BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST-UNLICENSED

Independence Health System; Latrobe (Westmoreland County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health System is seeking a Mental Health Professional in Latrobe, PA. The role involves conducting psychosocial assessments, collaborating with treatment teams, and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Candidates should hold a Master's Degree in Social Work or Psychology and have at least three years of direct care experience in mental health. Responsibilities include documenting clinical activities and handling psychiatric emergencies. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Three or more years of experience in mental health direct care.
• Strong ability to communicate complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of Payor/Insurance Benefits.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients and families to complete psychosocial assessments.
• Document clinical activities within established time frames.
• Collaborate with the psychiatrist for crisis resolution.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Creativity in treatment

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology or related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Basic office equipment (copier, fax)

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Interviews patients/families/significant others at time of initial presentation to complete psychosocial history and assessment.
• Documents clinical activities within established time frames according to department, hospital and regulatory agency standards.
• Assists the Department's compliance with state, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
• Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
• Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
• Uses computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
• Provides and participates in Educational Activities.
• Provides and documents patient/family education.
• Processes psychiatric emergencies.
• Assesses the severity of patient's condition.
• Collaborates with psychiatrist to effect a crisis resolution.
• Processes commitments.
• Obtains authorization/reauthorization/certifications as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.
• Refers patients to appropriate treatment facilities.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Mental Health Procedures Act.
• Functions as an interdisciplinary team member to actively identify and resolve patient needs.
• Utilizes skilled therapeutic modalities.
• Obtains authorizations/reauthorizations for treatment.
• Provides peer/treatment team consultation when asked.
• Serves as liaison between physician and families and agencies/services.
• Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care.
• Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process.
• Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person centered care.
• Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care.
• Exhibits a strength-based approach to crisis intervention.
• Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families.
• Works collaboratively with Peer Support Specialists and other center staff to insure the maintenance of a comfortable, safe, welcoming environment and positive guest experience.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Activity Therapies, Counseling, Education or related fields
• Three (3) or more years of experience in mental health direct care
• Knowledge of Payor/Insurance Benefits
• Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
• Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics
• Ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience working in a managed care environment.
• Two (2) or more years prior experience in provision of individual and group psychotherapy in a clinical setting.
• Experience in Healthcare setting.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.