Access to Care Clinician

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Intake Clinician is responsible for the initial clinical assessments for patients entering services with Lakes Region Mental Health Center (LRMHC) as part of Same Day/Open Access Intake Process.  The Intake Clinician ensures continuity of care through effective discharge planning and care coordination of patients being discharged from psychiatric hospitalization to LRMHC catchment.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES & TASKS:

Under the direction of the NTSA Coordinator, and within the center’s program policies and procedures, the Access to Care Clinician performs the following functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provides clinical intake assessments for services, including but not limited to: intakes for all for new patients entering services, Hospital Discharges, Mobile Crisis referrals, patients transferring from Child and Family, and patients transferring from other Community Mental Health centers.
2. Complete additional assessments such as ANSA/CANS, PHQ9, GAD7, Columbia, Safety Plan, Diagnoses, and Individual Service Plan. 
3. Coordinates hospital discharge planning of patients to include collaboration with hospitals and obtaining necessary discharge documentation.
4. Consults with the Chief Medical Officer to discuss Conditional Discharges when necessary.
5. Participates actively in supervision, team meetings, patient centered conferences and makes contributions and applies what is learned effectively.
6. Completes all required documentation in a timely fashion and in compliance with agency expectations.
7. Maintains necessary credentials to perform job duties.
8. Is comfortable with technology and reporting systems.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.
10. Attendance is an essential function of this position.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

The individual must possess the knowledge, skills and ability noted below or be able to explain and demonstrate how the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some combination of skills and abilities.  Must also possess the necessary physical capacities, with or without the aid of mechanical devices or other forms of accommodation, to safely perform the primary functions of the job.

1. Working knowledge of diagnosis, treatment planning, medications, counseling and crisis intervention techniques.
2. Maintains a working knowledge of the patients’ insurance and/or benefits and utilizes this information to the best advantage for the patients.
3. Ability to establish a rapport with patients, treat all patients with dignity and respect.
4. Ability to organize work-load so that clinical and administrative duties are completed in a timely and thorough manner as noted by supervisor and others.
5. Ability to develop strong working relationships with staff and external services.
6. Understanding of the LRMHC mission and applies this knowledge productively to shape internal policies and external contacts.
7. Must have basic computer skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills.
8. Attendance is a requirement of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field as specified in He-M426-11 and He-M426-13.

Experience:  1 to 3 years’ experience in mental health, crisis intervention or medical setting or related position, offering direct mental health services, including internships.

License/Certifications:  License eligible in the state of NH preferred.  Valid driver’s license.  Able to pass LRMHC criminal records and motor vehicles screening.  Must maintain personal auto insurance at level commensurate with agency requirements.