Behavioral Health Specialist, PRN

Job Summary:
The Behavioral Health Specialist primary function is to provide support to patients with psychiatric symptoms who present to the Emergency Department by performing patient screening, psychiatric assessments with treatment recommendations, brief intervention, providing feedback to the providers, and referral to treatment.

Education:
Required:
Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field
BLS completed prior to going to the unit/ department and maintained going forward
De-escalation training

Preferred:
Master's Degree in Social Work or similar field
LMSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT

Experience:
Required:
A minimum of one year experience in the behavioral health field and psychiatric evaluations. Above average ability to use sound clinical judgment and communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats. Willingness to address opportunities for improvement. Ability to be extremely self-directed and able to communicate effectively with professional staff across many disciplines and programs. Ability to provide both brief and comprehensive psychiatric assessments. Knowledge of DSM IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Text Revision) and DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition) diagnostic criteria with ability to effectively formulate cases in diagnostic terms, and strong evidence of community resources.

Preferred:
Ability to compose and present psycho-educational lectures. Familiarity with regulatory and insurance reimbursement issues.

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration:

Department Position Summary:
The Behavioral Health Specialist in the Emergency Room will provide direct patient care through brief and comprehensive assessments. He/She works in support of the Emergency Department providers to evaluate and manage psychiatric and socially complex patients identified by the triage process. The Specialist will perform a psychiatric evaluation of each referred patient and establishes a working DSM-V diagnosis. The Specialist identifies the optimal resources available to meet the ongoing needs of patients and their care givers along the care continuum, educating patients and families of their options and making treatment recommendations to the provider. Performs brief, targeted psychotherapy to appropriate patients to promote change. The assessment and recommendations are documented clearly and completely in the patient record. He/She shares expertise with others and demonstrates an understanding of the need to foster performance improvement while achieving patient/client satisfaction and efficiency. Understands and advocates the value and benefits of psychiatric care and continuity as part of a system of care.

The Behavioral Health Specialist must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the dynamic of the patients served in the ED. The individual must demonstrate knowledge and respect of cultural differences and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific/cultural/social needs. Must demonstrate compassion and knowledge of addiction with a desire to educate/intervene to promote wellness. Arranges for suitable aftercare so that efficient use of hospital resources is realized and patient continuing care needs are met. Assists the MD in overall management of patients with behavioral health needs to provide comprehensive care/support to patients in need. Collaboratively assesses, monitors, evaluates, and records quality outcomes to identify ongoing areas for improvement. Maintains adherence to department standards. Takes responsibility for departmental and organization objectives.

Maintains a pleasant and supportive attitude that fosters effective coordination of care and flow of patients. Serves as a liaison between patients and the providers while creating a safe, comfortable environment. Maintains strict confidentiality guidelines for behavioral health related information. Demonstrates sound work ethic and maintains standards of conduct. Must have the ability to plan time effectively, balance multiple tasks, work within stringent time frames, resolve problems, identify patient service trends, determine system improvements, and implement change. Must be flexible, self-motivated, and adapt to a changing, often intense environment.