A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
a. Conduct and complete initial and follow-up clinical and risk assessments for patients with behavioral health, co-occurring and related behavioral health stressors in the community, in the Emergency Room and other floors within the hospital. b. Formulate provisional dispositions and clinical summaries utilizing/referencing clinical features both in the community and within the hospital settings, following all departmental policies, guidelines and regulatory requirements. c. Completing assessments for substance use concerns and withdrawal, identifying symptoms, patterns and risks d. Provide precise and accurate clinical summaries/reviews with psychiatric providers to development appropriate clinical dispositions e . Formulate after-care plans, assisting patients in navigating the system of care and securing needed follow-up clinical appointments. 02.
Patient Management:
a. Complete de-escalation interventions with patients independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team. b. Complete re-assessments and ongoing clinical interventions for identified treatment targets c. Facilitate and manage transfer to involuntary, voluntary and CCIS units for ongoing care 03.
Documentation:
a. Complete initial crisis evaluations, screening assessments for involuntary commitment, risk assessments, safety plans and clinical reevaluation assessments as consistent with the standards and policies of the department, administrative codes and state agency requirements. b. Documentation is precise, accurate, and meets the standards set by the department and regulatory requirements c. Completed within the required timeframes as noted in departmental policy, guidelines and regulatory requireements d . Manage and completes all required departmental reporting documentation and data collection processes. E. Complete and manage all required legal documentation for involuntary, voluntary and pediatric psychiatric admissions. 04.
Pre-Certification:
Complete all required insurance authorizations and follow- up as needed to obtain coverage for the needed level of care. 05.
Family Intervention:
a. Conduct and document collateral information and reports when clinically indicated. b. Provide family intervention, support and psychoeducation pertaining to the system of care, psychiatric admission, involuntary process and aftercare planning. 06.
Interdisciplinary Professionalism:
a. Collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary care team including, nursing, psychiatric providers, social work, medical providers and peer specialists . b. Maintain professional relationships with external legal and professional agencies involved in the patients care c. Participate in short-term treatment goal planning and aftercare treatment plans. 07.
Quality:
Actively contribute and assist in the completion of departmental quality and safety initiatives 08.
Training :
Enrollment in and completion of, with passing score, of New Jersey Mental Health Basic Screening Certification Series within one year of hire. 09.
Education:
a. Complete assigned departmental competencies and continuing education requirements as assigned and within the timeframe required. b. Maintenance of active NJ Mental Health Certification by completing continued education requirements specifically aproved by the The Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care Technical Assistance Center (UBHC-TAC) 10.
Patient care:
Operate as part of an interdisciplinary team in the emergency department providing direct patient support, interventions and clinical care in coordination with nursing, medical and behavioral health team. 11.
Service Line Support:
Assist and complete assessments, authorizations and discharge planning for additional Crisis sites remotely as requested 12. Collaborate and coordinate with departmental leadership
Required:
1. Master's degree in healthcare or related field. 2.
NJ LSW/LAC
Required 3. At least one year of Crisis experience required. •Current NJ Psychiatric Screening Certification or Immediate eligibility at time of hire may be considered in lieu or LSW/LAC. Minimum of 3 shifts per month, one of which is a weekend is required.
