Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Department: Behav Hlth Consult Prof Svcs

Position is located: Mercy Fore River

Work Type: PRN

Hours Per Week: 8.00

Work Schedule: Variable

Summary:

The Behavioral Health Consult team is critical to the mission and values of Northern Light Health. The team is under the leadership of the VP of Mission Integration. Under the clinical and administrative supervision of the Director of the Behavioral Health Consult Service the Behavioral Health Social Worker is available for requests from the Emergency Department and the medical/surgical units of the organization to assess the emotional, social and environmental needs of patients across the lifespan. The incumbent provides mental health and/or substance misuse assessments, brief counseling, information, and community resource referrals. The social worker is responsible for negotiating and advocating for the most appropriate, least restrictive services for the patient. Serves as a liaison to community resource programs and assists with coordination of services between area providers. The Social Worker models a multidisciplinary approach to providing quality patient care and routinely involves Behavioral Health Nurse Practitioners, Psychiatrists and all pertinent internal and external providers in developing treatment and discharge plans. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position. In addition, the incumbent conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Northern Light Health.

Responsibilities:

• A minimum of two (2) years experience is required in a healthcare related field with a demonstrated knowledge of community resources and skill in assisting people to make major decisions while acutely or chronically ill.
• Hospital experience is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required as the incumbent interacts with a variety of patients, families and hospital caregivers and agencies exterior to the hospital.
• While operating within the multidisciplinary team, must have the judgement and initiative to act as a catalyst in the planning for on-going patient and family care needs.
• Must have a high level of analytical and problem solving skills to assess and evaluate patient condition and to resolve psychosocial issues of varied levels of complexity.
• Must be highly accountable for the accurate and timely assessment and documentation of patient care needs as well as maintaining the continuity of care coverage and for safely handling highly confidential patient information.

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Credentials

• Required Licensed Clinical Social Wkr

Education

• Required Master's Degree

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
• Potential exposure to diseases or infections.
• Potential exposure to hazardous materials.
• Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable.
• Potential exposure to noxious odors.
• Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.
• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.