Boston Emergency Services Team Call Center Clinician (Per Diem)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Answers BEST 800# hotline; this is a key position within the Boston Emergency Services Team (BEST) Program, responsible for providing telephone screening and intake functions. Provide telephone triage for individuals experiencing psychiatric crisis; assists with stabilization, crisis intervention, and refers to the appropriate sources.

Position: Boston Emergency Services Team Call Center Clinician    

Department: Psychiatry

Schedule: Part Time, Per Diem

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• As a member of the BEST Program, performs the telephone screening of psychiatric patients.  This involves: Makes appropriate and accurate telephone screening of patients experiencing psychiatric crisis. Provides resource information based on the patient’s needs, and accurately transfers case information to other providers. Documents calls and recommendations for action.
• Under the direction of the Clinical Director of BEST, identifies appropriate inpatient settings for patients requiring admission to inpatient facilities.
• Works with the patient, the patient’s family and referring agents, to facilitate the admission of the patient into the appropriate unit.
• Maintains an up-to-date roster of area inpatient psychiatric units for adults, children and adolescents and maintains a liaison relationship with these facilities.
• Develops and maintains a liaison relationship with MBHP, DMH and with all referring agencies.
• Refers patients to appropriate outpatient facilities if appropriate, and maintains an up-to date listing of, and liaison with, outpatient facilities, residential facilities, shelters and half way houses.
• Informs referring source as to final disposition of cases.
• Reviews findings with senior clinicians or Clinical Director. Consult with providers as needed regarding client assessments and crisis interventions.
• Maintains documentation and records for all cases in accordance with program requirements.
• Contributes to organization and administration of teaching programs.  Participates in all required orientation and training programs.
• Completes required paperwork (i.e., evaluation forms) in a timely fashion to meet all hospital, state and federal regulations.
• Attends appropriate clinical and staff meetings.
• Maintains competency in the field via ongoing continuing education and by maintaining applicable licenses up-to-date.
• Performs other related duties as needed.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job.  The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Master's Degree in social work, psychology, education, counseling, or related field.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

LCSW, LICSW or LMHC license preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous field experience working in emergency psychiatry-related clinical activities preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Requires knowledge of referral process and community resources and agencies relative to health, protective services, crisis intervention, disability, etc.
• Excellent listening skills, ability to diagnose problems, resolve conflict, and develop practical solutions, even when sources are scarce. Ability to make alternative plans as needed.
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with various healthcare professionals and to instill confidence and to advocate for patients and their family.
• Excellent English language skills to summarize and communicate orally and in writing, moderately complex information in varied formats to internal and external customers.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of social, racial and ethnic populations. Bicultural/Bilingual competency a plus.
• Proficiency with standard software programs used in healthcare (such as MS Word, Outlook), patient registration systems, electronic medical record and web browsers.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans

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