Mental Health Specialist - Behavioral Health Inpatient

About the Role

Provides professional mental health services for patients and families in assigned areas of the hospital/clinics, and on an as-needed basis in other areas. Enhances the psychosocial functioning of patients/families and evaluates mental health status, develops treatment plans, and provides group, family, and individual therapy while under provisional supervision. Develops and maintains positive, long-term relationships with patients, physicians, mental health providers, and nursing staff to ensure a team-based approach and effective continuum of care.

Responsibilities

• Under provisional supervision, conducts psychological diagnostic clinical interviews (DCI):
  • Completes DCI documentation including a differential diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Completes and documents crisis assessment plans.
• Collaborates with and facilitates multidisciplinary team discussions to understand the mental health needs of patients/families.
• Appropriately documents all clinical services in the patient’s chart.
• Formulates patient goals and monitors the progression of the plan of care utilizing strength-based interventions.
• Provides appropriate patient education and documents it in the patient’s EMR.
• Communicates psychological assessment and plan of care with the patient care team.
• Assesses high-risk individuals and families, focusing on safety and mental health, and collaborates with the healthcare team to ensure a safe environment.
• Under provisional supervision, provides crisis/supportive counseling and coaching to patients/families:
  • Supports self-management by assisting families with problem-solving, adjustment to illness, and management of comorbid mental and physical health, utilizing evidence-based clinical intervention strategies.
  • Provides interventions reflecting knowledge of how disease impacts social well-being, enhanced by disease-specific knowledge.
  • Provides crisis intervention in various situations.
  • Documents interventions appropriately in the chart and provides recommendations and warm hand-offs to healthcare team members.
• Facilitates support groups as needed.
• Provides referrals for patient and family care navigation in teamwork with BSW support team.
• Gathers information from patients/families and shares appropriate resource materials and information.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of community resources specific to the patient’s medical condition and social situation.
• Communicates clinical hand-offs for internal and community-based care transitions.
• Assists with overcoming social determinants of health and ensures follow-up to obtain quality care.
• Documents interventions in the chart.
• While under supervision, provides assessment and coordination of child abuse/neglect cases:
  • Assesses psychosocial dynamics.
  • Communicates with medical and nursing personnel regarding assessment and plan.
  • Facilitates referral and provides ongoing communication with CPS, law enforcement, and county attorney’s office.
  • Documents pertinent information and completes all reports in a timely fashion.
  • Prepares and presents cases to the Children’s Advocacy Team.
  • Attends team meetings as needed.
• Provides pre- and de-escalation skills to parents and families, following clinic policies and procedures.
• Covers for colleagues in their absence and arranges for coverage of responsibilities when absent.
• Communicates with co-workers regarding coverage needs.
• Attends regular supervision pursuant to NDHHS regulatory standards.
• Provides community education on selected mental health topics.
• Regular attendance at work is an essential function of the job.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, counseling, or related mental health field Required.
• 1-3 years of experience providing supervised mental health services in a healthcare or mental health facility Preferred.
• Experience with behavioral health services for children, adolescents, and families Preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Requires knowledge of human behavior, social problems, counseling modalities, and community resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form, relaying case information to patients/families, physicians, healthcare professionals, attorneys, and law enforcement as needed.

Licenses and Certifications

• Provisional Mental Health Practitioner Upon Hire Required or Mental Health Practitioner Upon Hire Required.
• Basic Life Support from the American Heart Association Upon Hire Required.
• Safety-Care Specialist within 60 days Required or Safety-Care Specialist (Eating Disorders Partial Department only) within 1 year Required.
• A valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle record/driving record in some areas Required.