The Behavioral Health Worker assesses and assists with the mental/psychiatric health and educational needs of child-adolescent/patients/residents, by providing specialized services in order to meet identified patient or child and family needs. This role serves as the Patient/child's case worker and coordinates/facilitates program activities, interagency referral sources, acts as a community liaison, is the primary family contact person and promotes appropriate utilization of resources to contribute to improved patient/resident satisfaction and outcomes. The Behavioral Health Worker acts as an advocate, as a resource to patient/child/families and staff, and as a key player of the interdisciplinary team for continued care/discharge/aftercare planning. The Behavioral Health Worker assists the Team leader in the daily operations of the program services, and collaborates closely with the Clinical Therapist/multi-disciplinary team in regard to treatment of each child-adolescent/patient/resident. The Behavioral Health Worker also assists with assessment, treatment planning, and coordination of program care, as well as aftercare and discharge needs. Participate in program QA and PI as assigned. Once trained, the behavioral health worker may be expected to work rotating weekend's on-call, as assigned.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- The BH worker operates in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying the patient/child's behavioral/mental health problem.
- Assists in assessing participants for continuing treatment needs, prepares patient histories, discharges, and creates treatment plan of care.
- May be responsible for providing behavioral health screening/services to patients presenting in the Emergency Department.
- Assists in assessing patient needs and develops appropriate dispositional plans and coordinates care with the appropriate departments.
- Maintains strong communication and relationship with ED staff and Psychiatrists.
- Secondarily, works in close collaboration with physicians and other health care personnel in patient evaluation and treatment to further their understanding of significant social and emotional factors underlying patient's health problem.
Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:
Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.
Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.
Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.
Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's Degree with two years related experience and/or training in behavioral health field.
Working toward a higher degree and/or certification is preferred.
Certification and Licensure
TACT and CPR training as assigned, not required.
Skills and Abilities
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Able to read and interpret written information.
Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
Initiative - Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed
COMPUTER SKILLS
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software, Internet software; Word Processing software and Microsoft Outlook.
Special Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands, fingers, and arms, to feel and reach. The employee is frequently required to sit; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste, and smell. The employee must regularly lift and or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Specific fine motor abilities required include writing, keyboard entry and mouse use.
Level of Supervision
Supervised by Mercy Options Team leader. Must be able to work independently with minimal guidance.
Supervises
Directly supervises the Social Work Students/Interns as assigned. Communicates the progress of each student on a regular basis to Team Leader. Would carry out supervisory responsibility in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.