POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides direct clinical services to patients, families, and significant others in various settings, including Emergency Services, on medical units and in various ambulatory settings, as assigned.  Based upon clinical assessments and considering age-specific, developmental and cultural needs of the individual, makes recommendations to physicians regarding appropriate service needs and works collaboratively with physicians, nursing staff, other hospital and community providers to facilitate the initiation of appropriate services.  May also provide short-term, focused clinical treatment services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Provides direct clinical services to patients, families and others, including mental health and chemical dependency evaluations, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling and referrals for additional services.

Provides supportive intervention for situational distress, illnesses, and trauma; intervention and support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, abuse and neglect.  Provides patient and family information and education regarding medical and mental health issues relevant to the setting. Assists the Emergency Department medical and nursing staffs with the assessment of more difficult and/or complex patients by applying clinical techniques such as crisis intervention. Prepares documentation for all services provided, including maintaining contact records, clinical evaluations, supportive services and disposition plans. Facilitates the entry of patients into SJMHS Behavioral Services by providing patient evaluations, analyzing symptoms and history using DSMV and making level of care recommendations. Obtains appropriate informed consents and/or other legally required documents for admissions. Collaborates with Patient Financial Services during business hours to ensure insurance verification and benefits determination.   Responsible for pre-authorization for all payers for individuals being admitted for Behavioral Health Services within the SJMHS.

Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships.  Approaches conflict in a constructive manner.  Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution.

Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.  Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places.

Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.
 

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.
 

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

 Requires a Master's degree in social work, psychology, psychiatric nursing, or counseling.

Licensing appropriate to the profession.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 

     1.  Clinical and analytical skills necessary to assess an individual's needs for behavioral

          health services, including evaluation of the individual's risk for dangerousness to self or    

          others.

Knowledge of psychiatric diagnostic methodology and criteria.

Demonstrated competence with verbal and written communication skills that offer concise, relevant, timely communication and/or documentation of clinical assessments.

Ability to learn and utilize various software, database applications and electronic health records