Emergency Department Mental Health Provider

Position Summary:

The Emergency Mental Health Provider (EMHP) is the primary evaluator of patients in the emergency department (ED) who need behavioral health assessment based on screening results or on presenting behavioral health concerns identified by the nursing staff at triage. The EMHP completes psychological evaluations, triage, and brief crisis interventions including suicide risk assessment, substance use disorder assessment and safe disposition related to behavioral health needs. The EMHP administers rating scales and collects and tracks patient reported outcomes measures for patients in the hospital ED. The EMHP provides training on trauma informed care practices through consultation, attending meetings, and as reflected in patient care notes. The EMHP is expected to collaborate with staff and providers and defers to the Designated Crisis Responder when appropriate based on severity of patient issues or for second opinions.

Responsibilities:

Behavioral health assessment and treatment planning

• Completes brief psychological evaluation, assessment, and triage for patients with mental health crises, mental health issues, or substance use/abuse issues seen in the emergency department to facilitate next steps in resolving the presenting issue or moving to a higher level of care
• Provides clinical, collateral, and psychosocial information to providers and staff to be used in treatment and disposition determination by provider
• Applies brief evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, PTSD, agitation, etc.
• Makes clear recommendations for next steps to patients and their significant support systems to promote continuity of care or to facilitate referrals for ongoing treatment and safe discharge.

Discharge planning

• Develop and implement appropriate discharge plans for patients with mental health and/or substance use disorders to ensure a smooth and appropriate transition to the next level of care
• Identify specific individual and systemic barriers to discharge and coordinate with medical staff to address issues for a safe discharge in the timeliest manner possible.
• Recommend referrals to departmental clinics and/or community agencies for services as needed to facilitate discharge
• Provide psychoeducation including naloxone training when indicated to patients and their families.

Collaboration with agency and community partners

• Coordinates assessments and discharge plans with other disciplines, physicians, nurses, patients, families, DCRs, peer counselors, and providers
• Develop relationships with community partners, including court personnel, law enforcement, hospitals, and other resources and communicate pertinent information as appropriate to facilitate patient care
• Participates in multidisciplinary case conferences to improve the coordination of care for patients who are frequent users of the emergency department and/or other community providers

Completes required documentation in compliance with agency policies

• Ensures that proper treatment and referral protocols are followed with respect to child abuse, elder abuse, sexual violence, domestic violence, consultation with specialty clinics, and referrals.
• Documents interventions, progress notes, and other required documentation in patients’ electronic health record in compliance with department and hospital policy.
• Complies with all Catholic Charities policies and procedures involving access to and safeguarding of client Protected Health Information in all forms
• Responsible for upholding a culture of privacy and security in a highly confidential work environment

Other duties

• Attends meetings, supervisions, patient staffings, and other events as requested
• Trains staff and providers in behavioral health diagnoses, specific care needs, other assigned topics, and trauma informed care.
• Performs other duties as assigned