Emergency Services Intake Counselor - Flex/PRN (11am - 7pm Saturday and Sunday)

Responsibilities Weekend Flex position – Saturday and Sunday (11am – 7pm). Responds to clinical inquiry calls from families or referring professionals and completes crisis assessments, including the ability to assess current risk factors (suicidal, homicidal, psychosis, self‑injurious, substance abuse, etc.), family dynamics, health screen, treatment history, medications, and other relevant factors. Provides appropriate clinical triage, understands basic growth and development needs specific to the age and population served, and oversees the admission process. Ensures compliance with all applicable mental health laws, codes, rules, and regulations. Maintains all data and records regarding the intake and admission process and follows all policies and procedures related to release of information and confidentiality. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team regarding admissions, deflections, bed availability, and other tasks as needed. Must have physical stamina and high energy level to maintain continuity of quality services to children in mental health crises and their families. The role is in an equivalent emergency room environment, fast‑paced, and requires ability to multitask and handle highly stressful situations. Qualifications Education: Master’s Degree required in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related clinical field. Experience: Two years of psychiatric experience preferred. Licensure / Certification: Licensure or eligibility for licensure (LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW) preferred, or Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois preferred. BLS Provider certification through the American Heart Association and CPI certification required upon completion of orientation. BLS Provider and CPI certifications must remain active throughout employment. Knowledge: Thorough understanding of DSM‑V criteria, psychotropic medications, and assessment skills with ability to develop quick and strong clinical rapport. Knowledge of Illinois Confidentiality Act, Illinois Mental Health Code, EMTALA and ILPA processes. Detailed understanding of psychiatric criteria for various levels of care and insurance/benefit verifications. Ability to provide de‑escalation techniques, crisis stabilization, CBT, Trauma‑Informed Care, and Crisis Intervention. Must work cooperatively with hospital staff and community agencies. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Language: Bilingual in both Spanish and English preferred. Supervision Received: Director of Emergency Services, Assistant Director, Lead Clinician and/or Supervisor. Line of Promotion: Lead Clinician or Supervisor. Physical Requirements: Proficient verbal and written communication; physical agility to manage patients; push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds; intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and stooping. Working Conditions & Details Works in the Emergency Services Department, inpatient units, and other areas of the hospital. Exposure to psychiatric patients who may exhibit violent or aggressive behavior, as well as potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood/body fluids, and other hazardous waste. General hospital environment. Job classification: Non‑Exempt. Hours vary based on coverage for 24/7 department and may include day, evening, night, and weekend shifts. Benefits Flex position – no benefits. EEO Statement All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success. #J-18808-Ljbffr Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital