ACCESS Specialist II

Parkside provides professional purpose, hope, and healing. As a member of our staff, you will be part of a mission-driven team, dedicated to changing lives and changing communities, one patient at a time.

Parkside Psychiatric Hospital & Clinic is a comprehensive mental healthcare system providing acute in-patient care, residential treatment, and outpatient therapy. With a focus on society’s most vulnerable population, Parkside provides world-class mental health services focused on youth, ages 5 to 26. For over 65 years, Parkside’s physicians, therapists, and staff have provided state of the art, patient-centered care that propel families from hopeful to hope-filled. As a center of excellence, we cultivate talent and provide professional purpose. Together we facilitate healing, one patient at a time.

We are currently seeking an Access Specialist II! The Access Specialist II will work to fulfill the role of their position within the scope of their licensure.  Responsible for meeting with prospective persons to evaluate clinical situations, with emphasis on identifying clinical risk factors.  Assists law enforcement, family members and others with the admission process, both voluntary and emergency detentions. Makes referrals to community resources as appropriate. Assigns persons in need of treatment to the appropriate outpatient program and coordinates inpatient admissions through the medical staff.

Duties and Responsibilities include: 

• Completes the Access Intake Screening on assigned patients/clients in a timely fashion. Displays excellent interviewing, diagnostic and report writing skills

• Performs telephone triage duties and provides Access options for individuals seeking services

• Interviews patients/clients, family members and others to identify the precipitating event and degree of disruption that the person is suffering

• Encourages a calm and trusting environment for every individual presenting in crisis 

• Obtains information to minimize the negative, destructive outcome of a crisis experience

• Facilitates the emergency detention process through interview and preparation of appropriate legal documents

• Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient/client, including pediatric,

geriatric and the general population

• Prepares documentation and discusses the individual’s Intake Screening with the admitting physician who provides the admitting diagnosis.  Completes individualized documentation required for the medical record and third party payer sources

• Summarizes the Intake Screening and links patients/clients to the appropriate level of care

• Functions as a patient and family advocate at all times

• Maintaining safety and security of individuals in the department

• Maintains current knowledge of resources available within the community, maintains

supply of resource materials to be distributed to patients when needed. Is able to obtain other resources as needed

• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors

• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient's needs. Is a resource person to facility staff members; is a liaison between patients, referral sources, agencies, schools, etc.

• Possesses the skills of verbal de-escalation and able to avoid power struggles with patients. Sets limits for patients. Ability to provide trauma informed care to all patients and families

• Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments

• Communicates appropriately and clearly to patients, families, and team members. Treats everyone with respect and dignity

• Documentation meets current standards and policies

• Maintains fit for duty. Acts in a professional manner and follows all of Parkside policies and procedures

• Orients new staff members to the unit

• Demonstrates the ability to be organized and flexible, acts appropriately in stressful/emergency situations. Able to provide Handle with Care when needed

• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• Master’s Degree in a behavioral health field or RN/BSN
• Minimum of (1) year experience in a behavioral health setting
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Aggression Management and Trauma Informed, de-escalation training
• Documentation must be cosigned by the appropriate licensed individual

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays

• 401K and match start immediately, and includes a generous match

• Company Paid Life Insurance and Disability and more!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer!