Behavioral Health Navigator I

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Health Navigator I to join their team. In this pivotal role, you will assess and navigate patients and families within the Emergency Department, working closely with psychiatrists to develop treatment plans. Your expertise will facilitate effective communication and ensure smooth patient operations. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient care while working in a dynamic environment. If you are passionate about mental health and thrive in a collaborative setting, this position is perfect for you!

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field is required.
• Strong assessment and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Conduct assessments and navigate patients in collaboration with psychiatrists.
• Maintain documentation and review patient information for admissions.

Skills

Assessment Skills

Communication Skills

Knowledge of Mental Health Laws

Triage Skills

Familiarity with DSMV

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or related field

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Communication Technology (email, phone)

Job description

We are hiring a full-time Behavioral Health Navigator I to support UPMC Mercy!

The Behavioral Health Navigator I is responsible for the assessment and navigation of patients and families in collaboration with attending psychiatrists and other staff within the UPMC Mercy Emergency Department. They will develop initial treatment plans to facilitate disposition planning and assist with bed placement or disposition planning. They will have the ability to identify the acuity level of patients and facilitate the flow of information to promote effective communication regarding patient care and patient operations and disposition.

The incumbent will work three 12-hour rotating shifts.

Responsibilities:

1. Meet standards for documentation and complete all required paperwork, including psychiatric evaluation and commitment paperwork. Demonstrate ability to utilize DSMV and develop provisional diagnoses.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of mental health laws and review inpatient commitments for accuracy, competencies, and proper time frames.
3. Knowledge of insurance programs, processes, and ability to obtain authorizations as needed.
4. Participate in interdisciplinary activities such as staff meetings and other committees as assigned.
5. Maintain competency requirements. Learn and utilize up-to-date technology in the delivery of patient care for assessment and disposition/referral planning. Efficiently handle a sizable volume of calls and disposition callers to meet their needs rapidly.
6. Follow outpatient scheduling or referral documentation guidelines.
7. Respond rapidly to appointment or inpatient admission requests through email, phone, or voicemail.
8. Review and summarize patient information for admissions to a behavioral health unit and triage patients for appropriate placement.
9. Ability to verbally present cases to physicians and others.
10. Demonstrate triage and assessment skills for medical necessity or appropriate outpatient clinic.
11. Provide accurate, timely information to coworkers, physicians, and outside agencies in a professional and courteous manner.
12. Demonstrate expertise in accessing social systems by providing resource-specific information to patients and families, initiating contact with appropriate resources, and facilitating the patient/family's ability to accept referrals.