Behavioral Health Consultant Coordinator

Virtua Health Job Opportunity

At Virtua Health, we exist for one reason – to better serve you. That means being here for you in all the moments that matter, striving each day to connect you to the care you need. Whether that's wellness and prevention, experienced specialists, life-changing care, or something in-between – we are your partner in health devoted to building a healthier community.

Our medical and surgical experts are among the best in the country. We assembled more than 14,000 colleagues, including over 2,850 skilled and compassionate doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners equipped with the latest technologies, treatments, and techniques to provide exceptional care close to home.

A Magnet-recognized health system ranked by U.S. News and World Report, we've received multiple awards for quality, safety, and outstanding work environment. In addition to five hospitals, seven emergency departments, seven urgent care centers, and more than 280 other locations, we're committed to the well-being of the community.

We're also affiliated with Penn Medicine for cancer and neurosciences, and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for pediatrics.

Job Summary

Responsible for the psychosocial assessment and planning, implementation, monitoring and support of patients who have a psychiatric consult through the continuum of care. Also responsible for treatment (in collaboration with the consulting psychiatrist or APN) of patients who have had a psychiatric consultation requested; gathering history from collateral resources to help guide the treatment; interfacing with family, outpatient treatment providers and others to facilitate ongoing treatment if necessary. Will use resources appropriately, maintain compliance and achieve cost effective and positive patient outcomes. Utilizes independent critical thinking and collaborates with multidisciplinary team to address patient's ongoing psychiatric needs while in the hospital; and participates in addressing patient's needs for psychiatric treatment after discharge, so that provision of these needs does not interfere with patient s' timely discharge and ongoing treatment of non-psychiatric medical needs.

Position Responsibilities

Interfaces with psychiatric APN or Physician consultant and treatment team to ensure ongoing psychiatric treatment needs are met while patient is hospitalized. Includes individual therapy and developing/implementing behavioral treatment plans when indicated. In collaboration with the psychiatric APN or Physician, consult coordinator maintains appropriate and complete documentation of psychiatric follow-up, behavioral health treatment interventions, and transitional planning for behavioral health needs.

Provides education on available psychiatric resources and processes, as well as strategies for utilizing or gaining access to psychiatric resources with treatment team (including Outcomes Management).

Serves as patient advocate for care and resources. Knowledgeable of public and private welfare and health agencies available to serve the community from a behavioral health/psychiatric perspective. Acts as a liaison with behavioral/psychiatric community hospital, health and social service agencies.

Works to identify opportunities to treat Behavioral Health patients more effectively:

Participates in hospital wide Safety Huddles, Behavioral Huddles, Golden Ticket Meetings, Route Cause Analysis and other collaborative communication with both nursing staff, nurse leaders, physicians and other health care providers. Work within the system, under direct management, to identify opportunities to develop guidelines and protocols; work on developing proactive approaches to patient care.

Position Qualifications Required

Required Experience:

A preferred minimum of three years' experience treating psychiatric patients in either outpatient or inpatient setting (LCSW preferred); and at least one year medical social work experience (inpatient) OR a BSN in Nursing with at least one year experience working in a general hospital setting and preferred three years of working with behavioral health patients.

(Applicants with three years' clinical/nursing experience outside of psychiatry are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.)

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, problem solving, organization and conflict resolution. Demonstrates competence in providing psychosocial counseling with individuals and families. Ability to understand medical terminology and communicate effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds. Familiarity with common presentations of psychiatric syndromes in a general medical setting (e.g. depression, psychosis, substance abuse, delirium).

Required Education:

Minimum education of Bachelor in Nursing Degree and/or Master's Degree in Social Work.

Training / Certification / Licensure:

Current State of New Jersey Social Worker License. Licensed Clinical Social Worker preferred. Licensed Clinical Social Worker required within 2 years of hire.

Current State of New Jersey Nursing License.

Annual Salary: $79,719 - $123,934 The actual salary/rate will vary based on applicant's experience as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Virtua offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including, but not limited to: medical/prescription, dental and vision insurance; health and dependent care flexible spending accounts; 403(b) (401(k) subject to collective bargaining agreement); paid time off, paid sick leave as provided under state and local paid sick leave laws, short-term disability and optional long-term disability, colleague and dependent life insurance and supplemental life and AD&D insurance; tuition assistance, and an employee assistance program that includes free counseling sessions. Eligibility for benefits is governed by the applicable plan documents and policies.