Behavioral Health Specialist - FT

Licensure or other certifications: Licensure at Associate level required within 6 months of hire

Educational Requirements: Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related field that meets the requirements for licensure in the state of Georgia

Minimum Experience: One (1) to three (3) years interview and assessment experience with patients having psychiatric, emotional, or chemical dependency problems

Other:

Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

Preferred Educational Requirements:

Preferred Experience:

Other:

Communication skills

Positive interpersonal skills

Ability to gather data and come up with clinically sound disposition for patient being assessed

Ability to interview, gather data, and facilitate disposition

Ability to function with independence and autonomy, following proper protocol and procedure

Provides assessments for mental health and chemical dependency patients. Conducts mental health and chemical dependency assessments in ER, NGMC Floor, or Laurelwood lobby (and other areas as designated) in an exceptionally responsive manner following the established protocol. Reviews all intake assessments on a daily basis to ensure that the triage protocol was followed. Attends intake supervision/staff meetings for the purpose of in-service, communication and problem solving. Clinical interviews are indicated by accurate and thorough assessments. Responds appropriately to all intake calls and request of Laurelwood staff with assistance of intake backup calls. Conducts pre-certification as needed with all payer sources. Routes all paperwork regarding pre-certification to the appropriate parties. Pre-certification includes voluntary and involuntary admission. Can operate independently, following proper protocol and procedures. All information regarding intake calls, assessments and other documentation is logged and paperwork completed and filed in the appropriate location. Maintains individual assessment files (assessment record, ER sheet, voluntary form, 1013, 2013, transfer summary, etc.) to ensure coverage for risk management issues. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, referents, the North Georgia Medical Center and Laurelwood clinical and medical staff. Referral communications worksheet is completed on all admissions, voluntary or involuntary and routed to the appropriate area. Contacts all referents to inform of disposition, even if assessment is not an admission.

Maintains appropriate records of patient intake. Reviews all intake records daily to ensure proper information has been recorded. Responsible for checking email on a daily basis to keep current with all job related communications. Monitors monthly intake assessments obtained by the intake staff to ensure that the standards of care for each patient are met.

Participates in quality assurance for the department. Randomly documents staff’s knowledge of Department Policies and Procedures through QA monitoring procedures. Implements a process for monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of the department. Attends all Performance Improvement meetings to help take part in evaluating data, problem, solving, taking action, follow-up and documentation of activities. Maintains knowledge of all current policies and procedures and know where to access these policies and procedures for clarification if needed.

Other duties as assigned. Maintains adequate supplies.

Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

Vision: Moderate, Constantly 66-100% of time

Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

Standing/Walking: Occasionally 0-30%

Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%

Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding