Behavior Health Specialist - (BH) - PRN

Northeast Georgia Health System; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeast Georgia Health System invites applications for a behavioral health clinician who will perform comprehensive assessments of mental health and chemical dependency patients, including adolescents to geriatrics, across multiple care settings. The role emphasizes timely triage, accurate documentation, and collaborative care within Laurelwood and NGMC.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s degree in a related field, is licensed within 12 months, and brings 1–3 years of relevant interview and

Qualifications

• Licensure required within 12 months of hire.
• Master’s degree in a field that meets Georgia licensure requirements.
• 1–3 years interview and assessment experience with psychiatric, emotional, or chemical dependency patients.

Responsibilities

• Provide mental health and chemical dependency assessments in ER, floor, or Laurelwood lobby following protocol.
• Maintain intake records and monitor communications and documentation daily.
• Participate in QA activities and adhere to department policies and procedures.
• Carry out other duties as assigned and maintain supplies.

Skills

Communication skills

Positive interpersonal skills

Data gathering

Interviewing

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work / Psychology / Counseling

Job description

Job Category:

Behavioral Health, Counseling, and Clergy

Work Shift/Schedule:

Varies

Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

Provides assessments and referrals of mental health and chemical dependency patients presenting at NGMC and at Laurelwood and various support functions necessary for the operation of Laurelwood. Provides service for a full range of patients including adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. This position will care for patients in the child, adolescent, adult and geriatric age groups. Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to policy and procedures of Laurelwood and NGHS.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: Licensure at Associate level required within twelve (12) months of hire.

• Educational Requirements: Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or other related field that meets the requirements for licensure in the state of Georgia

• Minimum Experience: One (1) to three (3) years interview and assessment experience with patients having psychiatric, emotional, or chemical dependency problems

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements:

• Preferred Experience:

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communication skills

• Positive interpersonal skills

• Ability to gather data and come up with clinically sound disposition for patient being assessed

• Ability to interview, gather data, and facilitate disposition

• Ability to function with independence and autonomy, following proper protocol and procedure

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provides assessments for mental health and chemical dependency patients. Conducts mental health and chemical dependency assessments in ER, NGMC Floor, or Laurelwood lobby (and other areas as designated) in an exceptionally responsive manner following the established protocol. Reviews all intake assessments on a daily basis to ensure that the triage protocol was followed. Attends intake supervision/staff meetings for the purpose of in-service, communication and problem solving. Clinical interviews are indicated by accurate and thorough assessments. Responds appropriately to all intake calls and request of Laurelwood staff with assistance of intake backup calls. Conducts pre-certification as needed with all payer sources. Routes all paperwork regarding pre-certification to the appropriate parties. Pre-certification includes voluntary and involuntary admission. Can operate independently, following proper protocol and procedures. All information regarding intake calls, assessments and other documentation is logged and paperwork completed and filed in the appropriate location. Maintains individual assessment files (assessment record, ER sheet, voluntary form, 1013, 2013, transfer summary, etc.) to ensure coverage for risk management issues. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, referents, the North Georgia Medical Center and Laurelwood clinical and medical staff. Referral communications worksheet is completed on all admissions, voluntary or involuntary and routed to the appropriate area. Contacts all referents to inform of disposition, even if assessment is not an admission.

• Maintains appropriate records of patient intake. Reviews all intake records daily to ensure proper information has been recorded. Responsible for checking email on a daily basis to keep current with all job related communications. Monitors monthly intake assessments obtained by the intake staff to ensure that the standards of care for each patient are met.

• Participates in quality assurance for the department. Randomly documents staff’s knowledge of Department Policies and Procedures through QA monitoring procedures. Implements a process for monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of the department. Attends all Performance Improvement meetings to help take part in evaluating data, problem, solving, taking action, follow-up and documentation of activities. Maintains knowledge of all current policies and procedures and know where to access these policies and procedures for clarification if needed.

• Other duties as assigned. Maintains adequate supplies.

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 50 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Frequently 31-65% of time

• Vision: Moderate, Constantly 66-100% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

• Standing/Walking: Occasionally 0-30%

• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals.

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.