Emergency Department Mental Health Provider

Position Summary:

The Emergency Mental Health Provider (EMHP) is the primary evaluator of patients in the emergency department (ED) who need behavioral health assessment based on screening results or on presenting behavioral health concerns identified by the nursing staff at triage. The EMHP completes psychological evaluations, triage, and brief crisis interventions including suicide risk assessment, substance use disorder assessment and safe disposition related to behavioral health needs. The EMHP administers rating scales and collects and tracks patient reported outcomes measures for patients in the hospital ED. The EMHP provides training on trauma informed care practices through consultation, attending meetings, and as reflected in patient care notes. The EMHP is expected to collaborate with staff and providers and defers to the Designated Crisis Responder when appropriate based on severity of patient issues or for second opinions.

Responsibilities:

Behavioral health assessment and treatment planning

• Completes brief psychological evaluation, assessment, and triage for patients with mental health crises, mental health issues, or substance use/abuse issues seen in the emergency department to facilitate next steps in resolving the presenting issue or moving to a higher level of care
• Provides clinical, collateral, and psychosocial information to providers and staff to be used in treatment and disposition determination by provider
• Applies brief evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, PTSD, agitation, etc.
• Makes clear recommendations for next steps to patients and their significant support systems to promote continuity of care or to facilitate referrals for ongoing treatment and safe discharge.

Discharge planning

• Develop and implement appropriate discharge plans for patients with mental health and/or substance use disorders to ensure a smooth and appropriate transition to the next level of care
• Identify specific individual and systemic barriers to discharge and coordinate with medical staff to address issues for a safe discharge in the timeliest manner possible.
• Recommend referrals to departmental clinics and/or community agencies for services as needed to facilitate discharge
• Provide psychoeducation including naloxone training when indicated to patients and their families.

Collaboration with agency and community partners

• Coordinates assessments and discharge plans with other disciplines, physicians, nurses, patients, families, DCRs, peer counselors, and providers
• Develop relationships with community partners, including court personnel, law enforcement, hospitals, and other resources and communicate pertinent information as appropriate to facilitate patient care
• Participates in multidisciplinary case conferences to improve the coordination of care for patients who are frequent users of the emergency department and/or other community providers

Completes required documentation in compliance with agency policies

• Ensures that proper treatment and referral protocols are followed with respect to child abuse, elder abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, consultation with specialty clinics, and referrals.
• Documents interventions, progress notes, and other required documentation in patients’ electronic health record in compliance with department and hospital policy. 
• Complies with all Catholic Charities policies and procedures involving access to and safeguarding of client Protected Health Information in all forms
• Responsible for upholding a culture of privacy and security in a highly confidential work environment

Other duties

• Attends meetings, supervisions, patient staffings, and other events as requested
• Trains staff and providers in behavioral health diagnoses, specific care needs, other assigned topics, and trauma informed care.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

The following requirements are those that are normally required for performance of this position.  Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet one or more of the physical requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirements.

Physical Requirements:

This position normally requires the physical demands of standing, walking, bending, lifting or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking and hearing on a regular basis to perform the job requirements.  These physical demands are required up to 80% of the time.  Position also requires ability to drive with adequate vision.

Non-Physical Requirements:

Qualifications hired at the MHP level: $84,800 - $95,400 per year (exempt)

• Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), Marriage & Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA), Independent Clinical Social Work Associate (LICSWA), or Licensed Agency Affiliated Counselor (LAAC) in Washington State

Qualifications for candidates hired at the Licensed level: $90,100 - $100,700 per year (exempt)

• Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), Independent Clinical Social Work (LICSW) license in Washington State

Minimum requirements for all candidates:

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, marriage & family therapy, or a related field leading to eligibility for clinical licensure
• Two years of experience providing mental health or substance use treatment preferred
• Prior experience with crisis stabilization preferred
• Completion of HCA sponsored Trauma Informed Care, De-escalation Techniques, and Harm Reduction training.  
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and minimum required liability insurance for WA State
• Must be deemed insurable as determined by Catholic Charities liability insurance provider
• Communicate effectively and participate in both verbal and physical de-escalation techniques.
• Comfortable working in a stressful, constantly changing environment
• Interact effectively with diverse individuals of differing cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles, values, and religious practices.
• Knowledge of age-specific principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental health and substance use disorders.
• Competence providing cognitive and behavioral interventions within an emergency department.
• Ability to be self-motivated, work independently and as a team member
• Ability to represent the agency in a professional manner within the community
• Bilingual English & Spanish preferred

Employment is conditional upon:

• Being cleared by criminal background check and fingerprinting when required
   

Work Schedule: Tuesday - Friday, 7:00am - 6:00pm
Wage Range: $84,800 - $100,700 per year, depending on experience and credentials
Benefits: 

• 13 paid holidays, 12 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave per year
• Health insurance including medical & prescription coverage, with optional dental and vision insurance plans. Majority of premiums paid by Catholic Charities
• Retirement 403(b) Plan: employee contributions commence upon employment; Catholic Charities contributes 2% of monthly income and matches up to 4% of employee contributions following 6 months of employment
• Basic Life Insurance paid 100% by Catholic Charities
• Flexible Spending Account eligibility following 6 months of employment
• Education Assistance Program reimbursing up to $5,250 per year for approved continuing education after 6 months of employment
• Additional voluntary insurances including supplemental life, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), critical illness, long term disability, accident, and ID theft
• Employee Assistance Program includes 3 counseling sessions per year, legal consultations, financial coaching, and other wellbeing tools
• Annual longevity awards begin at 5 years of employment

It is the practice of Catholic Charities to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, citizenship status, marital status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, sexual orientation, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Applicants from underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We gladly offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to support participation in the hiring process and employment.

Salary : $84,800 - $100,700