Behavioral Health Assessor

Position Overview

The Behavioral Health Assessor, under the direction and review of a Program Supervisor, facilitates the intake process for Muskegon County residents seeking services from HealthWest. This role involves determining client eligibility for services, providing assessments and testing, processing service re-authorizations, making determinations regarding medical necessity and level of care, and performing reviews to establish clinical appropriateness of services.

Supervision

Under the general supervision of a Program Supervisor and in compliance with HealthWest Board policies, the Behavioral Health Assessor performs job duties independently and is responsible for the quality of service. Supervision exercised: None.

Typical Examples of Work Performed

• Facilitates the HealthWest intake process for persons with Developmental Disabilities or Mental Illness
• Determines client eligibility via telephone screening, Psychosocial assessment, and triage
• Provides Psychological testing when indicated
• Processes client service re-authorizations
• Makes determinations regarding client eligibility, medical necessity of services, and level of care
• Makes determinations regarding appropriate utilization of agency services
• Performs chart and document reviews to establish clinical appropriateness of services
• Makes treatment recommendations and identifies risk and liability issues
• Consults regularly with other community agencies for service coordination
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Experience, Training, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Required Experience and Training:
• a. Possess a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Psychology or Social Work
• b. Preferred to have knowledge/experience with administering psychological testing
• c. Minimum of one (1) year full-time post-graduate work experience in a psychiatric or developmental disabilities setting, or at least four (4) semesters internship in a mental health related field
• d. Possess a license or be working toward a license to practice in Psychology as issued by the State of Michigan (LP,LLP,TLLP, LLMSW or LMSW, LP or an LLP preferred)
• e. Knowledge and experience working in an Autism program and experience with administering the ADIR and ADOS-2 will be given preference; however, training will be provided if not experienced in this area
• f. Lived experiences with mental illness/developmental disabilities/substance use disorders valued
• g. Individuals in Recovery and individuals with experience in Armed Services valued
• h. Possess a valid Michigan driver's license
• i. Must have reliable transportation that may be used to carry out job duties of this classification
• Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Considerable knowledge and understanding of Behavioral Health Managed Care concepts
• Considerable knowledge of the various services provided by a Community Mental Health agency
• Knowledge of the functions, organization, and policies of various mental health agencies throughout Muskegon County
• Knowledge of motivations, interests, attitudes, and personal problems of persons with mental illness and developmental disabilities
• Considerable ability to cope with difficult and/or emergency situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with agency policies and procedures
• Considerable ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in analyzing client and program related problems and recommending appropriate solutions
• Considerable ability to review records and make determinations pertaining to the appropriate utilization of services
• Considerable ability in using computer systems for evaluating care needs, recording symptoms, and authorizing appropriate services
• Considerable ability in using the telephone to collect clinical information from potential clients, including clinical formulation and establishing a plan of care
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public
• Considerable ability to give and receive complex oral and/or written instructions
• Ability to explain program policies and procedures to inquiring personnel
• Ability to speak effectively before boards, committees, and public groups

Physical Activities

An employee in this class performs generally sedentary activities requiring the occasional lifting of objects weighing thirty-five (35) pounds or less.

Environmental Conditions

Although this employee works in the offices of HealthWest, travel throughout the County may be required.