Mental Health Evaluator at Westchester Medical Center – Kingston, New York

The Mental Health Evaluator (MHE) is a critical role dedicated to delivering comprehensive, clinically appropriate, culturally competent, and trauma-informed patient behavioral health interventions in the hospital Emergency Department. Responsibilities include conducting psychiatric emergency evaluations, psychiatric consultations, substance use disorder evaluations, psychoeducation, crisis interventions, family/collateral engagement, and coordinating aftercare for patients discharged from the Emergency Department. The MHE ensures adherence to productivity standards, completes all required documentation within set timeframes, and collaborates as an essential member of the interdisciplinary team to maintain high-quality patient care. The MHE reports to the Regional Program Manager for the Crisis Care Division.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Gather relevant psychosocial and diagnostic information using available resources to conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
• Conduct thorough interviews with patients and collateral resources associated with patients.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary Emergency Department and Psychiatry Department teams to determine the appropriate level of care for each patient.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using electronic medical records, online collateral resource applications, and telepsychiatry platforms.
• For patients requiring inpatient psychiatric admission, provide a clinical summary with a clearly identified purpose and need for hospitalization.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all legal statuses for patients and ensure the completion of appropriate legal documentation.
• Ensure patients are familiar with the Patient’s Bill of Rights, legal status, and hospital programs.
• Identify patient needs if being discharged and develop a safe, comprehensive plan for services that promote recovery and prevent readmission.
• Maintain timely and comprehensive documentation of assessments, interventions, discharge planning and communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively, respectfully and effectively with others, and communicate frequently and efficiently with other clinical and administrative staff to coordinate patient care.
• Initiate and maintain communication regarding patient disposition with families, guardians, outpatient providers, education providers, law enforcement, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assess for child and adult abuse, determining the need for reporting and responding accordingly.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Advance Directives and Guardianship proceedings and laws.
• Complete pre-certification of inpatient admissions with managed care companies as required.
• Exhibit cultural competence by providing culturally appropriate assessments and disposition planning.
• Serve as a patient advocate, acting in patients’ best interest and maintaining confidentiality.
• Adhere to hospital and departmental policies and state and federal regulations.
• Orient new staff and students to the role of Mental Health Evaluator.
• Participate in continuing education and complete all mandatory hospital and department trainings.
• Participate in behavioral health and hospital-based Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement programs
• Participate in staff meetings regularly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EXPERIENCE

• At least two years post-graduate experience in a medical, mental health, or human services setting as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, preferred.

EDUCATION

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling from an accredited graduate program.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• New York State Social Work or Mental Health Counseling license required.

OTHER

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to document within an Electronic Medical Record and utilize any necessary online platforms.
• Ability to function within the fast-paced Emergency Department setting, completing evaluations and interventions for patients experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or psychological crisis.