Crisis Counselor I/II/III Regional Geriatric Team

Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

JOB SUMMARY:

The Crisis Counselor I/II/III Regional Geriatric Team (Crisis Mobile Response) provides support to regional state hospital discharges to nursing facilities for up to 180 days post discharge. This position also provides support to local nursing homes to support geriatric diversions from hospitalization and includes rotating 24/7 on-call coverage. Makes contacts with hospital staff, treatment teams, and nursing home in order to coordinate service provision. Provides counseling services and referral and linkage activities to provide wrap around services to geriatric population at risk for hospitalization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the services, programs, and populations served as well as the principles and practices applicable to behavioral health; knowledge of clinical issues pertaining to the need for geriatric individuals with mental health diagnosis at risk of hospitalization or ready for discharge from state hospital.
• Develop relationships with nursing home staff and provide support and guidance related to managing behavioral disorders. Coordinate regional hospital liaison services with Community Service Boards (CSBs) and the DBHDS Community Integration Office.
• Provide liaison and counseling services to at-risk geriatric population throughout the region.
• Follow established discharge protocols involving barriers to discharge, needs upon discharge, coordination of transportation, and initial referrals. In conjunction with the hospital treatment team and community services board staff, formulate a discharge plan in collaboration with the nursing home. Provide at least six (6) months of supports to the nursing home.
• Meet with individuals and their families/guardian who have been admitted to the state hospital to assist in developing a comprehensive discharge plan.
• Provide ongoing support to nursing homes and other facilities supporting at-risk geriatric individuals.
• Attend meetings for a variety of purposes, such as regional liaison meetings, treatment team meetings when needed, and daytime crisis meetings in order to improve the service delivery system.
• Maintain recordkeeping through electronic health record appropriate to the needs of individuals served in accordance with regulatory standards. This involves admissions, progress notes, and treatment plans.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Thorough knowledge of the services, programs, service providers and population characteristics served by Region 3. Thorough knowledge of behavioral health interventions and strategies to assist with geriatric individuals.
• Excellent knowledge, skills, and abilities in word processing, spreadsheets, and database systems, including knowledge of consumer management information systems (e.g., clinical record management and reimbursement billing functions).
• Good knowledge, understanding, and sensitivity to issues of persons affected by serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Good knowledge of the behavioral healthcare delivery system for the region. Good skill and ability in relating to and coordinating with other health/human service agencies.
• Ability to work independently yet function effectively as a team member with multiple supervision and stakeholder guidance (e.g., Regional Management Group, CSBs, or State Facility Leadership, etc.) and with liaisons and emergency teams in the region.
• Ability to set priorities and effectively manage time and projects.
• Ability to creatively develop solutions and strategies to resolve healthcare system issues/barriers for consumers.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals including consumers, family members, staff, referral sources, and the general public.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of behavioral health treatment modalities and counseling approaches.
• Knowledge of DSM V criteria.
• Knowledge and skill regarding needs assessment, program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of behavioral health confidentiality guidelines.

Job Requirements

Grade 12 (Counselor I):

Bachelor's degree and/or currently enrolled in a clinical Master's program from an accredited college or university in a human services related field or healthcare administration required.

Grade 14 (Counselor II):

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate degree in a human services-related field or healthcare administration is required with the experience level listed above.

Grade 15 (Counselor III):

Licensed Mental Health Professional with the experience level list above.

At least one year experience working with geriatric or mental health population is preferred. Valid Driver's license with a safe driving record.