Behavioral Health Specialist (Part Time) - MH 23Hr Obs

Position Information
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 26.2 percent of adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder. Recognizing this need, we at Lakeland Regional Health have devoted ourselves in creating the best mental health facilities possible. We are dedicated to improving outcomes and helping people get well. From helping children and parents survive divorce, to treating depression, our licensed clinical staff provides a team approach to care. Under the direction of a board-certified psychiatrist, our mental health facilities provide in- and out-patient care to adults at all levels of mental health severity. Under the direction of our board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist, we also provide services to adolescents who require mental health treatment. If you have a heart for those suffering from mental health disorders, please consider joining our mental health department. We have the following opportunity:
Work Type: Active Part Time - Less than 40 per biweekly pay period. Accrues time off
Exempt: No Work Schedule: Flexible Hours and/or Flexible Schedule
Work Hours per Biweekly Pay Period: 60 Location: Medical Center, US:FL:Lakeland


Position Summary
Responsible for duties which include individual, family, and group psychotherapy, ancillary or direct service program development and self-development. Must have a thorough knowledge of the U.S. social welfare system, as well as the ability to identify and access community resources is required. The Behavioral Health Specialist promotes the mission of the hospital in meeting the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. Has knowledge of all areas of the hospital and is competent to provide discharge planning, provide support, leadership and education to a multidisciplinary health care team. Active participation in the professional governance structure is encouraged. Must also possess and utilize advanced knowledge of systems, processes, psychodynamics, and organizations to enhance or provide patient care.
Position Details

- Coordinates activities required to comply with Baker Act and Marchman Act laws related to involuntary patients, in medical, and surgical. This includes communication with patient care team on when assistance in understanding the mental health laws are requested. For involuntary patients on the mental health unit the MHARP has to complete portions on the CF-MH 3106, CF-MH 3108, CF-MH 3032, CF- MH 3033, CF-MH 3038, and other Baker Act and Marchman Act forms as needed within the required time frame and forward to the Probate Division of Clerk of Courts.

• Performs clinical case management of a patient caseload which includes: psychosocial assessment, family assessment, continuity management and planning for ongoing treatment, progress noted, care, and referral as needed. Assessments, case management activities, and conduct reflect an understanding biopsychosocial needs, illness, and interventions.
• Assesses patient's psychosocial, economic, and cultural needs and collaborates with care teams, patients, families, and physicians to develop/ alter plans of care in order to restore and/ or maintain patient mental health status so that the plan of care reflects multidisciplinary evaluation and intervention. The BHS will collaborate with the other treatment team members to develop the plan of care.
- Regular entries in the medical record case management progress notes reflect patient problems, appropriate intervention by clinician, patient response, and reasoned clinical assessments in all notes which relate to occurrences in treatment activities. These components may not be present in notes which are historical in nature, or reflect simple monitoring activities. Notes are entered regarding each patient contact, or summary notes each day of patient contact- whichever is less- as a minimum requirement. Notes are written in the Data, Assessment, Plan format with no exceptions based on chart reviews and supervisor observation.

• Develop successful discharge plan. Assess patients psychosocial factors, attend and participate in patient staffing as assigned, maintain open communication with psychiatrist and nursing staff , the discharge plan should be clearly documented in the patients’ medical record with no more than one exception per month.
- Facilitates continuity of care by coordinating delivery of post- discharge services including home health, skilled nursing, durable medical equipment, therapies, prescription drugs, and other community resources/ assistance.

• Assists patients and families in identifying and implementing strategies to cope with and adapt to events and stresses of hospitalization and/ or chronic disease. Including psychosocial/ emotional support of patient's/ families, and facilitates access to support systems/ resources as needed.
  

Qualifications & Experience

Education:
Essential:

• Master Degree

Education equivalent experience:
Essential:

• Master’s level or higher degree in : Counseling and Guidance, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, Social Work, Special Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Child Development and Family Relations (ECU), Criminal Justice, Education, Health Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Religion, Social Sciences, Sociology
  

Other information:
ExperienceEssential:

• One year in the experience in the behavioral health and/or substance abuse field. Graduate internship experience is acceptable. Discharge planning, community partnership.

Experience Preferred:

• Two or more years behavioral health and/or substance abuse field experience and discharge planning on an inpatient psychiatric unit.

Licenses Preferred:
-Within two - three years of becoming eligible, when available. Relevant licensure - LCSW, LMHC, LMFT