Behavioral Health Navigator I: ED Care & Disposition

UPMC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC Western Behavioral Health in McKeesport is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Navigator I to support the Emergency Department. The role focuses on assessment and navigation of patients and families, developing initial treatment plans to facilitate disposition and bed placement.

The navigator will communicate with attending psychiatrists and staff, manage a high volume of calls, and ensure timely referrals, with rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, and weekends.

Qualifications

• Ability to document and complete required paperwork, including psychiatric evaluation.
• Knowledge of DSM-V and provisional diagnosis development.
• Knowledge of mental health laws and inpatient commitment reviews.
• Knowledge of insurance programs and ability to obtain authorizations.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Maintains competency requirements.
• Proficiency with up-to-date technology for patient care.
• Able to handle high volume of calls and dispositions.
• Follows outpatient scheduling/referral documentation guidelines.
• Responds to appointment/inpatient requests via email/phone.
• Ability to present cases to physicians and others.
• Triages and assesses medical necessity.
• Provides resource information to patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Meet documentation standards and complete all required paperwork.
• Develop provisional diagnoses using DSM-V.
• Review inpatient commitment for accuracy and timing.
• Obtain authorizations and understand insurance processes.
• Participate in interdisciplinary staff meetings and committees.
• Maintain competency requirements.
• Utilize current technology in patient care.
• Handle high volume of calls and disposition planning.
• Follow scheduling and referral documentation guidelines.
• Respond to requests via email, phone, or voicemail.
• Summarize patient information for admissions and triage placement.
• Present cases to physicians and team members.
• Assess medical necessity and outpatient options.
• Provide resource-specific information to patients and families.

Skills

DSM-V knowledge

Triage

Communication skills

Assessment skills

Caseload management

Education

Undergraduate transcript

Graduate transcript

Job description

UPMC Western Behavioral Health in McKeesport is seeking a full-time Behavioral Health Navigator I to support the Emergency Department. The role focuses on assessment and navigation of patients and families, developing initial treatment plans to facilitate disposition and bed placement.

The navigator will communicate with attending psychiatrists and staff, manage a high volume of calls, and ensure timely referrals, with rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, and weekends.