Behavioral Health Clinician

The Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician provides evidence-based, culturally relevant crisis intervention services at Mount Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka for individuals experiencing behavioral, emotional, substance, and mental health disorders. The clinician assesses patients in crisis to determine appropriate levels of care, including involuntary psychiatric hospitalization under Alaska Statute Title 47. This role involves collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, coordination with external agencies, and comprehensive documentation within electronic health records. The clinician also delivers short-term management of mental health and substance use disorders, utilizing trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing techniques. Responsibilities:

• Provide culturally relevant crisis intervention services in emergency and hospital departments.
• Assess individuals in crisis to determine appropriate care levels, including involuntary psychiatric hospitalization under Alaska Statute Title 47.
• Coordinate care with psychiatric hospitals, evaluation facilities, and community social agencies.
• Collaborate actively with the interdisciplinary hospital treatment team including physicians, nurses, social workers, and discharge planners.
• Support patients' families, guardians, and outside treatment providers.
• Deliver short-term management of mental health and substance use disorders using motivational interviewing and bio-psychosocial education.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all services in compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and provider enrollment activities.
• Respond promptly and professionally to coding and audit requests.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Licensure as Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC), or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) preferred; clinical supervision provided for unlicensed clinicians.
• Valid State of Alaska Driver's License or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 3 months of hire.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in mental health, substance use treatment, or behavioral health social services.
• Knowledge of behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and crisis intervention.
• Ability to implement and document Alaska Title 47 involuntary hold procedures.
• Strong skills in risk assessment for suicide, self-harm, and homicide with safety plan development.
• Proficient in electronic health record documentation and regulatory compliance.

• Alaska State Chemical Dependency Counselor I or MAC certificate or equivalent.
• Experience with trauma-informed care approaches.
• SEARHC Clinical Competency certification at 3 months and every 3 years thereafter.

• Work involves crisis intervention in emergency and hospital settings requiring flexibility and responsiveness.
• Must maintain licensure and certifications for duration of employment.
• Adherence to HIPAA and state regulations on patient confidentiality and reporting.
• Participation in ongoing training and competency assessments required.

• Work schedule may include shifts in hospital emergency and other departments; specific shift patterns determined by hospital needs.
• May require availability for urgent crisis interventions and coordination with interdisciplinary teams.