Behavioral Health Navigator I - UPMC McKeesport

The PsychCare+ team at Western Psychiatric Hospital is hiring a Behavioral Health Navigator I to support UPMC McKeesport. The Behavioral Health Navigator I will be responsible for the assessment and navigation of patients and families in need of psychiatric services in the emergency department at UPMC McKeesport. This includes completing thorough psychiatric assessments as well as discharge and safety planning amongst the emergency department and consult liaison attending physicians and teams. The incumbent will coordinate an individualized plan of care based on the psychiatric assessment and ensure clinical documentation regarding disposition, safety planning, and referrals to outpatient services or transfer to a higher level of care. The incumbent must have the ability to identify acuity level of the patient and facilitate the flow of information to promote effective communication regarding the patient care, operations, and disposition. The incumbent must be able to work well independently but also interact well with multiple teams and points of supervision. Candidates with strong clinical psychiatric backgrounds are preferred. The schedule for this position will require flexibility to work three 12-hour rotating shifts, including days, evenings, and nights. Responsibilities: Complete clinical documentation and assessments (psychiatric, MOCA, commitment status, suicide assessment). Use DSM-5 for provisional diagnosis. Understand mental health laws and manage legal commitment status. Knowledge of insurance processes and obtaining authorizations. Participate in interdisciplinary activities and maintain certifications (CISM, Positive Approaches, CALM, CPR, ASAM). Utilize technology for patient care and referral planning. Handle high call volumes and manage outpatient scheduling. Respond quickly to appointment and admission requests. Review and summarize patient medical necessity for admissions. Provide verbal case presentations and demonstrate triage skills. Communicate accurately and professionally with coworkers, physicians, and agencies. Access social systems and provide resource information to patients and families. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Counseling or Social Work with one-year of mental health direct care experience OR master's degree in Psychology, Counseling or Social Work. Other fields of study may be considered with coursework of at least 12 credits in human services and/or relevant mental health experience. Ability to respond calmly and effectively, using good clinical judgment to both psychiatric and medical emergencies. Ability to identify problems, implement resolution, reassesses situation/problem. Excellent interpersonal relations with the ability to interact in a direct, professional, tactful, gracious manner with all professional/non-professional contacts; includes all areas of verbal/non-verbal communication within the contest of direct/non-direct contact; history of excellent interpersonal relations. Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Ability to work under stress, with an unpredictable patient flow, in a sometimes-crowded work environment. A personal disposition that is warm, friendly, caring, kind and hospitable towards patients, colleagues. Exhibit openness and willingness to learn. Flexible schedule; rotating shifts. History/record of all above services consistently delivered with a service excellent attitude. Ability and willingness to work in a managed care environment. Excellent ability and history of direct, gracious, courteous, kind face-to-face, telephone and nonverbal skills. May in the course of their job duties be in rooms where medications are stored. No contact with medications is allowed. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC) Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal Act 33 with renewal Act 34 with renewal Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran