Behavioral Health Clinician, Emergency Dept at South County Hospital – Wakefield, Rhode Island

The primary role of the Behavioral Health Clinician is to provide behavioral health assessments, follow-up interventions, and provide referral to patients and their families in our Emergency Department for dispositional levels of care. In close collaboration with the case management department, other behavioral health clinicians, community health team, home health team and other behavioral health consultants the behavioral health clinician coordinates discharge plans for patients with the multidisciplinary patient care team as well as with external health care organizations and professionals before, during, and after discharge or transfers. The behavioral health clinician will provide behavioral health/substance abuse treatment options, by securing inpatient facility beds, obtain authorizations for patients specifically in the ED as well as the inpatient floors. If higher levels of care are not deemed necessary, behavioral health clinician will provide outpatient, mental health and addiction or step down referrals for patients and families as necessary. The behavioral health clinician will assist case management on the inpatient floors with patients with challenging dispositions and assist with securing placement as well as community resources. The behavioral health assessments require determination as to the need for voluntary versus certifications for levels of care and treatment.

In addition, the behavioral health clinician will assess, develop, and implement plans for psychosocial and behavioral health needs for the Women Newborn Care Unit with maternal and child health resources in collaboration with other behavioral health clinicians, providing cross coverage of services for other behavioral health clinician position during absences, collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to optimize wellness and outcomes for identified patients.

The behavioral health clinician dispositions are based on bio-psycho-social assessments as well as utilizing communication skills to seek information as necessary from providers, community mental health organizations and families to best serve our patients and to enable the behavioral health clinician to address barriers for the total well-being of the patient.

Reports to: Team Lead

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling
• One-year psychiatric facility experience or Emergency Services is preferred
• Two years’ experience of direct clinical experience with adults and/or families providing mental health and substance use counseling and services
• Three to Five years’ experience working in at least one of the following areas: community health setting, integrated behavioral health, acute care services or chronic care management program
• Proficiency in the use of computers, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite and EMR software

Licensure:

• RI State license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) preferred or LCSW working toward independent licensure within 30 months of employment or Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
• Note: If incumbent holds LCSW, the Behavioral Health Clinician will complete all work under the supervision of a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LICSW).

Success Factors

• Broad knowledge of social work practice, population health and clinical practices for adults and families
• Evidence of continuing education and professional development.
• Certification in Chemical Dependency or Substance Abuse Counseling (LCDP) a plus
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to achieve goals
• Able to maintain confidentiality with all aspects of information (including patient data) in accordance with the program’s philosophy and policy, and state and federal regulations. Must handle the most sensitive and confidential matters with the utmost discretion.
• Previous excellence in maintaining customer-focused quality care.
• Excellent interpersonal, prioritization, organizational, time management and critical thinking skills.