Intake Assessment Clinician

South Sound Behavioral Hospital•Lacey, WA

23h•$31 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

South Sound Behavioral Hospital (SSBH) is seeking a full-time Intake Assessment Clinician for its facility in Lacey, Washington. The role screens patients for medical and behavioral emergencies through comprehensive assessments, determines the most appropriate therapeutic level of care for mental health, substance abuse, or dual-diagnosis needs, and coordinates placement with the on-call provider and clinical team. The clinician also supports patients and their support systems throughout the assessment process and helps arrange treatment at the hospital or through community referrals. The position includes responding to inquiry calls, scheduling or triaging callers, completing admission paperwork, documenting calls and assessments, maintaining an intake log, and handling related administrative duties. The clinician assesses and stabilizes patients before discharge or coordinates hospital admission, and follows up with patients who miss appointments.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a human relations field.
Licensed to practice in Washington State as a mental health professional: Social Worker, Counselor, or RN with MHP.
At least two years of post-master’s-degree experience in a psychiatric setting, including customer contact.
Working knowledge of the latest DSM and Mental Status Exam.
Working knowledge of the Addiction and Recovery field.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience in intake assessment activities within an acute psychiatric setting.

Responsibilities

Receive inquiry calls and help callers schedule face-to-face assessments or connect them with the most appropriate community resource.
Screen for medical and behavioral emergencies by completing comprehensive assessments.
Determine the appropriate therapeutic level of care for mental health, substance abuse, or dual-diagnosis needs.
Coordinate with the on-call provider and clinical team to arrange appropriate facility placement or referral to community resources.
Support patients and their support systems throughout assessments and address concerns about care and treatment recommendations.
Complete admission paperwork in accordance with hospital policy.
Perform administrative duties needed to ensure assessment and admission processes are thorough and complete.
Document and process inquiry calls according to Intake policies.
Assess and stabilize patients before discharge or coordinate hospital admission arrangements.
Maintain an intake log with all necessary information documented.
Make follow-up calls to patients who fail to attend appointments.