Mental Health Specialist - 3090

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JOB SUMMARY :

To gather data from patients and others to determine need for psychiatric, chemical dependency, or social services assistance.

When directed, will coordinate referral of patients to counselors or outside service providers or will arrange transfer of patients to mental health facilities as needed.

REPORTS TO :

JOB SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES :

Obtain information through interviews and other sources to determine patient’s needs and

formulate a recommendation by :

o Interviewing individual upon referral by any source.

o Collecting information from collateral sources through use of health records, personal

interview, or by telephone.

o Prepare a written report of assessment and findings and place in health record.

o Coordinate patient disposition with staff.

o Assist Nursing Staff in preparing paperwork, if needed.

o When required, prepare legal documents and coordinate activities with police and

court system.

o Be able to provide outpatient referrals or arrange inpatient treatment.

o Ensure all facility, state, and federal regulations regarding patient care are adhered to

and enforced.

o Work under the supervision of the Mental Health Worker Supervisor and remain in

close contact.

Accurately prepare all necessary paperwork by :

o Providing a clearly written, comprehensive assessment using the appropriate forms.

o Complete all other forms as needed, accurately and promptly.

o Ensure all patients being referred for additional services sign a Consent to Treat form

and place in the health record

Quality assessment and improvement :

o Attend staff meetings as required.

o Participate in continuing education programs to maintain licensure and skills.

o Assist in maintaining accurate statistics and records.

o Ensure all safety and legal requirements are met.

o Assist with training new staff members.

Provide treatment services as appropriate and necessary :

o Provide individual and group counseling as needed.

o Act as liaison with facility administration.

o Assist physicians and health services staff in observing and monitoring patients as

needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Bachelor level degree in a human services related field and a bachelor level license are minimum requirements. Prefer at least 2 years experience in counseling / mental health eval.

substance abuse eval. and / or Master level license and degree.

REQUIRED LICENSURES / CERTIFICATIONS / REGISTRATIONS :

LSW, LMFT, LMSW, LPC, Psychologist. Certification must be current and granted by the examining agency for each profession.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

Ability to evaluate a variety of crisis situations. Excellent documentation / writing skills and communication required.

Knowledge of medical / psychiatric diagnoses and medications preferred. Experience in crisis or suicide intervention preferred.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS :

Must be a team player. Coordination with physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff is necessary. Also will communicate / coordinate with community resources for mental health, substance abuse, financial, medical / medication, and counseling services.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES :

There is an obligation to be on-call and be able to respond within a 30 minute time frame. Visual and hearing acuity required.

There may be prolonged standing. Full range of body motion required.

ENVIRONMENTAL / WORKING CONDITIONS :

Most duties performed within University Medical Center Hospital or Emergency Center. Some travel off site may be required.

Exposure to communicable diseases and body fluids is possible. Possible exposure to aggressive or violent behavior.

DIRECT REPORTS :

UMC Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

• Request for accommodations in the hire process should be directed to UMC Human Resources. *
4 days ago