Major Responsibilities:

• The candidate must have a solid understanding of the DSM V criteria for diagnosing mental health/substance abuse patients and a solid understanding of the Illinois Mental Health Code. Responsible for completion of a psychological assessment including, Mental Status Exam, past and current psychiatric history, family history, substance abuse history, and suicide risk assessment.
  • 1)Evaluate the treatment needs of routine and specialty psychiatric populations. This may require travel to other Advocate sites.
  • 2)Ability to formulate the 5 Axis diagnosis and formulate the initial treatment plan.
  • 3)Ability to verify insurance benefits and complete a preauthorization.
  • 4)Must have prior mental health and emergency room experience.
  • 5)Dual Diagnosis experience is preferred.
  • 6)Utilizes clinical assessment skills to determine significant psychosocial factors which contribute to the patient's disorder and which precipitate dysfunctional behavior.
  • 7)Identifies dynamics of the patient and family's interaction patterns which reinforce and maintain dysfunction behavior.
  • 8)Evaluates quality of patient and family support network in the community.
  • 9)Ascertains patient's history of illness, evaluates patient's functional level prior to admission, and evaluates patient's ability to utilize effective coping and strategies.
  • 10)Utilizes clinical expertise to provide patient and family with education and support to assist them in dealing with the disorder.
• Provision of clinical interventions to maximize patient and family benefit from treatment.
  • 1)Provides individual, family, and/or group therapy consistent the treatment plan and program philosophy as a co-leader.
  • 2)Utilizes clinical expertise to provide patient and family with education and support to assist them in dealing with their condition.
  • 3)Serves as an advocate for the patient and family.
  • 4)Shares expertise with other departments to facilitate treatment to patients.
  • 5)Demonstrates initiative and teamwork in facilitating unit process (i.e., assisting in nursing station activities, assisting patients to group).
  • 6)Demonstrates knowledge and utilizes skills in addressing changes in patients' status and/or milieu.
• Coordination of discharge planning and/or patient throughput , based on assessment of patient and family needs and available resources.
  • 1)Contact with patient and family regarding discharge planning/patient throughput to identify patient/family needs and problem areas.
  • 2)Collaborate with other psych and non-psych units/departments to enhance discharge planning resources for patients and to assist with patient throughput.
  • 3)Representation of the hospital as a liaison between the hospital and community resources to procure services that insure the aftercare management of the patient and family.
  • 4)Assumption of responsibilities as a resource person to the staff, the community, patients and families, for information regarding referrals to enhance or augment treatment.
  • 5)Attends court proceedings as an advocate for the patient, as necessary.
• Responsible for the development of an individualized treatment plan based on the social assessment, implementation of the plan, and evaluation of the patient's progress.
  • 1)Prepares, documents, and maintains accurate patient records including assessment, progress and discharge notes, as well as attendance and services rendered.
  • 2)Identifies desired patient and family outcomes based on diagnosis and developmental circumstances outlines in the assessment/history.
  • 3)Identifies specific intervention plans that accommodate the distinct developmental and diagnosis needs of the patient.
  • 4)Updates treatment plan based on an evaluation of the patient's progress.
  • 5)Identifies patient and family strengths and utilizes them in planning care.
• Participation in the multidisciplinary team, bringing expertise to assist in the diagnostic and treatment planning process.
  • 1)Provides leadership in the development of specialty program tracks to address patient behavior issues.
  • 2)Assists in program development, evaluation, and implementation.
  • 3)Maintains good working relationships with the medical staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team.
  • 4)Provides consultation to other psych and non-psych units/departments.
  • 5)Participates in unit and program meetings.
• Maintenance of professional standard and responsibilities for his/her own professional practice according to hospital, department, state regulations and NASW Standard and Code of Ethics.
  • 1)Provide documentation of all casework activities per system and hospital standards.
  • 2)Attain quality management monitoring standards established by the system and hospital.
  • 3)Participate in continuing education activities to promote professional growth and development and participate in peer review.
• Cultivate and maintain relationship with internal customers, community resources and the community at large.
  • 1)Keeps abreast of new resources in the community.
  • 2)Maintains a good working relationship with state agencies and programs.
  • 3)Stays current in knowledge of legislation, regulations, and court actions impacting patient population.
  • 4)Provides presentations on relevant topics to community as requested.
  • 5)Provides psych education and inservice training to staff, medical residents, other psych units and non-psych units/departments.
  • 6)May require travel to other Advocate sites to provide care for Behavioral Health patients seeking services there.

Licensure:

• LCSW or LCPC

Education/Experience Required:

• Master's Degree in Social Work or Counseling. 1-3 years in clinical experience in mental health.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good time management and organizational skills necessary. Critical thinking skills and the ability to prioritize and think outside the box when it comes to throughput issues. Ability to understand and facilitate group process. A solid understanding of mental illness, developmental stages, and treatment. Comfortable in working with multidisciplinary team. Therapeutic communication skills. Demonstrated problem-solving ability. Excellent problem solving skills. Have excellent written and verbal communication skill and feels comfortable speaking with physicians. Self motivated, able to work independently.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Additional training/education in family therapy. Familiarity with dual-diagnosis assessment, treatment and discharge issues across the continuum of services. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with established time constraints and in difficult situations. May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases. Knowledge of universal precautions is a must. Works within and supports a shared governance model. Ability to flex hours and days in order to meet patient care needs.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.