Psychiatric Crisis Therapist I - PRN

American Addiction Centers•Libertyville, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provides crisis intervention, brief psychotherapy, triage, resource development, and disposition recommendations for behavioral health patients in the Emergency Department and Medical Center via in-person and telehealth. Assesses patients' mental status, psychosocial stressors, level of functioning, risk, support systems, strengths, and needs. Rounds on patients, counsels using solution-focused therapy, and problem-solves collaboratively to stabilize conditions. Utilizes short-term crisis intervention techniques and/or referrals to support services for patients and families dealing with acute emotional distress, addictions, grief, loss, disability, and traumatic lifestyle changes. Develops discharge and safety plans in consultation with patients, families, physicians, and the healthcare team. Facilitates admissions to inpatient psychiatric units and ensures pre-certification for recommended levels of care. Communicates with various departments and agencies to gather patient information, refer patients, and consult on patient progress. Participates in unit meetings, trainings, and education. Adheres to state and federal guidelines, including the Illinois Developmental Disability and Mental Health Code, Illinois Confidentiality Code, HIPPA, and EMTALA. Ability to flex hours and cross-train to related job roles to meet departmental needs. Ensures accurate data collection for billing and management information systems.

Requirements

Master's Degree in behavioral health sciences or related field with a minimum of two years’ experience in a mental health or related setting.
LSW, LPC minimum (Candidates without licensure but preparing for licensure may be eligible, but hiring would be contingent upon receiving minimum licensure within an established time at point of hire).
Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations with strong interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of techniques to de-escalate aggressive behavior.
High tolerance for emotionally stressful situations sometimes encountered daily with psychiatric and substance abuse patients.
Risk assessment, psychotherapy and family/group treatment skills, and knowledge of behavioral health referrals and resources.
Knowledge of DSM-V diagnostic categories.
Knowledge and education on the typical development related to the lifespan (i.e., normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs or normal aging, prior experience with various age groups is preferred.)
Basic computer and typing skills.
Organization and time management skills.
Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.
Knowledge of universal precautions a must.

Nice To Haves

LCSW/LCPC encouraged to apply and would be considered at a Level 2 position.

Responsibilities

Provides crisis intervention, brief psychotherapy, triage, resource development and disposition recommendations for behavioral health patients.
Provides direct specialized care including assessment of patients’ mental status, psychosocial stressors, level of functioning, risk, support systems, strengths and needs.
Provide ongoing rounding, counsels patients utilizing solution focused therapy and utilizes problem solving collaboratively with patient to stabilize condition/crisis.
Uses short-term crisis intervention techniques and/or referrals to other support services to support patients and families dealing with acute emotional distress, addictions, grief, loss, disability and traumatic lifestyle changes.
Develops discharge and safety plan in direct consultation with patient, family, physician and health care team.
Coordinates arrangements to implement plan.
Facilitates admission process to inpatient psychiatric unit (site specific).
Ensure patients are pre-certified for recommended level of care.
Communicates with staff and physicians of the Emergency Department, medical unit, Behavioral Health Services and/or human service agencies to obtain all relevant patient information, refers patients and consults with other staff regarding patient progress to provide optimum patient care.
Participate in unit meetings, trainings related to departmental changes or enhancements and education.
Adheres to relevant state and federal guidelines governing patient care and treatment of sensitive information, particularly the Illinois Developmental Disability and Mental Health Code, the Illinois Confidentiality Code, HIPPA and EMTALA.
Ability to flex hours within the department and cross train to related job roles/duties to meet the needs of the department.
Ensure accurate data collection for billing, the management information system, and other purposes in accord with organizational policies and procedures.
Transporting patients may be required.
May at times come in contact with violent and may be involved in restraining patients.

Benefits

Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program