Behavioral Health Social Worker MSW, Inpatient

The Behavioral Health Assessment Specialist's' role is to assess Behavioral Health patients within the Emergency Department and/or Hospital setting. Under the supervision of the Psychiatry Medical Director or designee, the clinical Behavioral Health Assessment Specialist performs comprehensive mental health assessments pursuant to established and approved protocols requiring the exercise of independent clinical judgment and responsibility. They are to perform a structured face-to face Behavioral Health assessment that determines the needs of the individual patient. They serve as an integral partner in assessing the needs of the BH patient and effectively coordinate the care with the other partners involved in the patients' care.
This is accomplished specifically through the following duties and responsibilities and other duties as assigned.

• Performs a structured Behavioral Health Assessment or evaluation for admission, gathering information i.e. Suicide risk, Alcohol and other drug history, mental health history and any other relevant items to determine appropriate level of care and disposition.
  
• Utilizes the information found in the thorough assessment to determine recommendations for an appropriate care level.
  
• Communicates and interfaces consistently with the Emergency or medical floor staff and the attending physician, to determine the appropriate dispositional planning of the patient.
  
• Consults with Behavioral Health Physician or BH staff to determine the level of acuity and treatment indicated for the patient.
  
• Coordinates care and navigates the dispositional planning either with Mercyhealth programs or makes appropriate referrals to other entities/programs or community agents associated with the patient.
  
• Follows the patient and assists with the process until there is a "successful acceptance" of the patient for appropriate level of services within Mercyhealth, or the community.
  
• Communicates the plan for disposition and/or interfaces with affected family members that are present with the Behavioral Health patient.
  
• Documents thoroughly in the electronic medical record the Assessment and the rationale for the dispositional plan of care.
  
• Serves as a liaison, consultant and educator when possible to staff within the system, to enhance the assessment skills of other staff members regarding the Behavioral Health patient. Additionally, may be called upon to speak in public, conduct in-service training or assist in the orientation of new hires.
  
• Maintains excellent knowledge of community resources for behavioral health patients. Is consistently looking for new resources within communities for appropriate dispositional planning.
  
• Work location: would report to the emergency Department as the primary work location and assignment.
  

Licensure preferred. Or: Person is working actively on a plan toward obtaining clinical hours and state licensure as a LCSW, LMFT, LPC, PhD Psychologist or NP.

TACT certification within 90 days
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days
Maintain a valid driver license-preferred

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Function of the position with or without accommodations.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; use hands to handle, finger and feel; and reach. The employee must exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by this job include frequent close vision. Occasional distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Assist with TACT in emergency situations.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.