Behavioral Health Navigator, Behavioral Health Patient Access

Heywood Medical Group; Gardner (MA); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Heywood Healthcare is seeking a Behavioral Health Navigator to provide clinical oversight and operational support for crisis evaluations in the Emergency Department and inpatient units. This role ensures timely assessments, appropriate level-of-care determinations, and safe discharge planning.

The position requires a Master’s degree in a related field and LICSW licensure, with 3–5 years of crisis experience and prior supervisory exposure. Per diem hours and operational needs drive scheduling.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
• LICSW: independent clinical licensure required.
• 3–5 years of behavioral health crisis experience, preferably in ED or acute psychiatric care.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of psychiatric assessment, levels of care, and crisis intervention; experience with insurance authorization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical supervision and real-time support to staff completing crisis evaluations in the ED and inpatient units.
• Review and approve clinical assessments and discharge dispositions.
• Coordinate inpatient psychiatric bed searches for patients requiring admission.
• Oversee insurance verification and prior authorization processes.
• Ensure completion of safety plans and appropriate discharge planning for patients returning to the community.
• Facilitate collateral contacts with families, providers, and community support.
• Collaborates with the ED, inpatient staff and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Monitor workflow and support efficient patient throughput.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Clinical supervision

Crisis intervention

Staff leadership

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field

Tools

Point Click Care

Job description

Overview

You Matter Here! Heywood Healthcare values our employees! We offer competitive wages, great benefits and generous earned time off. Come work where you will matter!

Hours: Per Diem, shift/hours dictated by operational needs

$31.92-$42.12

Disclaimer:

We are committed to equitable and transparent compensation practices. The salary range for this position reflects our good‑faith estimate of base pay at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. We regularly review our compensation structures to ensure fairness and consistency across our organization.

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Navigator is responsible for providing clinical oversight and operational support to staff conducting behavioral health crisis evaluations in the Emergency Departments and on the inpatient units (as needed). This role ensures timely assessments, appropriate level-of-care determinations, and safe, effective discharge planning. The Behavioral Health Navigator serves as a supportive and collaborative leader, ensuring high-quality care for patients and a positive, responsive environment for staff. This position reports directly to the Director of Behavioral Health.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Provide clinical supervision and real-time support to staff completing crisis evaluations in the Emergency Department and on the inpatient units.
• Review and approve clinical assessments and discharge dispositions.
• Coordinate inpatient psychiatric bed searches for patients requiring admission.
• Oversee insurance verification and prior authorization processes.
• Ensure completion of safety plans and appropriate discharge planning for patients returning to the community.
• Facilitate collateral contacts with families, providers, and community support.
• Collaborates with the Emergency Department, inpatient staff and community partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Monitor workflow and support efficient patient throughput.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and patient-centered care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field required.
• LICSW: independent clinical licensure required.
• 3–5 years of behavioral health crisis experience, preferably in an emergency department or acute psychiatric care setting.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of psychiatric assessment, levels of care, and crisis intervention.
• Experience with insurance authorization processes preferred.
• Familiarity with Point Click Care platform preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead and support staff in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities