Mental Health Evaluator

Responsibilities

• Gather relevant psychosocial and diagnostic information using available resources to conduct comprehensive psychiatric evaluations.
• Conduct thorough interviews with patients and collateral resources associated with patients.
• Collaborate with the multidisciplinary Emergency Department and Psychiatry Department teams to determine the appropriate level of care for each patient.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using electronic medical records, online collateral resource applications, and telepsychiatry platforms.
• For patients requiring inpatient psychiatric admission, provide a clinical summary with a clearly identified purpose and need for hospitalization.
• Demonstrate knowledge of all legal statuses for patients and ensure the completion of appropriate legal documentation.
• Ensure patients are familiar with the Patient’s Bill of Rights, legal status, and hospital programs.
• Identify patient needs if being discharged and develop a safe, comprehensive plan for services that promote recovery and prevent readmission.
• Maintain timely and comprehensive documentation of assessments, interventions, discharge planning and communications with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively, respectfully and effectively with others, and communicate frequently and efficiently with other clinical and administrative staff to coordinate patient care.
• Initiate and maintain communication regarding patient disposition with families, guardians, outpatient providers, education providers, law enforcement, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assess for child and adult abuse, determining the need for reporting and responding accordingly.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Advance Directives and Guardianship proceedings and laws.
• Complete pre-certification of inpatient admissions with managed care companies as required.
• Exhibit cultural competence by providing culturally appropriate assessments and disposition planning.
• Serve as a patient advocate, acting in patients’ best interest and maintaining confidentiality.
• Adhere to hospital and departmental policies and state and federal regulations.
• Orient new staff and students to the role of Mental Health Evaluator.
• Participate in continuing education and complete all mandatory hospital and department trainings.
• Participate in behavioral health and hospital-based Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement programs.
• Participate in staff meetings regularly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Experience: At least two years post-graduate experience in a medical, mental health, or human services setting as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling from an accredited graduate program.
• Licenses / Certifications: New York State Social Work or Mental Health Counseling license required.
• Other: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to document within an Electronic Medical Record and utilize any necessary online platforms. Ability to function within the fast-paced Emergency Department setting, completing evaluations and interventions for patients experiencing emotional, behavioral, and/or psychological crisis.