Major Responsibilities: Direct Service: Provides crisis intervention, behavioral health assessment, psychosocial support, telephone screening, and referral services. 1)Conducts assessment of patient's mental status, psychosocial stressors, level of functioning, support systems, strengths and needs through the use of clinical interview and the consulting of collateral contacts. Formulates and documents plan of intervention in a timely fashion. 2)Provides counseling for patients and families in crisis and/or suffering from acute emotional distress. Provide supportive interventions and assessment to patients and families dealing with issues of grief, loss, disability, trauma, domestic violence, child abuse / neglect and sexual assault. 3)Facilitates admission process to inpatient psychiatric unit 4)Provides case management and linkage to resources when indicated. 5)Develops and implements discharge plans in direct consultation with patient, family, physician and health care team. 6)Identifies and develops resources and services designed to improve and enhance the discharge plan for patients and their families 7)Demonstrates ability to utilize and teach appropriate behavior management techniques. 8)Assesses patients for possible abuse or neglect 9)Communicates with other departments, hospitals and and/or human service agencies to obtain all relevant patient information. Refers patients and consults with other staff regarding patient progress. 10)Consults with interdisciplinary team members and community agencies with regards to patient behavioral health concerns. Manages crisis calls and provides support and appropriate referrals. Recordkeeping: Completes various clinical assessments in accordance with team policies and procedures. Records reflect quality clinical care and adhere to Accrediting Organization standards. 1)Maintains concise comprehensive evaluations. 2)Contacts insurance companies and provides required information to obtain authorization for the admission or for services. 3)Participates in quality assurance initiatives. 4)Records required information on all other forms to track pertinent patient information, i.e., benefit verification forms, shift reports, transfer forms, etc. Clinical and Professional Practice 1)Stays abreast of all Advocate Aurora Health and PSAS policies and procedures. 2)Adheres to relevant state and federal guidelines governing patient care and treatment of sensitive information, particularly the Illinois Developmental Disability and Mental Health Code, the Illinois Confidentiality Code, HIPPA and EMTALA. 3)Is familiar with and abides by the Illinois Clinical Social Worker Code of Ethics or the Illinois Licensed Clinical Counselor Code of Ethics, and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics or the National Association of Counselors Code of Ethics Team and Training Activities: Actively participates in team activities in the department, larger hospital and in the community in ways that make a positive contribution to team operations. 1)Demonstrates constructive involvement with professionals in the hospital and the community. Develops and maintains professional relationships with court, police, human services, entitlement, and governmental agencies, and private organization to enhance service delivery and department image. Interprets program services to the social service community and occasionally represents the department in public, civic and private groups. 2)Participates in quality assurance, accreditation, and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities and other special projects. 3)Identifies professional goals and enhances job-related skills through staff development activities. Remains current on trends in clinical theory and evidence-based practice. Licensure: Professional Counselor OR Professional Counselor Clinical OR Social Worker, Clinical Education/Experience Required: MA or MSW, or equivalent. Two years experience working in crisis work and/or hospital environment. Knowledge of Illinois State law regarding confidentiality, mental health code and federal substance abuse codes. Knowledge of behavioral health resources. Knowledge of DSM-V diagnostic categories. This position will need to recognize the needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs or normal aging, prior experience with various age groups is preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: Basic computer skills. Organization, time management, communication, and documentation skills. Ability to deal with conflict. Effective interpersonal skills and ability to remain calm under stressful situations and exercise appropriate intervention. Current licensure in the State of Illinois as a Social Worker (LSW) or Professional Counselor (LPC). CPR Certification. Clinical Licensure once meeting eligibility requirements (Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Physical Requirements and Working Conditions: Resiliency and flexibility to deal with a changing environment. Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations. May be exposed to patients that potentially could be violent; has knowledge of techniques to de-escalate aggressive behavior. Flexibility and openness to working any crisis shift. Ability to flex hours and days to meet needs of hospital/department. High tolerance for emotionally stressful situations sometimes encountered daily with psychiatric and substance abuse patients. If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.
