Mental Health Specialist, Substance Use Coordinator - Full Time - Hackensack Meridian Health

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better. At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community. Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Mental Health Specialist in Emergency Psychiatric Services is responsible for care coordination and discharge planning for patients in EPS and throughout the hospital in need of substance use education, referrals and follow-up.  This position will work closely with both the EPS and CL teams to help meet the needs of this specific patient population.

A day in the life of a Mental Health Specialist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

1. Coordinates with CL services to provide bedside screening, education and information for patients dealing with addiction.  Provides immediate support, education and resources at the hospital bedside.
2. Provides referrals and intensive case management services for patients (and their families, if applicable) prior to discharge and during follow-up contacts.
3.  Assisted with contacting/connecting patients with rehab facilities and supporting the patients through the intake process.
4.  Assists with securing transportation (if needed) to rehab facilities.
5.  Assists with referrals to IOP/OP level of care as appropriate.
6. Maintains intensive follow-up contact with patients, their families, and other service providers involved in their care.
7. Assists EPS unit(s) with pre-certs, phone calls, bed searches, etc.
8. Coordination with hospital case management and NJ QIP
9. Participate in daily huddles, staff meetings and professional development/training.
10. Maintains logs/data collection on services provided for reporting purposes.
11. Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
12. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services or related area
2. At least 2 years experience providing case management services
3. Ability to work well with diverse populations
4. Strong communication and organizational skills

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

1. Applicants with experience working in the addictions field.
2. Knowledge of Monmouth and/or Ocean County social services
3. Bilingual (English/Spanish)

If you feel the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!