Crisis Behavioral Health Clinician

Pay Range:

Pay Range:$29.82 - $41.60 This position performs evidence-based culturally relevant crisis intervention services in Sitka at Mount Edgecumbe Hospital in the emergency room and other departments of the hospital for those experiencing behavioral, emotional, substance and/or mental disorders. An essential component of the position is evaluation of individuals who present in crisis to determine the most appropriate level of care, up to and including involuntary psychiatric hospitalization (Alaska Statute Title 47 Involuntary Commitment and Admission for Treatment). The clinician also performs other behavioral health services such as intake/diagnostic evaluations, case evaluations, crisis counseling and intervention, discharge planning, and coordination of care external agencies. The clinician is an active, professional, engaged member of the patient’s interdisciplinary hospital treatment team comprised of physicians, nurses, utilization review staff, social work, discharge planners, etc. All services are documented within the electronic health record in accordance with established SEARHC policies, procedures and regulatory bodies. The clinician follows and maintains established clinical outcome measures and productivity standards.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Provide evidence-based culturally relevant crisis intervention services in Sitka at Mount Edgecumbe Hospital in the emergency room and other departments of the hospital for those experiencing behavioral, emotional, substance and/or mental disorders.

• In coordination with the interdisciplinary team, assess individuals in crisis to determine the most appropriate level of care.

• Implement Alaska Statute Title 47 for psychiatric involuntary assessments and associated documentation.

• Coordinate care with other agencies and hospitals to facilitate a higher level of care when indicated, i.e., psychiatric hospitals, psychiatric evaluation and treatment facilities, etc.

• Work closely and supportively with members of the patient’s support team, e.g., family members, guardians, outside treatment providers.

• Communicate actively, collaboratively and professionally as a member of the patient’s interdisciplinary treatment team comprised of physicians, nurses, other behavioral health professionals, utilization review staff, social work, discharge planning, etc.   

• Utilize Trauma Informed Care in all aspects of patient, employee, and community interactions.

• Provide short term management of mental health and substance use disorders for individuals within the hospital and/or community setting.

• Provide motivational interviewing, bio-psychosocial education and skill development.

• Coordinate care within the SEARCH health system and local community social agencies to assure appropriate referrals are offered for optimal individualized care.

• Maintain complete, timely, and accurate documentation of all services as required by SEARCH policy and procedure and Title 47 Statutes.

• Self-monitor and fulfill licensure requirements as required by clinician’s licensing board. 

• Adhere to patient confidentiality, sharing, and release of information per HIPAA and SEARHC policy.

• Attend, engage, and professionally participate in meetings and trainings. 

• Promptly respond to coding/audit requests and corrections in a respectful, professional, and timely fashion.

• Complete all required provider enrollment expectations and documentation.

• Other duties as assigned

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related discipline from an accredited educational institution.

• Licensed as Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC) or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) preferred.

  • Once licensure is obtained it is a requirement to keep it current for the duration of employment.

  • Clinicians who are not yet licensed will receive clinical supervision to ensure appropriate delivery of  behavioral health services focused screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, therapy, case management, crisis intervention, patient education, referral, reports, and records keeping, and consultation.

• Valid State of Alaska Driver’s License or can be obtained within 6 months of hire.

• BLS required within 3 months of hire

• Alaska State Chemical Dependency Counselor I or MAC certificate or equivalent preferred.

• SEARHC Clinical Competency at 3 months and every 3 years thereafter

Experience Required

• 2 years experience in a mental health, substance use treatment program or similar behavioral health social service agency

• Experience with behavioral health assessment and diagnoses for patients of all ages

Knowledge of

• Behavioral health assessment and diagnostic evaluation criteria.

• Treatment plan development and patient/family centered goals and objectives.

• Evidence-based modern methods, techniques and procedures used in individual and family interventions for emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.

• Federal and state mandatory reporting requirements

• Ethical and legal management practices, patient rights, state mandatory reporting requirements, documentation regulations specific to HIPAA, CARF, The Joint Commission, HRSA, State Medicaid and Federal regulations.

Skill and Ability to

• Assess patients for risk of suicide, self-harm or homicide and develop effective safety plans.

• Assess patient for grave disability due to a serious acute or chronic mental illness.

• Implement and document Alaska Title 47 involuntary hold and treatment forms.

• Advocate for patients and coordinate required services or to resolve problems in crisis situations.

• Analyze, evaluate, and diagnose situations and adopt effective courses of action.

• Document clear/concise reports drawing from direct patient observation, screenings, and assessments in accordance with professional standards, state regulations and department protocol.

• Modify treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in patients' needs. 

• Maintain knowledge of new developments in behavioral health assessment and counseling.

Required Certifications:

Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association, Clinical Competency Assessment - SEARHC, Driver License - State of Alaska

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!