The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The ED Crisis Counselor serves in the capacity of mental health crisis responder, assessor, and discharge planner. Provides social needs referral services to patients/support person(s) as a part of the interdisciplinary care team. Addresses the psycho-social needs and concerns of the patient and support person(s) in planning care, develops resources to meet patient and/or family needs, and provides patient, family and community education. Participates in the development and implementation of appropriate measures of patient care quality and satisfaction. Assesses for pre-death grief and bereavement needs of the patient and family. May facilitate support groups and provide patient/support person(s) /staff education and in-service activities to promote understanding of the psychosocial impact of mental health conditions and resources, de-escalation techniques, and intersection of behavioral health and chronic illness. Position requires floating between Skagit Valley Hospital and Cascade Valley Hospital as needed. Works effectively and cooperatively within the workplace. Location/Department specific tasks and competencies may apply.
Essential Functions
Performs comprehensive assessments on patients, which includes medical, behavioral health psychosocial, functional, vocational and financial information, through interviews with appropriately involved parties.
Determines level of risk to self or to others and grave disability, including need for voluntary versus involuntary psychiatric care and chemical dependency treatment or detox. Assess for need for voluntary versus involuntary psychiatric intervention and contacts the crisis line through Volunteers of America to communicate significant clinical findings and dispatch a designated crisis responder, as appropriate. Arranges for voluntary psychiatric hospitalization, substance use treatment or detox, statewide.
Provide crisis intervention and counseling to reduce emotional, financial, or interpersonal stressors. Responds to trauma & resuscitation codes and provides support and grief work as needed.
Performs family unit risk assessment for newborn and pediatric cases and coordinates safe discharge plans with health care team and community agencies such as maternal child health programs, public health, Child Protective Services and other social agencies. Provides counseling and resource assistance in the event of a perinatal death.
Develops/implements discharge plans with patients, their support system, and payers to achieve a timely and safe discharge. Promotes ED throughput by determining feasibility and timeliness of discharge plans versus admission to hospital bed.
Provides proactive care planning and closed loop communication to ED clinical staff and providers while working to improve ED throughput and safe and appropriate discharge plans.
Assesses for abuse/neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of both children and vulnerable adults and follows mandatory reporting guidelines.
Conducts comprehensive behavioral health assessments. Makes referrals to appropriate services.
Links patients with community resources based on needs, age appropriateness, cultural relevancy, eligibility criteria, and payer source.
Facilitates and/or participates in interdisciplinary care conferences for care planning and goal clarification.
Requests leadership conference, or ethics committee and/or risk management consultation if ethical/legal dilemmas arise.
Maintain ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office (Outlook) and department specific software applications to perform work.
Communicate effectively and cooperatively in the workplace.
Actively contribute to the achievement of Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities.
Complete all mandatory learning requirements in a timely manner.
Attend and actively participate in all department, team and/or committee meetings.
Complies with all SRH Policies and Procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned by leadership team.
Education
Bachelor’s and Master's in related field required.
Experience/Training
Minimum two (2) years of professional paid experience in mental health required. Experience in palliative care, hospice, clinic and/or hospital setting strongly preferred.
License/Certifications
Current Washington State LMHC, LMHCA, LMFT, or LPC license required.
Other Skills
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills required. Ability to practice collaboratively. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment characterized by frequent interruptions and competing priorities. Proven ability to intervene across a broad range of patient, family/support person(s), group and individual dynamics. Demonstrated knowledge of Diversity, Equity and Ethical principles. Demonstrates successful inquiry and referrals for identified Social Determinants of Health. Knowledge of health care regulations, laws, ethics and policies related to applicable healthcare settings. Knowledge of needs assessment, resource identification, acquisition and community resources. Experience in methods application, casework, supervision and training.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; when working in office. Repetitive tasks such as typing, sitting, answering phones, and interacting with computers and computer systems most of the day is a function of the position. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment when in the office.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.