Behavioral Health Navigator I

UPMC; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking healthcare provider as a Behavioral Health Navigator I, where you'll play a vital role in assessing and guiding patients through their mental health journey. This position involves collaborating with psychiatrists, developing treatment plans, and ensuring effective communication within the emergency department. You'll be part of a dynamic team, working three 12-hour rotating shifts, and will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care. If you're passionate about mental health and eager to support patients and families, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral health navigation and assessment.
• Strong understanding of mental health laws and insurance processes.

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychiatric evaluations and develop treatment plans.
• Facilitate communication regarding patient care and disposition.
• Triage patients for appropriate placement in behavioral health units.

Skills

Assessment Skills

Knowledge of Mental Health Laws

Communication Skills

Triage Skills

Insurance Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Behavioral Health or related field

Tools

DSMV

Patient Care Technology

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 acuity level of patient and facilitate the flow of information to promote effective communication regarding the patient care, 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. Understand insurance programs and processes; 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 high volume of calls to meet patient needs promptly.
6. Follow outpatient scheduling or referral documentation guidelines.
7. Respond rapidly to appointment or inpatient admission requests via 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 other team members.
10. Demonstrate triage and assessment skills for medical necessity or appropriate outpatient clinics.
11. Provide accurate, timely information to coworkers, physicians, and outside agencies in a professional and courteous manner.
12. Access social systems effectively by providing resource-specific information to patients and families, initiating contact with appropriate resources, and facilitating referral acceptance.