BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST-UNLICENSED

Job Title

Essential Job Functions

Completes patient assessments.

Interviews patients/families/significant others at time of initial presentation to complete psychosocial history and assessment.

Documents clinical activities within established time frames according to department, hospital and regulatory agency standards.

Assists the Department's compliance with state, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.

Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.

Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.

Uses computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.

Provides and participates in Educational Activities.

Provides and documents patient/family education.

Processes psychiatric emergencies

Assesses the severity of patient's condition.

Collaborates with psychiatrist to affect a crisis resolution.

Processes commitments.

Obtains authorization/reauthorization/certifications as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.

Refers patients to appropriate treatment facilities.

Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Mental Health Procedures Act.

Attends treatment team meetings.

Functions as an interdisciplinary team member to actively identify and resolve patient needs.

Facilitates discharge planning

Utilizes skilled therapeutic modalities.

Obtains authorizations/reauthorizations for treatment.

Provides peer/treatment team consultation when asked.

Serves as liaison between physician and families and agencies/services.

Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care.

Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process.

Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person centered care.

Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care.

Exhibits a strength-based approach to crisis intervention.

Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families.

Works collaboratively with Peer Support Specialists and other center staff to insure the maintenance of a comfortable, safe, welcoming environment and positive guest experience

Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Required Qualifications/Experience

Master's Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Activity Therapies, Counseling, Education or related fields

Three (3) or more years of experience in mental health direct care

Knowledge of Payor/Insurance Benefits

Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)

Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.

Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics

Ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings.

Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.

Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

Previous experience working in a managed care environment.

Two (2) or more years prior experience in provision of individual and group psychotherapy in a clinical setting.

Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances (please add any additional requirements)

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.

Act 33 with renewal

Act 34 with renewal

Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).

Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.