Mental Health Clinician

General Summary

As a Department of Psychiatry associate and under limited supervision, the Mental Health Clinician (MHC) is responsible for the assessment of patients served primarily in the Emergency Department. On occasion the MHC may be asked to service patients on the acute care floors. These assessments determine the decisions to ether admit or discharge patients based clinical condition and safety of self/others. Patients range across the age spectrum and across the DSM-5 classifications. MHC’s are members of the Healthcare Team and have accountability to function as a team member to accomplish safe, effective and efficient patient outcomes.

The MHC provides care to those patients via therapeutic use of self, the clinical process, the environment, technology, and other healthcare team members, according to established standards. Patients served include Child through Adult-Geriatric.

Mission

All employees are responsible for extending the mission and values of Baltimore Washington Medical Center by dedicating oneself to providing the highest quality healthcare services to the communities we serve.

Reporting Relationships

Reports directly to the Director, Behavioral Health Services.

Qualifications

Master’s degree from accredited school of Social Work or Master’s degree in related behavioral health field required. Current Maryland licensure at an advanced licensure level (e.g. LCSW-C, LCPC and/or Board Certified Psychologist) required. At least 2 years of hospital based psychiatric experience preferred. Working knowledge of DSM 5 required. Basic computer skills required.

The degree and licensure requirements of this job description are effective as of the date of this revision, November 1, 2016. Team members hired before the date of this revision, who do not currently have the specified academic credential or license, are grandfathered and are not required to obtain these qualifications. Current team members who had the specified licensure qualifications at the time of the revision must maintain these qualifications as a condition of continued employment. All team members hired after the date of revision specified above must, as a condition of employment, have the specified minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Working Conditions

Works inside a clean, well-lighted environment. Will be exposed to multiple crisis situations. Time will be spent in office environment and direct patient care areas. Will be exposed to verbal abuse by patients. Expected to work overtime to complete a task that cannot wait until the next working day. Potential for minimal exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous materials, requiring the observance of Standard Precautions and safe handling practices. This position has been classified as medium exposure risk and requires the completion of an annual respirator mask fitting.

Physical Requirements

Standing, bending, ascending/descending stairs, reaching, lifting, and pushing/pulling are required 0-3 hours/shift. Working, sitting, carrying is required 3-5 hours/shift. Weight handled is less than 10 pounds. Near visual acuity is necessary for accurate reading.

Talking and hearing are necessary for telephone conversations and interviewing patients/families, communicating with staff members and visitors.