Assessment Specialist (24 Hours/ Week)

JOB PURPOSE:

The Assessment Specialist, in conjunction with the Intake Manager, coordinates the pre-admission assessment process and provides clinical assessments for potential patients. The Assessment Specialist responds to all calls for information related to psychiatric resources and inquiries about psychiatric services offered. The Assessment Specialist assists callers with accessing the most appropriate level of service and service provider, to meet the needs of the patient. This position works collaboratively with the Intake team to perform behavioral health assessments and coordinate psychiatric resources and information for patients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responds to all calls for behavioral health services appropriately and identifies the needs of the caller and patient. Patient calls will be prioritized based on the level of need of the patient. Assessment Specialist will coordinate activities with the Intake Manager to ensure accurate record keeping and efficient patient flow.

• Ensures EMTALA compliance at all times and reports any concerns to the Intake Manager immediately.

• Coordinates communication related to all assessment and admission activities, ensures rapid throughput for the hospital, requests additional resources when needed, and works with the medical staff to move patients to disposition quickly.

• Responds to calls for assessments within 15 minutes and initiates the requested assessment as soon as possible and no later than 60 minutes from the initial request. Implements a backup procedure when the 60 minute time frame cannot be met due to heavy volume.

• Works with the entire Intake team for placement per identified procedures for admission.

• Documents all incoming calls regardless of the outcome, in the approved format.

• For patients who are discharged, the Assessment Specialist provides at least 3 appropriate in-network referrals and develops a discharge safety plan with the patient using the approved discharge safety form.

• Works collaboratively with the team to assure accurate data management.

MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED:

Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy or related field and holds a professional license as an independent mental health professional within the State of Georgia or; an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Master's preferred, with experience as outlined below.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Three (3) years of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting performing clinical assessments or in a clinical treatment setting.

MINIMUM LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION REQUIRED BY LAW:

Licensed to perform clinical assessments to determine level of care needs and to provide a diagnostic impression according to the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual required.

Must hold and maintain current licensure as a mental health professional, such as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Marriage Family Therapist (LAMFT), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or RN license (for RN prefer at least 3 years in an applicable mental health environment) in the State of Georgia.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

American Red Cross or American Heart Association Basic Life Support Course (BLS or BCLS) and Certification. CPI Certified within 90 days of hire required.