HRDI-Psychiatric Assessment Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Psychiatric Assessment Specialist is responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments on clients who require crisis evaluations to determine the appropriate level of care. Completes age-appropriate psychiatric assessments of clients; Provides referrals for those clients who are determined not needing hospitalization and notifies the appropriate persons or referral source of disposition; Completes required documentation, which includes but is not limited to the psychiatric assessment, timely, thoroughly, and legibly.

JOB DUTIES

1. Ensures that 100% of the calls for the evaluation of an individual are responded to onsite within one hour/60 minutes.
2. Completely document the evaluation prior to the department from the Emergency Department.
3. Ensures that the assessment includes the prescribed clinical evaluation of the individual.
4. Based on the determination of eligibility and clinical evaluation, determines the most appropriate and available level of care and secures authorization for same.
5. Ensures firm linkage of the individual with the authorization level of care.
6. Ensures documentation of the evaluation, recommendations and disposition outcome for the individual.
7. Responsible for the completion of a psychological assessment, including Mental Health Exam, past and present psychiatric history, family history, substance abuse history and suicide risk assessment including ascertaining client's presentation of illness, evaluating client's functional level prior to admission and determining client’s level of risk
8. Provide billable Medicaid services to all assigned clients;
9. Assure the participation of team members, the individual, the guardian, the family and necessary; professionals in the treatment process, unless the individual is not legally disabled and does not desire the involvement of the family or the family refuses to participate;
10. As indicated and within the confines of confidentiality counsels family members to assist them in understanding, dealing with, and supporting clients.
11. Meet with families, probation officers, police, and other interested parties to exchange necessary information during the assessment process.
12. Refer patients, clients, or family members to community resources or to specialists as necessary.
13. Provide intensive stabilization, assessment, crisis intervention and case management;
14. Participate in all required training as offered in the mental health division;
15. Ensure that client records are maintained in accordance with Section 115.300(I);
16. Prepare and maintain all required records and reports;
17. Learn about new developments in their field by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, and establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.
18. Actively discuss with individual clients their plans for life after successful discharge from the program.
19. Gather information about community mental health needs and resources that could be used in conjunction with therapy.
20. Collaborate with designated county agencies to ensure consumers’ stability in the home; and
21. Assist, guide, and refer consumers to other resources, as needed.
22. Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment;
23. Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters Degree in Social Work/Psychology or an appropriate human service field;
• A minimum of three years experience in psychiatric emergency room or crisis intervention and multi-disciplinary setting is preferred.
• The candidate must have a solid understanding of the DSM IV TR criteria for diagnosing Mental Health / Substance Abuse patients and a solid understanding of the Illinois Mental Health Code.
  Knowledge of Community Mental Health, Rule 132 and the Department of Mental Health;
• Must have the ability to formulate the 5 Axis diagnoses and formulate the initial treatment plan.
• Must be able to ascertain client's presentation of illness, evaluate patient's functional level prior to admission and determine the client’s level of risk.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in computer programs, i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe,etc;
• Demonstrate a high degree of skill in problem solving and working effectively with people.
• Must be detail oriented and flexible.
• Ability to communicate effectively and serve as a liaison to primary referral sources, families, team members, school districts, community agencies, and signatory partners.
• Must have good communication skills and team relations to provide accurate handoffs in acute situations.