THERAPIST​/ADMISSIONS; MA​/MSW

overview

river vista behavioral health sits along the bluffs overlooking the san joaquin river, this brand new, 128-bed facility will provide high-quality and advanced behavioral health services to residents and visitors in the central valley. The new hospital will employ more than 250 people, including clinicians, nurses, mental health technicians, support staff and administration.

river vista behavioral health is currently seeking a dynamic intake counselor
. The intake counselor, under the supervision of the director of admissions, interviews and assesses potential patients and inquiry callers. The intake counselor works with the business office regarding patient financial data, as well as with the ur department for the certification of patients admitted. Also initiates the referral process when indicated, and communicates with referral sources.

education: master’s degree from an accredited college or university, in social work or a clinical related mental health field required.

experience: 2-3 years in the area of substance abuse/psychiatric treatment programs, including experience in intake/admissions and managed care preferred.

license: must be state certified in social work or clinical related mental health field. Lcsw, lfmt, or rn license required.

additional requirements: cpr certification, cpi and verbal de-escalation training within 30 days of employment prior to assisting in a restraining procedure. Must be able to pass a competency exam for the area upon hire. May be required to work flexible hours and overtime.

schedule: 11:00 am - 11 pm

the essential job functions are categorized under the jcaho standards of performance. This position will be evaluated based upon social services practice/competencies, as well as therapeutic practices competencies as listed below.

performance

• communicate effectively with patients, families, health care team members and community providers.
• interact and communicate with community agencies in assessment of and service to patients.
• maintain confidentiality in compliance with professional ethics according to professional and facility standards.
• identify opportunities for the program and participate in performance improvement projects and activities.
• continue professional development and maintain professional development in personnel file.
• assist in orientation of new colleagues.

assessment

• assess and identify developmental and behavioral functioning of the patient. Document patient responses.
• develop an effective working relationship with patient and/or family.
• comply with required standards for medical/legal reporting situations (e.g., child abuse, dependent adult abuse, psychiatric commitment).

professional competencies

• demonstrate a professional attitude that supports the facility’s business development/marketing and guest relations philosophy through internal and external communications and interactions with all levels of staff, patients, family members, guests, community and referral sources.

admissions / competencies

intervention

• utilize a variety of techniques to assist in the resolution of patient problems.
• effectively employ principles of communication, interviewing techniques, problem solving and crisis intervention when performing intake assessments.
• utilize appropriate interventions in psychiatric emergencies.
• document and report infections to the infection control nurse.

• utilizes universal precautions when caring for a patient.
• promote health communication.
• document q15 checks on all patients; notify on call doctor if modified checks are needed.

child patients (ages 5 through 11)

• maintain knowledge of the child program rules, protocols and handbooks guidelines.
• maintain knowledge of children’s stages of development and seek guidance from the nurse in charge when questions about the norms for behavior related to child development arise.
• assess patients for behaviors consistent with the developmental stages and make note of any deviations in behavior.
• recognize acting out behavior of child specific age group and set appropriate limits in clear, concise, behavioral…