POSITION SUMMARY

THIS IS AN ON-CALL POSITION

Psychiatric Assessment Specialist is responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments on clients who require crisis evaluations to determine the appropriate level of care. Completes age-appropriate psychiatric assessments of clients; Provides referrals for those clients who are determined not needing hospitalization and notifies the appropriate persons or referral source of disposition; Completes required documentation, which includes but is not limited to the psychiatric assessment and LOCUS, timely, thoroughly, and legibly.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures that 100% of the calls for the evaluation of an individual are responded to onsite within 90 minutes.
• Completely documents the evaluation prior to departure from the ED 100% of the time.
• Ensures that the assessment includes the prescribed clinical evaluation of the individual.
• Based on the determination of eligibility and clinical evaluation, determines the most appropriate level of care and refers to linkage and outreach services.
• Ensures firm linkage of the individual with the authorization level of care.
• Ensures documentation of the evaluation, recommendations, and disposition outcome for the individual.
• Responsible for the completion of a psychological assessment, including Mental Health Exam, past and present psychiatric history, family history, substance abuse history and suicide risk assessment including ascertaining client's presentation of illness, evaluating client's functional level prior to admission, and determining client’s level of risk
• As indicated and within the confines of confidentiality counsels’ family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients.
• Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.
• Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a master’s degree in Counseling/Social Work/Psychology or an appropriate human service field.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in psychiatric emergency room or crisis intervention and multi-disciplinary setting is preferred.
• The candidate must have a solid understanding of the DSM IV TR criteria for diagnosing Mental Health / Substance Abuse patients and a solid understanding of the Illinois Mental Health Code.
• Knowledge of Community Mental Health, Rule 132, and the Department of Mental Health.
• Must have the ability to formulate the 5 Axis diagnoses and formulate the initial treatment plan.
• Must be able to ascertain client's presentation of illness, evaluate patient's functional level prior to admission and determine the client’s level of risk.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in computer programs, i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe, etc.
• Demonstrate a high degree of skill in problem solving and working effectively with people.
• Must be detail oriented and flexible.
• Ability to communicate effectively and serve as a liaison to primary referral sources, families, team members, school districts, community agencies, and signatory partners.
• Must have good communication skills and team relations to provide accurate handoffs in acute situations.