Behavioral Health Specialist BCSU/SRT 1617, 1927/SR

JOB TITLE: Behavioral Health Specialist 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2024

PROGRAM: Crisis Stabilization Unit 

REPORTS TO: Inpatient Clinical Supervisor

FACILITY: BCSU/LCSU/SRT

CITY: Bartow/Lakeland

JOB STATUS: Full Time 

FLSA: Non Exempt

Job Summary:

CSU Behavioral Health Specialist provides direct clinical services including intake and discharge planning to adults and children in a secure crisis stabilization unit.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

  1. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
  2. Interact professionally with other employees, customers and vendors.
  3. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
  4. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
  5. Ability to adhere to company and/or program's dress code standards
  6. Ability to report to work with good personal hygiene

Essential Requirements:

  • Conduct CSU crisis assessments/interventions which include assessment of co-occurring issues
  • Complete intake paperwork to support client assessment and treatment
  • Facilitate a coordinated team approach in working clinically with CSU clients
  • Conduct family meeting as needed
  • Conduct groups as required by Inpatient Clinical Supervisor
  • Assist in training clinical personnel
  • Provide collateral contacts and coordinate with various service providers to provide for continuity of care
  • Conduct treatment planning/discharge planning reviews with CSU clients
  • Provide crisis interventions, including co-occurring disorders
  • Conduct follow-up assessments/contacts
  • Concisely and correctly complete clinical documentation and related paperwork in a timely and professional manner
  • Review Baker Act certificates that come to the CSU
  • Facilitate CSU client discharge process
  • Assist with community presentations as needed
  • Conduct risk assessments on CSU clients
  • Assist with clinical reviews of seclusion/restraint implementation
  • Act as liaison with other PRC programs and other service providers within the community at large
  • Assist in development and implementation of day treatment activities and therapeutic groups for CSU clients
  • Coordinates clients' care with Physicians/ARNPs and Nursing team for continuity of care
  • Ability to arrive to work and ready to work on time.
  • Ability to abide by principles of EEO compliance and a workplace of dignity and respect.
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a group and/or team setting.
  • Ability to show respect to all others.
  • Ability to professionally communicate with other employees and outside vendors, as required.
  • Ability to take guidance and direction from supervisors.
  • Ability to work at other CSU as needed.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in mental health related area required.

Experience:

Minimum of two (2) year experience working in a social service field, preferred. Will consider volunteer experience. Prefer 1-year experience working with individuals with mental illness.

Training:

Must complete the following:

  • On-line Baker Act (Florida Statute on involuntary commitment)
  • Aggression Control Technique
  • Security Awareness training
  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • Assigned Netsmart training

Knowledge and Skills:

Basic crisis assessment and action planning skills

Knowledge of counselor ethics

Ability to work in a professional and ethical manner

Knowledge of Florida Statute Chapter 394 and Florida Administrative Codes 65E-5 and 65E-12

Excellent verbal and written communication

Strong leadership ability

Time management skills

Knowledge of various crisis intervention techniques and best practices in emergency mental health

Knowledge of community resources

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have reliable transportation

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier, cell phone

Relationship(s)

Supervises: None. However, provides clinical guidance for Team Techs.

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.