Access Clinician
General Summary Under the direction and guidance of Supervisor, Access Services, the Evaluator position provides culturally competent and trauma informed services to all consumers seeking access to behavioral health services through LifeWays.
This person utilizes established criteria and clinical skill to evaluate individuals for community mental health eligibility and service needs, to provide appropriate interventions to individuals presenting in crisis.
The Evaluator incorporates LifeWays mission, vision and values into the decision-making process. Essential Functions Welcomes all individuals by demonstrating empathy and provides opportunity for the person presenting to describe their situation, problems and functioning difficulties.
Exhibits excellent customer service skills and working with all individuals in a non-judgmental way.Screens individuals who approach the Access system to determine whether they are in crisis and, if so, assures they receive timely and appropriate attention.
Completes an Intake Assessment to determine an individuals eligibility for Medicaid specialty services and supports, MIChild, Healthy Michigan Plan, and / or Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG).
For those who do not have any of these benefits, identifies those whose acute psychiatric needs qualify them as a priority population to be served.
If the individual is not eligible, declines, or is otherwise not connected to Prepaid Inpatient Health Plan (PIHP) (Mid-State Health Network) or Community Mental Health Services Program (CMHSP) services, the Evaluator will connect the individual to community resources that may meet their needs and inform individuals in writing about all the available mental health and substance abuse services and providers and their due process rights under Medicaid, or MIChild, Healthy Michigan Plan, SABG, and the Michigan Mental Health Code.
Collects information from individuals for decision-making and reporting purposes.Performs all duties as assigned to ensure the LifeWays Access Department runs efficiently and effectively.
Duties include but are not limited to : Open Access, Rapid Access, REMI screenings, Callback Queue, Waitlist updating, specialty screenings (M-CHAT, SCQ, etc.
petition supports, brief screens, intakes, pre-screens, crisis interventions and safety planning.Performs duties in a variety of settings to include but not limited to : the Jackson / Hillsdale office, community locations, emergency departments, schools, consumer homes, and jails.
Works a non-traditional schedule which may include evenings, weekends and / or holidays.Provides on-call services, as needed or assigned.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance. NOTE : The lists of essential and additional functions are not exhaustive. They may be supplemented as necessary from time to time.
Job Specifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) Knowledge Knowledge of Michigans community mental health (CMH) system;
minimum of three years experience working with CMH populations.Knowledge of current practices, methods, and procedures in the delivery of behavioral health services, diagnosis, and treatment.
Knowledge of credentialing status in order to perform duties within their scope.Knowledge and understanding of all regulations, contract requirements, standards applicable to performance of duties.
Working knowledge of resources, including but not limited to : Diagnostic Criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Medicaid Provider Manual, LifeWays Provider Manual, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), International Classification of Diseases (ICD), LifeWays Policies and Procedures, LifeWays Provider Newsletters / Communication, Electronic Medical Record (EMR), Physicians Desk Reference (PDR), and departmental processes.
Skills Excellent interpersonal skills in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders (consumers, professionals, community members).
Skill in concurrent / collaborative documentation of services.Excellent time management skills in a setting with potential frequent interruptions;
ability to coordinate multiple concurrent duties and perform tasks in an organized and timely manner, with attention to detail.
Experience with basic data analytics and proficiency / intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access) and other relatable software (Power BI, etc.
and internet applications, including Electronic Medical Record. Ability to navigate LifeWays Intranet. Abilities Ability to maintain credentialed status to perform duties.
Ability to work in high-pressure, high-stress situations and a fast-paced environment.Ability to work a non-traditional schedule which may include evenings, weekends, and / or holidays as needed to ensure appropriate oversight of departments.
Ability to respond within established time limits during work hours and when performing on call duties.Ability to use good judgement to arrive at sound clinical decisions.
Ability to learn quickly, ability to adjust to changes in job assignment, methods, personnel, or surroundings.Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
Required Education / Certification / Licensure Evaluator I : Masters degree. Limited Licensed Masters Social Worker (LLMSW), Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP).
Evaluator II : Masters degree. Fully Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW), Fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Fully Licensed Psychologist (LP).
Evaluator III : Masters degree. Fully Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW), Fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Fully Licensed Psychologist (LP) and is either paneled / credentialed to bill for a variety of private insurances, or is fully trained / certified to provide licensure supervision within their education and scope of practice.
Must possess a valid U.S. motor vehicle operators license, and successfully complete motor vehicle record check. Preferred Education / Certification / Licensure Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) / Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC).
Successful completion of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training. Disclaimer The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.
It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.