Extended Observation Unit Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

CLASSIFICATION : Mental Health Professional IV

SALARY RANGE: $38,503 - $58,587

SUPERVISOR: Carastar Crisis Center Director

This is responsible, professional work as a clinical administrator supervising the Extended Observation Unit of the Carastar Crisis Center.  This unit is a 16 bed, voluntary unit with a short-term length of stay, housed within the Carastar Crisis Center.  

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

Supervise the overall operations of the Carastar Crisis Center’s Extended Observation Unit.

Function as a support agent to all clients on the unit, supervising their day-to-day activities in accordance with the established schedule and procedures of the unt.

Monitor length of stay within the unit, ensuring that estimated lengths of stay are not exceeded.

Monitor the discharge plans for all consumers, ensuring that referrals are made with plans for follow-up.

Ensure the data elements needed for outcomes analysis are collected and reported.

Serve as liaison to community, stakeholders, first responders, and other referring agencies, providing education and information as needed.  

Coordinate with the scheduling coordinator and other direct supervisor(s) for ensure 24- hour staff coverage of the unit.

Ensure that the unit is operating according to life safety standards, Medicaid standards, DMH standards, and any other agency of oversight.  

Assist the psychiatrist and physician in monitoring clients receiving medications, ordering supplies and medications as needed.

Assist in evaluating the clients' general medical and mental status.

Provide emergency assessment regarding clients' mental status.

Responsible for contacting the doctor when any significant change in client medication and/or care is indicated.

Responsible for completing all forms and paperwork required by the Agency.

Provide 24/7 on-call coverage for the unit.  

Participate in training activities to increase skills in and knowledge of methods and techniques used in the care of psychiatric clients and the use and effects of psychotropic drugs.

Document all services in the Electronic Health Record.

Ensure all staff are performing their duties according to job descriptions and inform other direct supervisors of any observed deficiencies.  

Monitor staff productivity.

Conduct staff evaluations.

Ensure all staff vacancies are filled.

Coordinate consumer care with Temporary Observation Unit Coordinator and overall Center Director. 

Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of principles, techniques and standards of behavioral health care.

Knowledge of individual and group behavior with emphasis on behavioral health.

Knowledge of psychotropic drugs.

Ability to relate warmly to clients.

Ability to recognize in clients any adverse reactions to medication.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors Degree in a related field from a recognized college or university with a clinical practicum, plus two years’ post Bachelors’ experience in a direct service functional area

OR Master’s degree in a related field.  Masters preferred.  

Must be certified upon hire in CPI, Red Cross First Aid and CPR certificate. Must meet approval requirements of Medicaid for approved Medicaid Provider Status.

Must hold and maintain a valid Alabama driver’s license. Must have and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the agency insurance carrier. Must maintain liability coverage on personal vehicles.