Behavioral Health Navigator I

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Navigator I to join their team at UPMC Mercy. This role is pivotal in assessing and navigating patients within the Emergency Department, ensuring effective communication and coordination of care. The ideal candidate will collaborate with psychiatrists to develop treatment plans and facilitate patient placements, while also managing documentation and insurance processes. If you are passionate about making a difference in behavioral health and thrive in a dynamic environment, this opportunity is perfect for you. Join a team that values your expertise and commitment to patient care!

Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral health settings with a focus on patient navigation.
• Strong understanding of mental health assessments and treatment planning.

Responsibilities

• Assess and navigate patients in collaboration with psychiatrists.
• Develop initial treatment plans and assist with bed placement.
• Maintain documentation and handle a high volume of calls.

Skills

Assessment Skills

Knowledge of DSM-V

Mental Health Laws

Communication Skills

Triage Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

We are hiring a casual Behavioral Health Navigator I to support UPMC Mercy!

The Behavioral Health Navigator I is responsible for assessing and navigating patients and families in collaboration with attending psychiatrists and staff within the UPMC Mercy Emergency Department. They develop initial treatment plans to facilitate disposition planning, assist with bed placement, and identify patient acuity levels to promote effective communication regarding patient care, operations, and disposition.

The incumbent will work rotating shifts.

Responsibilities:

1. Meet standards for documentation and complete all required paperwork, including psychiatric evaluations and commitment paperwork. Demonstrate ability to utilize DSM-V and develop provisional diagnoses.
2. Review inpatient commitment for accuracy, competencies, and proper time frames, demonstrating knowledge of mental health laws.
3. Understand insurance programs and processes, and obtain authorizations as needed.
4. Participate in interdisciplinary activities such as staff meetings and committees.
5. Maintain competency requirements and utilize up-to-date technology for assessment and disposition/referral planning. Handle a high volume of calls efficiently.
6. Follow outpatient scheduling or referral documentation guidelines.
7. Respond promptly to appointment or inpatient admission requests via email, phone, or voicemail.
8. Review and summarize patient information for admissions to behavioral health units and triage patients for appropriate placement.
9. Verbally present cases to physicians and team members.
10. Demonstrate triage and assessment skills for medical necessity and outpatient clinic appropriateness.
11. Provide accurate, timely information to coworkers, physicians, and outside agencies in a professional manner.
12. Access social systems to provide resource-specific information, initiate contact with resources, and facilitate patient and family acceptance of referrals.