Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Knowledge of patient assessment, family dynamics and treatment interventions.

· Knowledge and utilization of crisis intervention techniques.

· Knowledge of patient rights, advanced directives, adult and child abuse laws, and emergency detention.

· Knowledge of complex patient care planning.

· Leadership and negotiation skills

· Organizational and interpersonal communication skills

· Skill in interacting with multiple individuals with diversified roles and perspectives.

· Knowledge of external review organizations (i.e. Managed Care, Medicare, Medicaid, State gatekeeper for Medicaid).

· Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

· Oral and written communication skills.

· Customer relations skills.

· Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.

· Ability to communicate effectively with patients and co-workers

· Ability to adhere to safety policies and procedures

· Ability to tolerate ambiguity, uncertainty and change.

· Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.

· Ability to work as a team player.

· Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.

· Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

· Ability to recognize the importance of adapting to the various patient age groups (adolescent, adult and geriatric).

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to meet deadlines.

· Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

· Understanding of therapeutic boundaries and ethics in providing care for mentally ill patients.

Physical, Mental, and Special Demands

· Ability to stand or walk up to six hours, sit for up to two hours.

· Ability to spend 20% of the workday outdoors in temperatures varying from 30° F. to 100°F and 80% of the workday indoors in temperatures varying form 60° F. to 85° F.

· Ability to occasionally push/pull wheeled carts from 200lbs. (i.e. crash carts, patient on stretchers or in wheelchairs).

· Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and carry up to 100 pounds.

· Ability to see well enough to read written materials.

· Ability to discern a variety of odors.

· Ability to handle hazardous/infectious waste on an occasional basis.

· Ability to work in an environment where the noise level is frequently high; where chemicals are frequently used in cleaning; where mechanical and electrical hazards may occasionally be present; and where dust, mist and steam are frequently generated in housekeeping tasks.

· Ability and knowledge of how to respond when exposed to blood and body fluids.