Crisis Counselor | Emergency Room | PRN 1pm-1am - UF Health

The Crisis Counselor provides direct support to patients: evaluation and assessment of LOC (Level of Care) needs, treatment planning, crisis intervention, individual therapy, discharge planning, and community referrals. Works with professional team of behavioral health staff to provide excellent care and customer service to patients served.

• Prepares intake screening interviews and psychosocial assessments and diagnostic formulations for use in treatment and discharge planning, and Level of Care (LOC) considerations. Confers with members of the professional clinical staff throughout all patient treatment processes. Maintains all records and documentation according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Evaluates and responds to any urgent crisis of patient and/or their families. Assess needs for care, provide direct crisis counseling and take immediate steps to stabilize clients in acute distress.
• Provides consultation to attending psychiatrists and Emergency Department physicians within the scope of their practice and expertise in areas including mental health, addiction and suicide assessments, trauma informed care, crisis intervention and disposition planning.
• Facilitates referrals needed, i.e.: admission to the Mental Health Unit, referral for detoxification services and all other follow-up care. Make contact with referral source and provide any needed information to ensure the best outcome for the patient.
• Completes utilization reviews by providing all relevant clinical information to insurance companies for any pre-certification of hospitalization.
• Provides patients and families with education, comfort, and relevant information in accordance with their care as needed within the facility and throughout the community.
• Compiles a referral source database, including ALF, nursing homes, substance abuse facilities, homeless shelters, etc.in order to provide the least restrictive, appropriate placement.
• Responds to all Code Gray calls throughout hospital (participates as a member of code gray response team). Evaluates and responds to all mental health social work consult orders entered by medical staff.
• Demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the use of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual DSM V, established standards of professional and ethical practice, and hospital and departmental policy and procedures.
• Demonstrates expertise in the Florida Mental Health Act -FS 394 ("The Baker Act"), possesses a thorough understanding of its application, and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements. Completes annual Baker Act training. Demonstrates an advanced level of psychosocial and addiction/recovery assessments and intervention services, including individual, group and family therapies.
• All other duties as assigned by department.

Master's Degree in Social Work, Mental Health/Mental Health Counseling or Marriage & Family Therapy is required.

Florida license in Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Mental Health Counseling required. BLS, provided by American Heart Association (AHA), required within 30 days of hire.
Completion of NAPPI training (Non-Abusive Psychological & Physical Intervention) within 90-days of employment; annual re-certification will be required thereafter.
Level 2 DCF Background Screening required upon hire.