Job Summary

The primary role of the therapist is to assess the current condition of individuals seeking services of the center, identify psychosocial stressors that impact condition, and provide case management, referral and access assistance. Consult on legal requirements of the PA state guidelines for psychiatric commitment. This individual will act as a member of the team to formulate timely individualized service, wellness and follow-up plans.

Essential Job Functions

• Completes patient assessments.
  • Interviews patients/families/significant others at time of initial presentation to complete psychosocial history and assessment.
  • Documents clinical activities within established time frames according to department, hospital and regulatory agency standards.
• Assists the Department's compliance with state, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
  • Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
  • Participates in ongoing unit Performance Improvement Activities.
• Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
  • Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
  • Provides peer/treatment team consultation when asked.
  • Uses computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
• Provides and participates in Educational Activities.
  • Provides and documents patient/family education.
  • Participates in staff education both as participant and presenter.
  • Makes recommendations for staff development.
  • Serves on Hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Complies with requirements for credentialed status as required.
  • Completes timely credentialing/re-credentialing.
  • Maintains active licensure.
  • Completes C.E.U.'s required for continued licensure.
• Delivers presentations to other agencies and groups pertaining to the services provided by this department.
• Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialty Functions

• Processes psychiatric emergencies.
  • Assesses the severity of guest's presenting condition.
  • Works collaboratively with Peer support Specialist and Nursing Staff to effect an effective comprehensive crisis resolution.
  • Works collaboratively with the emergency departments of Excela Health hospitals, as well as, Excela ambulatory programs and physicians’ offices to facilitate effective resolution of behavioral health issues.
  • Obtains authorization/reauthorization/certifications as appropriate for ongoing treatment.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Mental Health Procedures Act.
• Participates in service planning and follow-up.
  • Completes assessment, service plans and reviews in accordance with departmental standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Attends team meetings.
  • Functions as an interdisciplinary team member to actively identify and resolve guest needs.
  • Facilitates discharge planning and follow-up.
• Utilizes skilled therapeutic modalities.
  • Provides crisis intervention utilizing prescribed departmental procedure and recognized best practice techniques.
  • Documents services provided according to department and regulatory agencies.
  • Obtains follow-up appointments for coordination of care.
  • Obtains authorizations/reauthorizations for treatment.
  • Completes activity logs as requested.
• Completes assessments and facilitates necessary legal processes.
  • Interviews guests/families/significant others at time of initial presentation to complete psychosocial history and assessment.
  • Documents clinical activities within established time frames according to department, hospital and regulatory agency standards.
  • In collaboration with guest and the service team, establishes appropriate recovery based goals
  • Educates Guests, Families and Staff on all issues related to crisis intervention and resolution
  • Consults with Excela Health System staff, when requested, on all issues and concerns related to the Mental Health Procedures Act.
• Assists the department's compliance with State, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
  • Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
  • Participates in ongoing unit Performance Improvement activates.
• Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team/agencies.
  • Attends at least 75% of staff meetings.
  • Reads and signs off minutes of those not attended.
  • Returns guest/family phone calls and documents.
  • Provides peer/treatment team consultation when asked.
  • Uses computer as required for email, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking. Etc.
  • Serves as liaison between physician and families and agencies/services.
• Provides and participates in educational activities.
  • Provides and documents patient/family education.
  • Participates in staff education, both as participant and presenter.
  • Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care.
  • Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process.
  • Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person centered care.
  • Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care.
  • Exhibits a strength-based approach to crisis intervention.
  • Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families.
  • Works collaboratively with Peer Support Specialists and other center staff to insure the maintenance of a comfortable, safe, welcoming environment and positive guest experience

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related Human Service degree.
• One (1) or more years’ experience in clinical setting or equivalent work-related experience.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

• Knowledge of Payor/Insurance Benefits
• Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
• Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics
• Ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings.
• Ability to understand and react effectively to the unique needs of the population served.

• Ability to understand and react effectively to the unique needs of the age group served.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Licensure (LCSW, LPC or licensed psychologist).
• Current credentialing with third party insurance payors.
• Previous experience working in a managed care environment.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela’s missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.