Behavioral Health Specialist

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

UNC Health Nash, an affiliated member of the UNC Health system, invites passionate healthcare professionals to join our esteemed team. Governed locally, we proudly serve a diverse patient base, spanning Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, Wilson Counties, and beyond. With a steadfast commitment to elevating community health through exceptional care, we prioritize excellence, compassion, and innovation, ensuring every individual receives the highest standard of support. Joining our team means becoming an integral part of our dedication to wellness, where we constantly strive to redefine excellence in healthcare through state-of-the-art facilities and pioneering programs. Join us in this transformative journey, where your contributions will make a lasting impact on our community's health and wellbeing.

Summary:
Provides crisis intervention, psychosocial / mental health / substance abuse assessments to individuals (and families as indicated) presenting to Emergency Department or inpatients at Nash General Hospital. Establishes collaborative practice with ED nursing personnel, physicians, and other community healthcare professionals regarding the assessment and disposition of psychiatric patients. Facilitates the involuntary commitment process as directed by the MD. Assists with assuring patient safety of behavioral health patients as directed by the RN. Utilizes appropriate community referral and support sources for behavioral health patients requiring social work / case manager / discharge planning assistance. Involves the patient and family in the assessment and planning process and educates them regarding care options. Investigates level of care and financial resources in formulating plans.

Responsibilities:
1. Performs psychosocial, mental health, and substance abuse assessments and collaborates with healthcare providers in the development of a plan for safe disposition. Demonstrates clinical expertise in execution of the psychosocial, mental health and substance abuse assessments. Functions as a role model in clinical specialty. Functions within scope of practice.
2. Initiates psychosocial, mental health and/or substance abuse assessments in a timely manner. Uses effective interviewing skills and techniques (i.e., open-ended questions, redirection, and clarification) to complete assessments. Applies professionally accepted methods, procedures, and techniques to evaluate situations affecting patient's condition and the effect of that condition of the patient. Stay capable of performing all types of assessments: routine, priority, and emergency. Incorporates assessment data and impressions formed by other clinicians to assist with development of appropriate treatment plan.
3. Determines frequency of patient reassessments according to identified needs and input from RN and MD. Serves as a resource person for nursing staff related to psychosocial, mental health, and substance abuse patient care. Participates in the interdisciplinary plan of care. Collaborates with the nursing staff regarding patient / family education and discharge planning needs.
4. Assists the nursing staff in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment plan in accomplishing the intended patient care outcomes. Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to patient / significant others' rights as identified within hospital policy.
5. Performs proficiently, remains calm, communicates appropriately, and documents emergency events and situations. Adhering to current policies, procedures, and protocols. Maintains competence in CPI (Crisis Patient Intervention). Responds to Code Ones at Nash General Hospital. Provides crisis intervention and counseling.

Other information:
Education Requirements:
* Graduation from an accredited master's Science in Social Work, Counseling, Nursing, related human services field

Licensure/Certification Requirements:
* BCLS certification.
* CPI Certification (Must obtain within 90-days of hire)
* Licensed in the State of North Carolina as appropriate to course of study and degree
* Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
* Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
* Licensed Certified Addiction Specialist (LCAS)

Professional Experience Requirements:
* 5 years of experience in Healthcare/Medical - Counselor in crisis counseling, mental health counseling, or mental health nursing

Legal Employer: Nash Hospitals

Entity: Nash UNC Health Care

Organization Unit: NGH Emergency Room

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 36.00

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: NASH HC

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No