Job Description

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

To provide comprehensive care of psychiatric patients admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit from admission through discharge, by maximizing available internal and external resources to reduce length of stay and improve quality of care. It includes assessing, planning, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating health and community related services to meet a patient’s physical, psychosocial, vocational, and health needs in a cost effective, outcomes-oriented and timely manner. As department needs change, the services may be performed at any level within the Network’s continuum of services and/or sites.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.
• Performs admission review on all inpatients. Attends daily patient rounds and shares professional knowledge, making appropriate recommendations regarding clinical and programmatic needs of patients as it relates to professional knowledge base and existing treatment criteria.
• Participates in individual patient care meetings with multidisciplinary team members and the patient/family to evaluate progress and to identify and resolve problems that may interfere with a positive patient outcome.
• Facilitate individual sessions with patient, patient & family, and any other significant others according to therapeutic needs and program practices.
• Assesses discharge planning needs to ensure a safe, timely and efficient discharge. Identifies variances during the patient’s stay in order to evaluate and improve processes that affect the efficiency and quality of patient care.
• Arranges for community services (including short and long-term placement) prior to discharge to meet patient’s needs with recognition and documentation of patient choice of service providers. Demonstrates effective use of these resources within established reimbursement guidelines.
• Provides patient / family education and advocacy, as appropriate.
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of mental health laws regarding patients’ rights and voluntary/involuntary commitment proceedings, coordinating such proceedings with necessary personnel.
• Maintains appropriate, timely, and effective communication with patients, families, community agencies, physicians, nursing staff, department managers, ancillary departments, and the Manager regarding variances, aspects of patient care management.
• Facilitates insurance authorization, pre-certification, and concurrent reviews for assigned patients.
• Maintains clinical records of all patient contact and clinical reviews, according to hospital policy and other regulatory guidelines (i.e., State, JCAHO). Documentation is completed in a professional and timely manner and includes interventions, recommendations, and referrals.
• In time of need, evaluates patients in the Emergency Room and/or in-house transfers for admission and/or referral to appropriate level of care.
• May assist in the utilization management of psychiatric cases in the absence of the utilization management coordinator.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Able to communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing). Positive interpersonal skills required. Sits stands and walks for extended periods of time. Requires some light lifting. Potential for participation in therapeutic recreational activities.

EDUCATION:

Any one of the following:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling

• Registered Professional Nurse with a current license to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. Bachelor's Degree in Nursing required (or in pursuit and obtained within 3 years of hire)

• Licensed Social Worker, MSW

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

At least 2 to 5 years of clinical experience providing care to patients with mental health illness. Previous experience in discharge planning and case management models preferred. Current Behavioral Health department program for De-Escalation Training and BLS certification preferred within 90 days of hire.

Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address. Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer. Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.