INTAKE COUNSELOR (DEGREED)

UHS•Torrance, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Del Amo Behavioral Health System, a subsidiary of UHS, offers a safe and compassionate environment for individuals looking for hope and healing from emotional, psychiatric and addiction issues. Del Amo Behavioral Health offers a wide range of options, including inpatient, outpatient and specialty programs that includes children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Whether addressing the needs of adults, adolescents or children, we are committed to providing our patients with treatment to help them find recovery that endures. Our patients receive the same quality treatment from our thoughtful and compassionate team no matter the level of care. The Intake Counselor responds to all persons requesting assistance either by telephone or in person, and provides psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention and referrals to Hospital staff and services to outside sources, based on the nature of the problem(s) and financial resources. Admissions to the Hospital are facilitated through coordinated efforts with the Business Office, Utilization Review and the Department of Nursing Services. Intake Counselors, who are Registered Nurses, may service as a Qualified Medical Professional (QMP) and/or a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) to perform medical screens (Medical and Mental Health Component) to determine whether an individual has an emergency medical condition. Intake Counselors who are Masters degreed or above may serve as a QMHP to perform medical screens (Mental Health Component) to determine whether an individual has an emergency medical condition.

Requirements

Minimum of a Masters Degree in Psychology, Social Work, or related field, or nursing degree required.
Nurses are required to be licensed by the appropriate board in the State of California.
Previous experience in a clinical department of a psychiatric hospital/behavioral health facility required.
Previous clinical experience with psychiatric patients required.
Must have the ability to function in a caring and empathetic manner with clients and their families.
Must have diplomacy and tact in all interactions including dealing with members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
Must have strong community contact base and knowledge of community referral sources.
Superior verbal and written communication skills
Must be able to perform assignments with minimal supervision;
Must be able to perform concentrated and/or complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and/or highly technical situations;
Must be able to work successfully under highly stressful conditions;
Must be able to make sound, independent judgments based on scientific and/or ethical principles;
Must be able to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures;
Must be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion;
Must be capable of adapting to varying workloads an work assignments on a constant basis;
Must have effective comprehensive reading skills, strong communication skills, written and verbal.
Must possess a valid California Drivers License in order to drive hospital vehicles or on hospital business.

Nice To Haves

Licensure by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LCSW, MFT or Associate/Intern preferred

Responsibilities

Assertively responds to telephone and/or walk-in requests for psychiatric assistance.
Assesses each inquiry to determine clinical need of caller and/or patient,.
Identifies high risks and documents clearly on Intake Screening Form, completes High Risk Screening Form and hands off both to unit staff.
Documents all inquiries on Intake Screening Form, including requests for beds that are currently not available. Conducts follow-up on potential bed availability
Maintains a good working relationship and ongoing communications with referral sources.
Contacts Therapist, Nurse, Parents, or other Person(s) to obtain pertinent medical and clinical information in order to thoroughly complete the Intake Screening Form.
Telephones direct outside referral source regarding disposition of case.
Makes arrangements with a member of the Psychiatric Assessment Team (“P.A.T.”) to evaluate patient.
Obtains all pertinent information including name of person and/or agency requesting P.A.T. services, i.e. name of patient, telephone number, address, crisis/problem, etc.
Knowledgeable of admission criteria for all services, units, and programs.
Offers admission to Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) levels of care when appropriate.
Obtains signatures for “Conditions of Admissions” from adult patients admitted on involuntary detention (5150).
Inquires as to whether potential patient has access to dangerous items that can potentially be used to harm self or others has been assessed.
Carefully screens all Detox admissions for severity of withdrawal symptoms, quantity and frequency of use, treatment history, etc.
Researches insurance benefits carefully to determine correct payer sources.
Ensures that an attempt is made to pre-certify/authorize patient.