About the position
The position involves providing crisis intervention, brief psychotherapy, triage, resource development, and disposition recommendations for behavioral health patients in the Emergency Department and Medical Center. This care is delivered both in person and via telehealth as needed. The role requires specialized care for patients needing psychological assessment or interventions beyond general patient care, including assessing mental status, psychosocial stressors, level of functioning, risk, support systems, strengths, and needs. The incumbent will provide ongoing counseling using solution-focused therapy and collaborative problem-solving to stabilize patients in crisis. Additionally, the role includes developing discharge and safety plans in consultation with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare teams, facilitating admissions to inpatient psychiatric units, ensuring pre-certification for recommended levels of care, and communicating with various staff and agencies to optimize patient care. The position also requires participation in unit meetings and training, adherence to state and federal guidelines, flexibility in hours, and accurate data collection for billing and management purposes.
Responsibilities
- Provides crisis intervention and brief psychotherapy for behavioral health patients.
- Conducts psychological assessments and interventions for patients needing specialized care.
- Counsels patients using solution-focused therapy and collaborates on problem-solving.
- Utilizes crisis intervention techniques and referrals to support services for patients in emotional distress.
- Develops discharge and safety plans in consultation with patients and healthcare teams.
- Facilitates the admission process to inpatient psychiatric units.
- Ensures patients are pre-certified for recommended levels of care.
- Communicates with staff and physicians to obtain relevant patient information and consults on patient progress.
- Participates in unit meetings and training related to departmental changes.
- Adheres to state and federal guidelines governing patient care and confidentiality.
- Flexes hours and cross-trains to meet departmental needs.
- Ensures accurate data collection for billing and management purposes.
Requirements
- Minimum licensure of LSW or LPC; LCSW/LCPC encouraged to apply for a level 2 position.
- Master's Degree in behavioral health sciences or related field.
- Minimum of two years' experience in a mental health or related setting.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with various age groups in a mental health setting.
- Prior experience with psychiatric and substance abuse patients.
