Behavioral Health Social Worker 2 - Ip

Overview

The Behavioral Health Worker assesses and assists with the mental health and educational needs of patients, by providing specialized services in order to meet identified patient and family needs; which should enhance their problem solving and coping abilities. Coordinates and facilitates patient care activities to improve continuity of care across the continuum, promotes appropriate utilization of resources and to contribute to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes. The Behavioral Health Worker acts as a patient advocate, as a resource to patients/families and staff and as the leader of the interdisciplinary team for continued care/discharge planning. The Behavioral Health Worker coordinates the needs of the patient with high level continuing care/discharge needs. Participate in unit QA and PI. May be required to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying patient's behavioral/mental health problem.

• Assesses patients for continuing care needs, prepares patient histories, discharges, and creates treatment plan of care (reviews with the patient) for providing continuing care, communicating information with physicians, multidisciplinary team, patients, families and staff, facilitating transition between levels of care, making appropriate referrals, assisting patients to complete advance directives; educating patients about resources/options, and documenting all activities in a timely and concise manner.

• Responsible for providing behavioral health services to patients presenting in the Emergency Department and on medical floors for purposes of identifying appropriate level of service needed and appropriate disposition. Works closely with discharge planners and Rock County Crisis to meet these patient needs. (BHU)

• Assesses patient needs and develops appropriate dispositional plans and coordinates care with the appropriate departments. Maintains strong communication and relationship with ED staff and Psychiatrists. Secondarily, works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying patient's health problem.

• Provides emotional support that helps patients and families understand and accept medical recommendations; utilizes community resources to assist patients to resume live in the community or to learn to live with their unique limitations.

• Provides information, referral, supportive counseling, crisis intervention, and coordinates discharge planning to ensure continuity of care.

• Facilitates education groups and individual sessions to address treatment plan goals with patients (and families as appropriate).

• Work with interdisciplinary team to maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu.

• Compares patient medical records to established criteria and confers with physician, dietary and nursing personnel and other partners to adhere to standards and promote appropriate utilization.

• Completes paperwork and/or computer data collection and reporting. Facilitates therapeutic groups.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality

• Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service

• Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering

• Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost

• Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

Master's degree in Behavioral Health required

Certification and Licensure

Actively working toward License in the state of practice to obtain LPC, LCSW or LMFT (for Behavioral Health Unit

Licensed in the state of practice (LPC, LCSW or LMFT) required for Psych Day Treatment-WINGS program.

TACT certification within 90 days

Approved CPR or BLS certification within 90 days

Skills and Abilities

Problem Solving

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills

• Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; consistently performs essential duties and responsibility.

Interpersonal Skills

• Focuses on resolving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeping emotions under control; Remains open to others ideas and tries new things.

Change Management

• Develops workable implements plans; Communications changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change.

Delegation

• Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.

Leadership

• Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Accepts feedback from others; Gives appropriate recognition to others.

Quality Management

• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.

Judgment

• Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision- making process; Makes timely decisions.

Motivation

• Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Self-directed in daily work routine, remaining productive during work hours.

Planning/Organizing

• Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Professionalism

• Approaches others in a tactful manner. Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions.

Safety and Security

• Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potential unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly; Utilizes appropriate equipment for partner/patient safety; such as lifts and gait belts.

Adaptability

• Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Attendance / Punctuality

• Is consistently at work and on time, ready to accept assignment.

Dependability

• Follows instructions, responds to leadership direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with alternate plan.

Initiative

• Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed; Seeks out educational opportunities.

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software, Internet software; Word Processing software and Microsoft Outlook.

Special Physical Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Function of the position with or without accommodations.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; use hands to handle, finger and feel; and reach. The employee must exert up to 25 pounds of force occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by this job include frequent close vision. Occasional distance vision and ability to adjust focus.

Level of Supervision

Must be able to work independently with minimal guidance.

Supervises

Directly supervises the Social Work Students/Interns as assigned. Communicates the progress of each student on a regular basis to supervisor. Carries out supervisory responsibility in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.