Office Location: Flexible with remote work from home schedule available anywhere in NC; May occasionally need to be present for in-person meetings.

Projected Hiring Range: Depending on ExperienceClosing Date: Open Until Filled

Primary Purpose of Position:

The primary purpose of this position is the initial screening, triage and referral (within the scope of practice) of members who call the 24/7/365 toll free access number seeking behavioral health services or anyone calling in with a crisis situation needing immediate assistance. The Clinician completes the STR, triages/assesses the consumer’s acuity and determines the type and intensity of service that the member needs and is eligible for and links them directly or indirectly with appropriate and available resources within state mandated timelines.

Role and Responsibilities:

Screening, Triage, Referral:

• Initial screening of MH/SU/IDD treatment needs and clinical triage of members calling or walking in; determine if they potentially qualify for services and identify emergent, urgent or routine treatment needs
• Data entry into the electronic record, completion of appropriate forms, explanation of services, offering of provider choice using a slot schedule, managing the electronic wait list, and dispatch and collaboration with the First Responders or Mobile Crisis Management to stabilize acute crises
• Make referrals to clinical homes and crisis providers that meet the timeliness standards as defined by the state
• Provide information about local community resources, independent practitioners, and managed care companies for referrals for basic benefit and enhanced services
• Provide follow up calls to referral sources and members to ensure that they have been successfully engaged in services
• Provide back up and clinical consultation to other Licensed PartnersACCESS Clinicians and to Non-Licensed PartnersACCESS Qualified Specialists
• Support and incorporate Quality Management Principles and URAC requirements into the PartnersACCESS Department and the Partners Health Management organization
• This position demands a high level of accuracy and confidentiality. Information must be handled according to State standards/rules, State and Federal laws and Local Management Entity Standards- Procedures and Policies Protocol

Authorizations:

• Authorize admissions to state hospitals, ADATC, Three Way Hospitals, Level III Detox, Facility Based Crisis and all referrals to crisis services
• Process other acute care authorizations as needed

Automation:

• Screenings are completed using standard and specialized computer programs. The approved screening form is a State designed STR form.
• Inputs accurate information into the system and unlocks electronic service records with appropriate consents, and enters all necessary data elements into MIS system
• Provide technical and clinical assistance to First Responders, clinical home providers, and Mobile Crisis Management

Cooperative Efforts:

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships within the unit, agency, and service system. 
• Consistently demonstrates professionalism, tact and diplomacy in handling irate callers and/or working with contract providers and other external parties
• Participates in Unit Staff meetings, Agency Staff meetings, (All Staff) and assigned committees

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of counseling, social work and/or psychological principles, techniques and practices to treat behavioral health conditions. Specific knowledge includes: mental illness, substance use and intellectual and developmental disability diagnostic categories; individual and family dynamics; brief counseling and intervention techniques; psychiatric medications and their effects; mental health regulations; and an understanding of the North Carolina mental health system of service delivery
• Sound knowledge of MH/SU/IDD in order to determine eligibility for Medicaid and State supported services, appropriateness of referrals for treatment and assessment and the level of danger of the members calling for assistance
• Knowledge of the laws governing the treatment of mental illness, substance use and intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the resources available in the community for treatment
• Working knowledge of Access to Care functions, consumer population, potential for crisis issues, confidentiality laws and program protocols/policies
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, have good keyboarding skills and be able to multi-task (that is: converse while entering screening information into the electronic medical record and evaluating the member’s needs)
• Ability to complete tasks independently, define problems, apply laws, policies and procedures to agency activities and use sound judgment in conducting screening, triage and referral
• Ability to use sound judgment and be able to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with LME/MCO personnel, other professional disciplines, other agencies and the general public
• Ability to provide care management services and technical assistance to both members and providers
• Ability to assist members in highly stressful situations which may be life threatening to the member or public while at the same time facilitating a connection to crisis services and/or 911
• Ability to screen, skillfully triage and refer members to appropriate treatment modality
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Education/Experience Required:

Licensed Clinician or Registered Nurse (RN) and two years of clinical experience in MH/SU/IDD. Must reside in North Carolina or within 40 miles of the NC border.

Licensure/Certification Requirements:

Current unrestricted LCSW, LPC, LPA, LMFT or LCAS licensure with the appropriate professional board of licensure in the state of North Carolina or licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in North Carolina by the N. C. Board of Nursing. Employee is responsible for complying with respective licensure board’s continuing education/ training requirements. An active professional clinical license is required for this position.