Behavioral Health Case Management Specialist

About the role

The Behavioral Health Case Management (BH CM) Specialist is responsible for processing external referrals and coordinating placement for patients requiring behavioral health services from the Emergency Department or non-psychiatric inpatient units. Responsibilities include pre-admission intake, benefit verification, and documentation in the designated ECU Health system. This role requires close collaboration with internal and external referral sources, including consult/liaison teams and emergency department staff. The specialist must manage multiple priorities efficiently, respond promptly to referrals, and demonstrate strong customer service skills. Knowledge of DSM criteria and involuntary commitment processes is essential. ECU Health Medical Center, one of four academic medical centers in North Carolina, is the 974-bed flagship hospital for ECU Health and serves as the primary teaching hospital for The Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. ECU Health Medical Center has achieved Magnet® designation twice and provides acute and intermediate care, rehabilitation and outpatient health services to a 29-county region that is home to more than 1.4 million people.

Responsibilities

• Manage referral and intake calls/faxes per service protocols.
• Document cases in the referral system (e.g., EPIC).
• Gather and present clinical data for admission decisions.
• Communicate admission decisions and alternative referral options.
• Coordinate with ED and floor teams to resolve placement issues and ensure appropriate screenings.
• Facilitate behavioral health bed placements and verify transfer protocols and IVC documentation.
• Support discharge planning with BH CM/CM teams, including transportation and follow-up care.
• Monitor insurance coverage and coordinate benefits verification.
• Maintain contact with referring sources to track and document progress.
• Build relationships with internal staff and external providers to support safe transitions.
• Analyze program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Assist with policy compliance and provide staff training on discharge planning and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree is required.
• Possess at least 3 years assessment experience in either an inpatient behavioral health setting or an outpatient emergency services setting.
• Knowledge of DSM criteria and involuntary commitment processes is essential.

Pay

$24.69 - $35.99 per hour