Behavioral Health Coordinator Pediatrics

Summary:

This is a consult liaison position which offers expert knowledge and skills in behavioral health, including patient and family assessment and care, crisis intervention, education, problem-solving, and discharge planning. Assists with behavioral health rapid responses across the hospital, providing support and de-escalation. Acts as the primary contact for pediatric psychiatric consultations on the medical floor and in the PICU. Provides support and coverage in the emergency department or child and adolescent psychiatry unit as needed. Collaborates with the Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist for clinical assessments, treatment recommendations, and disposition of patients with psychiatric symptoms

Pay Range:

LCSW or LCPC: $34.90 – $52.35/hr

Licensed Clinical Psychologist: $46.55/hr – $69.85/hr

*Licensed Clinical Psychologists are encouraged to apply and would be considered for a Psychiatric Consult Liaison role. Masters prepared LCSW/LCPC considered for BH Liaison Coordinator role.

Major Responsibilities:

1) Performance of direct specialized care with patients who have been identified as needing behavioral health assessments or interventions beyond the scope of general patient care practice. 

• Intervenes with patients who have physician orders for behavioral health services to assess risk potential, perform a psychopathology/withdrawal, and recommend appropriate clinical interventions.
• Assist patients, families and staff in the transition into a specialized area of care to address their behavioral health needs.
• Consults with multidisciplinary treatment team members in all areas of the hospital on the assessment, treatment and discharge planning of patients with psychiatric and/or withdrawal symptoms.
• Responds to physician orders and/or clinical staff requests to provide direction in the care of patients with behavioral health needs. 
• Collaborates with treatment team to design an appropriate plan of care. 
• Provides ongoing monitoring and follow through to assure implementations of stated recommendations.

2) Facilitates the management of complicated psychiatric events or crisis.

• Provides direction to clinical staff on available and appropriate interventions.  Alerts clinical staff of events or situations that potentially or are actually reaching a critical level that could impact patient’s safety and welfare. 
• Instructs clinical staff on specific implementation measures to contain, control and resolve the event.
• Examines the process and outcome of the critical care event with clinical staff to prevent further occurrences.

3) Provides individuals and families with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illness/ trauma in our medical population.

• Services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and counseling and making referrals when appropriate.
• May also provide care and case management or interventions.
• Role is designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to healthcare.

4) Serves as site coordinator of BH services.

• Serves as lead for BH provider on-boarding, training, policy development, and continuing education. 
• Coordinates care between medical floors and emergency department ensuring appropriate placement and care environment. 
• Educates physicians and clinical staff in psychiatric diagnosis, preferred treatment strategies and available resources. 
• Responsible for developing resident lecture material and coordination of resident rotations related to Behavioral Health. 
• Designs educational programs and treatment protocols to meet the established standard of care for medical staff and nursing.
• Identifies specific learning needs related to the care of behavioral health patients and presents formal and/or informal educational offerings to improve clinical outcomes.

Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required:

• LCSW, LCPC or Licensed Clinical Psychologist w/ state of Illinois.

Education Required:

• Masters in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field or Ph.D./Psy.D.

Experience Required:

• ~5 years of inpatient experience
• Experience coordinating services, developing clinical programming, and providing guidance to team members

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required: 

• Experience with behavioral health services (Pediatric preferred)
• Knowledge of DSM diagnostic categories and the Illinois State Mental Health Code.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Ability to work under stressful conditions and in difficult situations.
• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases.
• Ability to lift, move or assist in restraining of patients

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.