Mobile Crisis Specialist-VA - Full Time

TITLE: Mobile Crisis Specialist - VA

SUMMARY:  Responsible for clinical assessment of clients during acute behavioral health episodes in community-based locations.  Responsible for providing, coordinating or managing treatment options for clients in emergent situations across the service continuum from least restrictive to most secure alternatives.  Responsible for making independent decisions to ensure client and public safety.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:  Two approved educational categories currently exist to perform this job. These three structures are the result of changes to the Code of Virginia related to minimal requirements.

• Category 1 is a Bachelor’s degree. Persons with a Bachelor’s degree in a human service field and are QMHP or Eligible
• Category 2 is a RN. This category is open to RNs with Associate’s and/or Bachelor’s degrees. Three years’ experience in mental health is required for eligibility for new applicants. Nurses already designated as a prescreener may continue in their role.

Certification: Preferred Certified Preadmission Screener (CPAS).  QMHP or QMHP-E is required.

Experience: Experience in crisis counseling and intervention techniques is required.

Knowledge/Skills: Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations.  Verbal and written skills. Ability to work with professionals from other disciplines

EQUIPMENT:

Computer, fax, copier and other equipment to perform functions of job.  Automobile for crisis episodes off program premises. 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct mobile crisis services with individuals and/or family members in various settings to obtain information critical to the treatment of emergent mental health conditions, provide written documentation of assessments and interviews and exercise good judgment in evaluating emergent clients and implementing effective strategies.
2. Formulate an accurate DSM diagnosis based on information obtained.
3. Provide assessment, service planning, crisis counseling, linkage, advocacy and referral for referred clients.
4. Provide written documentation to complete all necessary crisis assessments and referrals. 
5. Maintain client confidentiality according to Frontier Health policy and applicable state and federal statutes.
6. Remain current and proficient in knowledge of community resources and emergency service procedures.
7. Participate in all required inservice training from Frontier Health, DBHDS, and other sources.
8. Provide consultation and education services to community partners, as requested.
9. Must have transportation and drive to crisis appointments.
10. All other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the organization’s mission, vision, and values of excellence and competence.
2. Exercise necessary cost control measures
3. Implement decision making processes that include the least restrictive treatment and most appropriate treatment milieus.
4. Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively, and clarifying when needed.
5. Plan and organize work to be on site as requested within two hours and return calls for service within 10 minutes.
6. Demonstrate reliability by arriving to work on time and using effective time management.
7. Demonstrate teamwork and be willing to promote a team environment.
8. Represent Frontier Health professionally at all times.
9. Demonstrate initiative and strive to continually improve processes and relationships with community partners.
10. Follow all Frontier Health rules, policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws and standards