health support to children and teens ages 3 to 17. The Emergency Services Intake Counselor conducts crisis risk assessments and clinical triage for families and professionals, and manages the admissions process in a fast-paced, high-stress setting. The role requires compliance with mental health laws and confidentiality policies and supports children and families in crisis. The work is on-site at Garfield Park Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, with flexibility to work at Hargrove Hospital as needed. This is a PRN/flex/per-diem position and is not eligible for benefits.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related clinical field.
• Licensure or eligibility for licensure as an LPC, LSW, LCPC, or LCSW, or as a Registered Nurse in Illinois, preferred.
• BLS (AHA) and CPI certifications are required upon completion of orientation.
• Thorough understanding of DSM-V criteria, psychotropic medications, and clinical assessment skills.
• Working knowledge of the Illinois Confidentiality Act, Illinois Mental Health Code, EMTALA, and ILPA process.
• Detailed understanding of psychiatric criteria for levels of care and insurance/benefit verification.
• Ability to use de-escalation techniques and crisis stabilization, and to apply CBT, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention effectively.
• Ability to work cooperatively with hospital staff and community agencies.
• Good organizational skills, attention to detail, thoroughness, and excellent oral and written clinical communication skills.
• Strong multitasking skills and high physical stamina to support children and families in crisis.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Licensure or eligibility for licensure as an LPC, LSW, LCPC, or LCSW, or as a Registered Nurse in Illinois.

Responsibilities

• Conduct clinical risk evaluations for suicide, psychosis, and substance abuse, and gather health and treatment histories.
• Coordinate intake paperwork, pre-certifications, and collaboration with physicians regarding patient care.
• Manage bed availability and patient deflections, and provide updates to the multidisciplinary team.
• Maintain records and uphold legal and confidentiality standards.
• Provide clinical triage for families and professionals and manage the admissions process.

What This Job Offers