Behavioral Specialist (LSW), Adult Psych (AP)

Job Overview :

The psychiatric inpatient 22-bed, Dual Diagnosis Mental Illness unit, specializes in treatment of patients with autism and intellectual disabilities and varying medical complexities.

The Behavioral Specialist completes intake assessments on newly admitted individuals, and obtains multi-systemic collateral from patients families, group home staff, behavioral therapists and other community providers to aid in understanding presenting problem, history, triggers, and antecedents.

Qualifications : Required :

Required :

Masters in Social Work

Certifications and Licenses Required :

NJ Licensed Social Worker

Scheduling Requirements :

Shift working, 8 : 00 4 : 00pm each day

Essential Functions :

• Work directly with patients to observe and assess their behavior and progress on the unit
• Meet with patients throughout admission to provide behavioral and therapeutic support aimed at identifying and practicing coping skills, identifying effective forms of behavioral intervention and redirection, increasing insight and motivation and processing social-emotional challenges
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary treatment team, including psychiatry, nursing, medical, therapy and social work staff to create comprehensive treatment plans informed by behavioral and developmental needs
• Collaborate with inpatient team to develop and implement behavioral strategies throughout admission to aid in patient s progress alongside medication management and support the development of recommendations for providers in the community
• Collaborate with DDD and other community based agencies to support continuity of care, understand patients needs in the community and support successful post discharge transitions
• Participate in IDT meetings with community based providers discussing patient s admission to the unit, progress throughout treatment, and recommendations for discharge planning and community follow up
• Facilitate group activities on the unit to promote patient engagement, social and emotional awareness, and development / practice of coping skills as needed based on unit census, functioning level and acuity
• Meet with patients, guardians and other outpatient care takers on regular basis to provide psycho-education and support regarding implementation of behavioral interventions, navigation of social services and community supports, advocacy on behalf of patients and to provide updates regarding progress in treatment
• Provide as needed consultation to unit staff and interdisciplinary team regarding various aspects of developmental disabilities such as Autism, Downs Syndrome, Intellectual Disability and their intersection with various mental health diagnosis

Benefits and Perks :

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees’ physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care / Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team.

We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time.

As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state.

We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.