Behavioral Health Crisis Clinician

Description

The Organization :

Lowell Community Health Center (Lowell CHC) is a community-based health care organization. Our programs have been recognized as national models. With a career at Lowell Community Health Center, you will be joining a dynamic team of passionate and talented people.

SUMMARY : The Masters Level Licensed BHS Clinician provides urgent consults and assessments to adult and adolescent LCHC patients.

Essential Functions :

• Provide Behavioral Health Services in patient's native language using co-counseling model in collaboration with bicultural mental health worker, contracted interpreter or telephone interpreter services.
• Provide consultation to medical providers on behavioral health issues (mental health and substance use), as well as collaborating with them in the holistic care of the patient.
• Evaluating and assessing LCHC patients in acute crisis on the medical floors and providing recommendations and follow-up care actions to the patient and medical provider.
• Providing crisis intervention in cases of patients with suicidal or homicidal ideation including consultation to medical staff and assisting in sending patient to ED if necessary.
• Provide follow up sessions in the primary areas of PTSD and depression, but may also include anxiety, grief, domestic violence, relationship difficulties, parent-child problems, acculturation issues or serious mental illnesses.
• Complete all clinical documentation in Epic per Health Center standards.
• Ensure clinical documentation meets medical necessity.
• Meet direct care standards as determined by BHS Department.
• Complete mandatory reporting including, as needed, reporting of abuse and / or neglect of children, the elderly or the disabled,
• Initiate referrals for Substance Abuse treatment, coordination of services and on-going case management of complex cases (including working with DCF and the Courts).
• Collaborate and initiate referrals to the BHS care coordinator for identified resources for patients, offer referrals to outside agencies for treatment and / or concrete services facilitate use of outside services.
• Actively participate in BHS team meetings and community meetings as necessary / appropriate.

Knowledge and experience :

Master's Degree and relevant mental health license required. Candidate needs to demonstrate an ability to work with non-English speaking patients through collaboration with an interpreter including ability to appreciate and work with cultural differences. Candidate must possess skill in working with multi-problem clients with mental health & substance abuse issues, particularly those in acute crisis. Knowledge of State laws in relation to filing of mandated reports. Ability to work in a fast-paced atmosphere with challenging clients. Demonstrate good organizational and collaborative skills.

Judgment and Independent Action :

The clinician is responsible for performing an initial assessment of the patient and follow-up action. Evaluates needs and plans interventions accordingly. Performs clinical work independently and also in collaboration with interdisciplinary treatment team. Evaluates emergency situations and acts appropriately to intervene in accordance with legal requirements and Code of Ethics. Requires emotional maturity, critical thinking skills and initiative.

Accountability :

Maintains accountability for her / his practice in accordance with the mission of the Health center, professional ethics and licensure requirements, including maintaining patient confidentiality as appropriate. Participates in the annual performance evaluation by the supervisor. Participates in monthly clinical supervision, when necessary, with assigned Licensed Clinician and consults with him / her as necessary at other times.

Interrelationships

Works as a team member in the Clinic and actively communicates with other Health Center providers and staff as well as outside agencies. Initiates interdisciplinary discussions as necessary to improve patient care and resolve patient issues.

Professional Behavior and Development :

Attends continuing education workshops / conferences to obtain required number of CEUs for licensure as required. Remains flexible in meeting the changing needs and expectations of the clinic and / or department. Actively participates in staff and committee meetings as required. Availability for some evening hours required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

1. Frequent standing and walking for up to 80% of the work day or shift.

2. Some lifting, pushing or pulling required up to 30 pounds.

3. Ability to see and distinguish color.

4. Ability to perform CPR (chest compressions).

Non Essential Functions :

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Frequent contact with patients, families, visitors, nurses and other department staff. Occasional requests to change work areas to cover another priority area to meet patient needs. Occasional stress and pressure caused by multiple simultaneous demands. May be exposed to various body fluids and / or infectious diseases. Universal precautions and techniques are included in orientation and the availability of protective wear is supported and encouraged when the employee is at risk for exposure.

SCOPE OF VISION

The licensed clinician may be asked to supervise an intern or other member of the BHS clinical staff.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Current license as an LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW- Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC required.