Emergency Mental Health Crisis Navigator

St. Luke's University Health Network; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, PA seeks a Mental Health Crisis Intervention Specialist to assess and coordinate admissions for patients with psychiatric needs in the Emergency Department and Walk-In Center.

Provide referrals to appropriate levels of care, collaborate with physicians and BH staff, and ensure compliance with mental health regulations. This role supports utilization management and patient rights through admission decisions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year direct clinical mental health/crisis intervention experience.
• Experience with case management/utilization review and managed care models preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a human services field with 2–6 years of equal job experience OR Master’s with 1–3 years experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments for patients with mental health needs in the Emergency Department and Walk-In Center.
• Make referral recommendations to appropriate level of care.
• Interact with care teams (physicians, advanced practitioners, BH staff) to facilitate referrals and placements.
• Serve as liaison for other hospital/network sites regarding BH patients.
• Demonstrate knowledge of mental health regulations related to patient rights and admission status.
• Demonstrate competency in age-appropriate assessment, treatment, and communication.
• Demonstrates skill as a member of the Control Team in responding to agitation or violence, including de-escalation and restraints if needed.
• Supports utilization management regarding pre-certification for intakes and consults.
• Monitors the therapeutic environment as necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Intake assessments

De-escalation

Referral coordination

Case management

Utilization management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services

Master's degree in Human Services

Master's degree preferred

Job description

St. Luke’s University Health Network in Allentown, PA seeks a Mental Health Crisis Intervention Specialist to assess and coordinate admissions for patients with psychiatric needs in the Emergency Department and Walk-In Center.

Provide referrals to appropriate levels of care, collaborate with physicians and BH staff, and ensure compliance with mental health regulations. This role supports utilization management and patient rights through admission decisions.