Behavioral Health FSC (LCSW)- 40hr

Connecticut Children's; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A pediatric health system is seeking a skilled clinician to perform psychosocial and psychiatric assessments, develop therapeutic plans, and coordinate care for patients and families. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's in social work and have experience in related fields. Responsibilities include collaboration with a multidisciplinary team to ensure effective care delivery. Strong counseling, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential. This role supports the mission of providing excellent care to children and their families.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years related experience serving children and families.
• Experience in psychiatric assessment preferred.
• LCSW license required.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training recommended within one year of hire and maintained thereafter.
• Ability to meet requirements for internal credentialing in individual and group or family therapy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychosocial and psychiatric assessments of patients and families.
• Develop therapeutic plans based on assessments.
• Coordinate and implement patient care collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team.
• Assures intake evaluation and referral process for prospective patients and families; interfaces with medical providers and community resources to maintain continuity of care.
• Participates in performance improvement, research and cost-effective utilization of resources to improve patient care.

Skills

Strong group counseling skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Time management skills

Cultural sensitivity

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Master's in social work

LCSW license

2+ years pediatrics experience

Tools

EMR systems

Internal credentialing knowledge

Job description

This position is accountable for identifying the psychosocial and psychiatric needs of patients and families through clinical assessment, crisis intervention, supportive counseling, case consultation with the health care team and collaboration with other professionals in the community. This position supports the medical and behavioral health teams in the hospital. Patients assessed in the Emergency Department behavioral health area are evaluated to determine psychiatric or substance abuse care needs. This clinician assures access, provides assessment and/or direct care, coordinates resources and partners with receiving programs and clinicians. By utilizing excellent communication and negotiation skills, this clinician focuses on providing the appropriate service in the most cost-effective formula to assure that the patient, provider, payor and health care organization’s goals are met. Reports to the Manager of Child & Family Support Services.

Responsibilities

• Assesses and plans patient care by conducting timely psychosocial and psychiatric assessments and evaluations of patients and families which include social, psychological, cultural and financial information. Identifies, interprets and documents problems and strengths utilizing scientific knowledge base and appropriate psychological/social/cultural concepts; organizing and prioritizing care and interventions; and obtaining and stewarding appropriate resources in order to meet individual and family goals.
• Develops therapeutic plan based on psychosocial and psychiatric assessment. Provides advocacy, referral and discharge planning to meet patient/family needs. Facilitates treatment process by referring patient/family members to appropriate level of care, support group and other resources as well as by providing direct crisis intervention.
• Coordinates and implements patient/family care by collaborating with the multidisciplinary team, other payors and partnering with patients/families; establishing a multidisciplinary plan to address identified issues and goals; documenting and communicating in a timely manner; and educating patient/family in order to meet established goals and ensure seamless, coordinated transitions across levels of care. Assesses patients’ medical insurance(s) or other resources and initiates appropriate utilization review processes in placement decisions in order to preserve patients’ financial resources and ensure appropriate hospital payment. Negotiates level of care and length of stay with third party payors by providing them with clear and accurate information as to level of care recommendations and ability of program to provide adequate care for patient.
• Assures intake evaluation and referral process for prospective patients and families is appropriate by interfacing with medical providers, community resources, public agencies and private clinicians to network in order to facilitate appropriate continuity of patient care and for maintenance of ongoing contracts and relationships.
• Works effectively as a team member both within and across clinical setting to provide an integrated delivery of health care services though communication, cooperation and collaboration. Evaluate progress towards accomplishing desired patient care outcomes and address termination and transitional process with patients and families.
• Participates in performance improvement opportunities, research, cost-effective utilization of resources, and coordinating activities such as meetings to improve patient care.
• Assumes responsibility for self-improvement by identifying, communicating and seeking resources to meet own learning needs.
• May provide medical on-call services as part of an on-call team.
• Demonstrate support for the mission, values, and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with Connecticut Children’s Standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the age-related differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
• Values cultural diversity and other individual differences in the workforce.

Other Related Responsibilities

Performs Other Related Responsibilities As Assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise students in their professional internship.
• May provide supervision for LCSW licensure.

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience Required

• Master's in social work required.
• Require a minimum of 2 years related experience serving the needs of children and families.

Education and/or Experience Preferred

• Experience in psychiatric assessment, triage and intake preferred.
• Basic knowledge and understanding of the medical conditions and health care experience of specific patient populations, preferred.

License and/or Certification Required

• LCSW required.
• Ability to meet requirements for internal credentialing in individual and group or family therapy required. Individual programs may require specific additional certificates.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention training certification highly recommended within one year of hire and maintained thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Family centered care principles and practices preferred.
• Individual, group and/or family therapy modalities.
• Twelve step and self-help programs.
• Addiction and recovery process.
• Child protection issues.
• Age related differences and needs of patients in specific populations from neonate through young adult.
• Legal and ethical issues related to patient rights.

Skills:

• Strong group counseling and individual assessment skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong time management skills.
• Strong self-care skills to cope with the stressors of this high intensity and unpredictable work environment.

Ability to:

• Prioritize and demonstrate flexibility.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients and families.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers and job-related applications.
• Demonstrate basic proficiency in medical terminology.

About Us

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team.