Behavioral Health Clinician (Per Diem)

Purpose of Position
Assess and drive treatment planning during acute admission and transition to discharge to assure the proper utilization of services at the most appropriate level of care for all patients, both inpatient and outpatient, who receive treatment through the Centers for Behavioral Health.

Description
1. Conducts initial clinical assessments of individuals presenting with acute care needs in accordance to the Department of Mental Health's state requirements.
2. Prepares an Initial Treatment Plan based on the findings from the assessment and communicate the initial assessment findings and treatment plan to multidisciplinary teams.
3. Leads the treatment and discharge planning in collaboration with the psychiatrist and the multidisciplinary treatment team.
4. Conducts group therapy and individual /family counseling and other related group sessions.
5. Assists in patient care planning to ensure continuation of treatment in an atmosphere conducive to preservation of health.
6. Evaluates the ongoing medical and psychosocial needs for home care planning in order to set up appropriate community services.
7. Evaluates data gathered in terms of the treatment goals and links the patient to available program and services to provide maximum benefit for each patient while in the hospital and as a continuum after discharge.
8. Assists patient/family in the procurement of essential equipment to allow optimum and safe function at home.
9. Assists patient/family in the decision-making process leading to the selection of and placement in an appropriate facility if needed.
10. Brings voluntary community-based services into play as appropriate to patient and family needs.
11. Functions as a liaison on behalf of patients with appropriate community agencies.
12. Evaluates the appropriateness of community services to develop plans to meet patient needs.
13. Initiate crisis prevention and crisis intervention services as needed to newly discharged patients in coordination with the patient's family and primary caregivers.
14. Provide coverage for the Inpatient and Partial Hospital Program Behavioral Health Clinicians.
15. Provide timely communication with managed care companies; providing an accurate, clear and complete account of the case in order to obtain approval for the required level of care.
16. Maintains knowledge of CMS, DPH, DMH and other regulatory agency standards.
17. Assist with community relations activities including community contacts and education.
18. Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers and co-workers.
19. Perform other work-related duties as requested/directed.

Qualifications
· Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
· Massachusetts licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or

• • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

· Crisis Prevention Intervention Training within 1 month of new position.
· BLS Certification within 3-month of new position and must maintain.