Clinical Psychologist

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Medical/Behavioral Health duties: Provides behavioral evaluation services to patients and are specialized in the evaluation and treatment of mental, emotional, and/or behavioral issues. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Typically responsible for: managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems.

Job Overview

This position provides telephone screening and intake functions for individuals experiencing emergency psychiatric crisis. Provides training and leadership functions as part of the team. Reviews requests for inpatient psychiatric cases.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master's degree in Psychology, Nursing, or Social Work.

2. Appropriate certifications.

3. One (1) year of clinical experience in emergency psychiatry.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Two (2) years of clinical experience in emergency psychiatry.

2. Bilingual.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Manages all telephone emergency and crisis interventions.

2. Makes appropriate and accurate telephone screening of patients experiencing psychiatric crisis.

3. Provides resource information based on the patient's needs and accurately transfers case information to other providers.

4. Documents calls and recommendations for action.

5. Oversees paperwork completed by other staff.

6. Identifies and communicates with patients with immediate potential for rehospitalization.

7. Completes required paperwork (i.e., evaluation forms) in a timely fashion to meet all hospital, state and federal regulations.

8. Identifies appropriate inpatient settings for patients requiring admission to inpatient facilities.

9. Works with the patient, the patient's family, and referring agents to facilitate the admission of the patient into the appropriate unit.

10. Maintains an up-to-date roster of area inpatient psychiatric units for adults, children, and adolescents.

11. Maintains a liaison relationship with these facilities with the assistance of other master's Level Clinicians.

12. Refers patients to appropriate outpatient facilities if appropriate.

13. Maintains an up-to-date listing of, and liaison with, outpatient facilities, residential facilities, shelters and halfway houses.

14. Informs appropriate referring source as to final disposition of cases.

15. Develops and maintains a liaison relationship with referring agencies including Department of Mental Health area and regional offices.

16. Manages the collection of statistical analysis relevant to overall and complete patient care.

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequent sitting, occasional standing & walking, and lifting of 5-10 lbs.

2. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard.

3. Requires ability to see computer screen and reports.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Knowledge of Department of Mental Health rules and regulations, especially those pertaining to child and adult dispositions.

2. Thorough knowledge of behavioral problems and emotional/mental disturbances and their symptoms, and of most recent developments in psychiatric emergency care.

3. Excellent interpersonal skills needed for interacting effectively with patients, their families, and other professionals.

4. Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients of all different age populations in order to provide care appropriately.

5. Cultural sensitivity and awareness to address the diverse needs and backgrounds of patients.

6. Strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients and develop therapeutic alliances.

7. Effective communication skills to explain complex medical concepts to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.

8. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other mental health professionals.

9. Empathy, compassion, and a patient-centered approach to provide support and reassurance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

10. Proficiency in electronic health record systems and other clinical documentation tools.