Inpatient Psychiatric Clinician, Brockton Behavioral Health Center, 40 Hours

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Position: Inpatient Psychiatric Clinician

Department: Brockton Behavioral Health Center

Schedule: 40 Hours (Days)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Inpatient Psychiatric Clinician on the psychiatric inpatient units performs psychosocial assessments during Intakes, which are incorporated into a multi-interdisciplinary treatment planning process. The Inpatient Psychiatric Clinician acts as a liaison between patients, the patient care team and their community-based supports by coordinating inpatient care and outpatient follow up. Duties also include, but are not limited to, utilization review, treatment/transitional/discharge planning, education, care management, coaching and advocacy for the patient and their family members. The position consults with, collaborates and communicates with a wide range of social, governmental and legal agencies, courts, schools, clinics, other hospitals, physicians and other sources in the overall care of the patient.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Assesses patient and family to ascertain those emotional and social problems. Utilizes the department’s psychosocial assessment tool as a guideline.

• Identifies those issues which must be addressed during the patient’s care, formulates a treatment plan upon initial intake and at intervals throughout the patient’s inpatient admission.

• Monitors and communicates patients progress throughout the course of inpatient treatment and communicates with the appropriate managed care organizations to obtain authorization for inpatient stay and outpatient follow up services.

• Reports any and all suspected cases of abuse and neglect and follows up to ensure patient receives timely comprehensive consultations and compliance with legal mandates.

• Identifies need to involve patient’s family through the initial assessment process and attempts contact on same day, if indicated.

• Consults and collaborates with healthcare team members to ensure that patient’s emotional and social needs are addressed.

• Ensures that inpatient and family remain apprised, involved, supported, and treated through prescribed clinical relationship through at least weekly contacts and whenever a change in care or plan requires more contact.

• Utilizes Social Work and Mental Health Counseling techniques and theory to assist patient and family in coping with illness or social problem to achieve improved functioning and emotional state in collaboration with Psychology.

• Assists patients in securing outpatient services as soon as patient permits and completes within two sessions.

• Maintains patient confidentiality according to hospital policy. Practices professional discretion when determining the inclusion of any patient information into medical record or department clinical record notes.

• Notes in medical record the exclusion of critical patient information and its availability.

• Documents each patient encounter in the medical record or the Department clinical record concurrently according to Department policies. Specifically, documents ongoing treatment work in the Department clinic records. Each recording shall include date, time, title and signature.

• Provides clinical supervision to other department personnel , as assigned.

• Complies with departmental, regulatory and professional requirements for documentation recording, and data collection.

• Submits department statistics and other records and reports within required time frames.

• Maintains competency in areas of responsibility to ensure quality care.

• Attends scheduled staff meetings and in-service education program offerings with punctuality and consistency.

• Obtains continuing education units necessary to maintain licensure.

• Assists management in the operation of a quality department by participating in department programs and complying with department policies and procedures.

• Supports graduate and undergraduate training programs by supervising MSW/BSW/MHC students (per assignment).

• Contributes to a culture of teamwork by identifying areas for operational improvements.

• Works diligently on department committees, per supervisor’s appointments.

• Represents department throughout hospital and outside community regarding department’s practice and field of social work.

• Regularly maintains work area and equipment in a neat and orderly manner; assists in the cleaning and organizing of department on own initiative and reports any malfunctioning equipment as observed by supervisor.

• Maintains a complete understanding of inpatient psychiatric hospital procedures.

• Conforms to hospital standards of conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.

• Notifies supervisor when patients in age group not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other duties as needed.

• Utilizes hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the hospital’s mission.

• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

(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:

• Requires Master’s Degree from an accredited school of Social Work or Mental Health Counseling.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Note: Although Licensure is preferred, this position will consider individuals who are expected to take the licensing exam for the following disciplines within 6 months of hire.

• Massachusetts Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or

• Massachusetts Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) or

• Massachusetts Licensed Mental Heath Counselor (LMHC)

EXPERIENCE:

• Requires level of knowledge of Social Work/Mental Health Counseling process and community resources and agencies in relation to health, illness, and disability, generally acquired through one to two years on-the-job training.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of community resources and agencies that serve the children and families.

• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with various healthcare professionals, to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families, and to supervise graduate students.

• Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic work environment (sense of humor is valued).

• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.

• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations.  Bicultural/Bilingual competency a plus.

• Computer literacy with ability to use standard word processing, spreadsheet programs and e-mail (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and web browsers.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS (Responsible for on-call, 24 hr. coverage, etc.):

Some evening and weekend hour coverage required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans