Psychiatric Crisis Therapist I

Job Description/Major Responsibilities:

• Provides crisis intervention, brief psychotherapy, triage, resource development and disposition recommendations for behavioral health patients of the Emergency Department and Medical Center via both in person and via telehealth as indicated by site.
• Provides direct specialized care with patients who have been identified as needing psychological assessment or interventions beyond the scope of general patient care practice, including assessment of patients’ mental status, psychosocial stressors, level of functioning, risk, support systems, strengths and needs.
• Provide ongoing rounding, counsels patients utilizing solution focused therapy and utilizes problem solving collaboratively with patient to stabilize condition/crisis.
• Uses short-term crisis intervention techniques and/or referrals to other support services to support patients and families dealing with acute emotional distress, addictions, grief, loss, disability and traumatic lifestyle changes.
• Develops discharge and safety plan in direct consultation with patient, family, physician and health care team. Coordinates arrangements to implement plan.
• Facilitates admission process to inpatient psychiatric unit (site specific).
• Ensure patients are pre-certified for recommended level of care.
• Communicates with staff and physicians of the Emergency Department, medical unit, Behavioral Health Services and/or human service agencies to obtain all relevant patient information, refers patients and consults with other staff regarding patient progress to provide optimum patient care.
• Participate in unit meetings, trainings related to departmental changes or enhancements and education.
• Adheres to relevant state and federal guidelines governing patient care and treatment of sensitive information, particularly the Illinois Developmental Disability and Mental Health Code, the Illinois Confidentiality Code, HIPPA and EMTALA.
• Ability to flex hours within the department and cross train to related job roles/duties to meet the needs of the department.
• Ensure accurate data collection for billing, the management information system, and other purposes in accord with organizational policies and procedures.

Licensure :

• LSW, LPC minimum
• Candidates without licensure but preparing for licensure may be eligible, but hiring would be contingent upon receiving minimum licensure within an established time at point of hire.
• LCSW/LCPC encouraged to apply and would be considered for Level 2.

Education/Experience Required :

• Master's Degree in behavioral health sciences or related field with a minimum of two years’ experience in a mental health or related setting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required :

• Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations with strong interpersonal skills; knowledge of techniques to de-escalate aggressive behavior. High tolerance for emotionally stressful situations sometimes encountered daily with psychiatric and substance abuse patients
• Risk assessment, psychotherapy and family/group treatment skills, and knowledge of behavioral health referrals and resources.
• Knowledge of DSM-V diagnostic categories.
• Knowledge and education on the typical development related to the lifespan (i.e., normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs or normal aging, prior experience with various age groups is preferred.)
• Basic computer and typing skills; Organization and time management skills.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions :

• Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations; May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases; Knowledge of universal precautions a must. Works within and supports a shared governance model. Is customer focused. Transporting patients may be required. May at times come in contact with violent and may be involved in restraining patients.
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.