Emergency Services Clinician
To provide crisis intervention, pre-screening for hospitalization, and other direct emergency services as required. The Emergency Services Clinician is directly responsible to the Supervisor of Emergency Services. S/he is expected to exercise considerable independence and autonomy in day-to-day decision-making related to the delivery of emergency services and to carry out those services on a daily basis. The position requires expertise in the area of emergency interventions and the ability to work effectively with other emergency services providers both in the immediate community and in the state hospitals. Good judgment and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality are also required.
This position is classified exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Major Essential Functions:
- Provides crisis intervention either by phone or face-to-face to individuals experiencing emotional distress.
- Effectively prioritizes crisis situations and triages as necessary.
- Effectively deals with adults and juveniles in crisis who are MH, SA, ID or dually diagnosed.
- Effectively deals with suicidal clients.
- Involvement in all areas of the civil commitment process.
- Provides accurate consultation regarding the petitioning process, ECOs and TDOs.
- Functions as the “qualified evaluator” in assessing juveniles and adults to determine level of risk.
- Provides thorough preadmission (PAS) screenings for both voluntary and involuntary hospitalizations to private and state hospitals.
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the Statutes of Virginia relating to Behavioral Health and Developmental Services Laws.
- Actively explores the least restrictive alternative.
- Fulfills agency requirement for documentation.
- Follows agency procedures for accurate record keeping.
- Follows agency procedures for accurate emergency services record keeping.
- Participates in training and supervision as required by the Emergency Services Supervisor.
- Attend in-service training pertinent to Emergency Services.
- Attend monthly meetings with Emergency Services Supervisor.
- Ability to function as a team member.
- Works effectively with team members to provide adequate coverage during normal work hours.
- Conforms to agreed-upon scheduling for requested duties, such as lunch coverage.
- Works effectively with ES On-Call staff to provide accurate information.
- Makes effective use of available technology, including computers, e-mail and voice mail in order to enhance customer service.
- Maintains effective relationships with co-workers and customers based on courtesy, compassion and respect.
- Completes other duties as assigned consistent with established CSB policies and procedures.
- Implements projects consistent with established CSB policies and procedures.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Position requires the ability to work effectively with service providers from other agencies as well as with people who are experiencing a high level of stress. Good diagnostic, evaluative, and emergency intervention skills. Good interpersonal skills including a reassuring telephone demeanor are essential. Knowledge of and adherence to basic ethics appropriate for a helping relationship. Good interpersonal skills with demonstrated good judgment and flexibility in highly stressful and unstructured situations with a wide range of mental health disabilities. The ability to work as a member of a team is essential, as well as, skills in oral and written communication and basic computer literacy.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Masters Degree in Human Services or a related specialty, plus two years of experience in a mental health or substance abuse setting; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Professional licensure or license eligibility is required. Staff member is responsible for submitting proof of license renewal to the Human Resources office.
Other Information:
Equipment: Telephone, copier, fax, vehicle, laptop
Work Environment: General office environment with normal lighting levels, temperature, air quality, ventilation and noise levels.
Work Location: 1241 N. Main St, Harrisonburg; facilities, and/or community settings.
Work Hazards: Standard hazards associated with rehabilitation programs.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, regular office hours as scheduled by supervisor; some evening and weekend hours required as scheduled. Additional hours as needed to perform job requirements. Regular attendance is required.