Job Description

Per Diem Psych ED Technician

Definition/Primary Function

The Psychiatric ED Technician  is an entry level mental health worker whose primary function is to triage, assess and provide disposition for patients that arrive in the ED seeking a mental health crisis intervention voluntarily, or via sec 12 A. The Psychiatric ED Technician  works in concert with the ED medical staff, external agencies, psychiatry residents and attending on-call psychiatrists as well as inpatient psychiatry and inpatient substance use (McGee Unit) staff, security, and local/regional law enforcement personnel. S/he functions as an integral member of this interdisciplinary team. S/he provides emergency suicide risk assessments to potentially volatile patients, collects pertinent collateral information from families and other support networks via in-person or telephone interview and through appropriate review of the EMR. S/he will develop effective, working psychosocial formulations and consult with the ED attending who will then order the safest possible disposition for the patient. The Psychiatric ED Technician will effectively and efficiently coordinate with the ED attending to formulate a disposition plan and document it in the medical record Prior to discharge the ED technician will review the case with an ED Psych Screener (licensed practitioner). If a patient is to be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric Unit, the Psychiatric ED Screener will coordinate and review case with the on-call psychiatrist or resident. The Psychiatric ED Technician  will assist the Psychiatric Inpatient Unit with insurance authorizations as requested and support Acute Care and McGee in completing Safety Plans for patients at high risk for suicide. Floating to assist inpatient units during low/ no volume in the Psych ED is expected.

Position Qualifications (Minimum qualifications are required unless stated otherwise.)

• Experience:
• Minimum of one experience administering crisis assessments in BH care or similar setting preferred
• Education and Training
• Bachelor's Degree Required in Health and Human Services
• Master's Degree in social work, counseling or psychology preferred.
• License, Certification & Registration
• Hospital approved de-escalation training required within 1 month of hire
• Other Requirements:
• Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary team is essential
  -Proven ability in developing biopsychosocial case formulations is required.
• Experience in dealing with MCO's and their role in the admission process is required
• Demonstrated ability to provide high quality patient care and effectively utilize clinical supervision is required
• Must be a good role model for patients.
• Qualified candidates must demonstrate evidence of clinical and personal growth

How To Apply

Apply online at https://www.berkshirehealthsystems.org/careers/