Access Clinician

Job Summary

Assessment, referral linkage, hotline coverage, crisis stabilization, development of alternative plans. Assess, consult, and make treatment recommendations regarding adults and children. Assessment for inpatient admission to Short Term Care Facility (STCF) or voluntary unit. Consult with attending/on call psychiatrist prior to disposition of cases. Completes all Access Center required paper work / reports in a timely, efficient, and professional manner. Contacts the designated screening center when necessary. Obtains prior authorization for inpatient admission when required. Provides excellence in customer service to our patients and referral sources. Assists with marketing behavioral health services as assigned. All methods of practice and / or work performance will conform to written established hospital policies and procedures and be carried out to the highest achievable level of competence in a manner demonstrating concern and consideration.

Essential Functions

• Provides sound clinical intervention.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proper use of DSM-V diagnoses.
• Conducts a thorough psychosocial evaluation.
• Exercises the ability to draw conclusions, interpret results and recommend actions.
• Manage time effectively/sets priorities appropriately.
• Demonstrates effective interviewing skills and ability to establish positive rapport with patients and families.
• Writes legibly. Documents in a clear, concise manner which accurately reflects patients’ condition and treatment goals.
• Reports pertinent observations regarding patients to nurses, psychiatrist, health care team members and family, as appropriate.
• Effectively and efficiently assist with facilitating inpatient admissions.
• Provide warm hand off to outpatient levels of care when appropriate.
• Provides education consistent with the patient/family’s learning abilities and preferences; evaluates outcomes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of making referrals to the appropriate level of care.
• Accurately completes the age appropriate assessment documents.
• Appropriately assesses patient’s level of dangerousness and initiates intervention accordingly.
• Demonstrates competency in assessing for suicidality / dangerous behavior.
• Practices Universal Standard Precautions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and practices department safety procedures, including safe handling of equipment and hazardous substances.
• Verbalizes hospital-wide quality improvement projects.
• Verbalizes unit specific quality improvement projects.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives as needed.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications

Doctoral degree, Master’s Degree preferred or currently enrolled in graduate studies leading to Master’s Degree in Psychology or Social Work plus one year’s psychiatric emergency experience, or Bachelor’s degree and at least three years psychiatric experience.

Specialized Knowledge/Training: Experience working with consumers in a crisis setting. Knowledge of the NJ Screening Law. NJ licensed preferred.

Minimum Work Experience

Minimum of one year of psychiatric crisis or related experience

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Must be willing to work holidays, weekends and provide additional coverage as needed