Emergency Services Intake Counselor - Flex/PRN

Responsibilities JOB SUMMARY : Responds to clinical inquiry calls from families or referring professionals and completes crisis assessments.

Crisis assessments include the ability to assess current risk factors (suicidal, homicidal, psychosis, self-injurious, substance abuse, etc.

family dynamics, health screen, treatment history, medications, etc.). Provides appropriate clinical triage. Understands basic growth and development needs, specific to the age and population served.

Oversees the admission process including appropriateness of the admission, completion of all required admission paperwork, pre-certifications and coordination of care with the Physician.

Assures compliance with all applicable mental health laws, codes, rules and regulations. Maintains all data / records regarding the intake and admission process and follows all policies / procedures related to release of information and confidentiality.

Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team regarding admissions, deflections, bed availability, and other tasks as needed.

Must have physical stamina and high energy level to maintain continuity of quality services to children in mental health crises and their families.

This is the equivalent of an Emergency Room environment, it is fast paced and requires the ability to multitask and handle highly stressful situations.

Qualifications JOB SPECIFICATIONS : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions.

Education : Masters Degree required in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related clinical field. Experience : Two years of psychiatric experience preferred.

Licensure / Certification : Licensure or eligibility for licensure (LPC, LSW, LCPC, LCSW) preferred or Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois preferred.

BLS Provider certification through the American Heart Association and CPI certification required upon completion of orientation.

BLS Provider and CPI certifications must remain active throughout employment. Knowledge : Thorough understanding of the DSM-V criteria, psychotropic medications, and assessment skills with the ability to develop quick and strong clinical rapport.

Working knowledge of Illinois Confidentiality Act, Illinois Mental Health Code, EMTALA and ILPA process. Must posses a detailed understanding of psychiatric criteria for various levels of care and insurance / benefit verifications.

Have the ability to provide de-escalation techniques and crisis stabilization. Must be able to utilize CBT, Trauma Informed Care and Crisis Intervention effectively.

Must be able to work cooperatively with other hospital staff and community agencies. Good organization skills, attentive to detail, thorough, as well as excellent oral and written clinical communication skills.

Language : Bilingual in both Spanish and English preferred. Supervision Received : Director of Emergency Services, Assistant Director, Lead Clinician and / or Supervisor Supervision Exercised : None Line of Promotion : Lead Clinician or Supervisor Working Conditions : Works in the Emergency Services Department, the inpatient units and other areas of the Hospital.

Exposure to psychiatric patients who may exhibit violent / aggressive behavior. Potential for exposure to communicable diseases, blood / body fluids and other hazardous waste.

General hospital environment. Physical Requirements : Ability to proficiently communicate verbally and in writing. Physical agility to manage patients.

Push, pull and lift up to 50 pounds. Intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping. The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary functions. Job Classification : Non-Exempt Hours vary based on coverage for 24 / 7 department and may include day, evening, night and weekend shifts.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.