Harm Reduction Coordinator - Emergency Department - Ellis Medicine

In consultation with the Crisis Manager, the Harm Reduction Coordinator will complete evaluations and implement recommendations for referred patients from interdisciplinary departments within Ellis Hospital’s system, focusing on the development and implementation of a range intentional practices and policies designed to lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with various human behaviors, both legal and illegal, especially in the context of substance use. The Harm Reduction Coordinator will play a pivotal role in community outreach and collaboration with community stakeholders. The Harm Reduction Coordinator will provide education and consultative resources to both staff and patients regarding harm reduction principles.

As a member of the Crisis Services Team, the Harm Reduction Coordinator will be dually trained as a Crisis Worker II or III. As a member of the Emergency Department team, the Crisis Worker will complete acute psychiatric evaluations and implement disposition recommendations for referred patients in the Emergency Department. The Crisis Worker will collaborate with the both the Emergency Department and Department of Psychiatry to form and execute appropriate disposition planning for evaluated patients in a compassionate and timely manner. The Crisis Worker will help facilitate communication and collaboration with community stakeholders as well as the identified personal supports of patients. The Crisis Worker will work with staff to ensure that the 24/7 crisis hotline, utilized by patients, families, and community providers, is attended to. The Crisis Worker will also help facilitate crisis intervention techniques with patients, collaboratively with security, nursing, medical and other relevant staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT(S):

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling from an accredited school is required.
• Professional licensure is required (LMSW or MHC-LP).
• Experience performing mental health and substance abuse evaluations is preferred.
• Experience and training in harm reduction required.
• Crisis intervention experience is preferred.
• Clinical supervision is available.

Opportunities for advancement are present based on the following requirements:

Crisis Worker Level:

Requirements:

Crisis Worker I

Master’s Degree or Degree in Progress

Crisis Worker II

Master’s Degree and Professional Licensure (LMSW or MHC-Limited Permit)

Crisis Worker III

Master’s Degree and Advanced Clinical Licensure (LCSW or LMHC)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 25 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period time in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance. Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language. Should be able to perform evaluations within the Emergency Department and participate in crisis intervention training, when provided with reasonable accommodations if indicated.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

• Perform assessments of patients referred by the Emergency Department and implement disposition recommendations for referred patients in consultation with the emergency department provider, as well as the psychiatry provider when indicated.
• Provide guidance and support for the implementation of the harm reduction model and services throughout the Emergency Department.
• Provide outreach, engagement and harm reduction services to individuals in need of support, including individuals using drugs/alcohol, people living with HIV/AIDS, individuals in involved in sex work/survival sex, individuals at risk of being victims and/or perpetrating violence, etc.
• Provide a thorough psycho-social assessment that includes social work interventions and discharge recommendations for each patient assigned.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary treatment planning for each patient.
• Provide therapeutic interventions
• Utilize supervision to problem-solve any clinical or administrative issues.
• Complete required documentation
• Is responsible for communicating with referral sources, families and payors to promote a continuum of care.
• Facilitate admissions and transfers by writing admission note, ensuring that admission forms are complete and making phone contacts with receiving facilities, as necessary.
• Participate in program improvement initiatives as appropriate.
• Advocates for an underserved population through coordination with primary care, care management, and other community partnerships.
• Assess determinants of health and make referrals for appropriate services, including but not limited to housing, transportation, medical providers, and care management.
• Facilitates and/or attends patient-centered meetings with community providers required for optimal patient care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Opportunity present to become an OCFS Designee for Schenectady County in order to fulfill the issuance of 9.45 pick-up orders when appropriate.
• Opportunity for optional, paid on call to be discussed with Manager of Crisis Services.
  • Potential for some voluntary on-call duties as team lead based on experience and management discretion.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures related to mandatory education, annual health assessment.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range: $22.99-44.16 /hour Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.

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