Job Details

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Director of Geropsychiatry & Medical Detox, and in collaboration with Nurses, Clinical Therapists, and the Discharge Planner, the Care Manager is responsible for: Providing assessments of patients and their families, planning and providing family education and group counseling, facilitating discharge planning. The Case Manager serves as a principal member of the treatment team, communicating family and interdepartmental dynamics. The Care Manager collaborates with unit staff around milieu development and management and may also provide consultation to unit staff. The Care Manager may also serve on hospital educational and community awareness programs. Additionally, the Care Manager may provide general social services in other areas of the facility as needed.

II. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts or assists with educational or supportive groups for patients and families. Maintains safety of patients and staff. Maintains ongoing consultation with treatment team. Communicates pertinent patient information to team members daily. Shares relevant information with community agencies to facilitate continuity of care. Provides leadership and consultation pertaining to unit dynamics. Performs other duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

• Evaluates effectiveness of Social Services interventions provided to patients and families. Leads discussion of patient and family responses to Social Services interventions at staffing, making revisions as needed. Documents evaluations/assessments on appropriate forms. Assists with evaluation of efficiency and effectiveness of Social Services within the Department. Works cooperatively and collectively with colleagues ensuring equitable distribution of workload.

• Demonstrates a commitment to a high level of professional performance through the balance of patient care, organizational and personal responsibilities. Arranges and organizes work schedule according to needs of patients and organization.

• Assists with identifying family and social functioning.

• Completes all assessments within 36 hours or as directed. Utilizes assessment skills to identify the needs, goals, and readiness for group and family therapies and appropriate aftercare plans. Assesses patient response to group dynamics considering individual needs. Assesses individual family member's responses to system dynamics and therapeutic interventions. Contacts referral sources, human service personnel and social service agencies connected with patient (with written consent for release of information). All interactions between patient or client and clinician are appropriate for the age of the client being served.

• Plans for implementation of group and family education. Adjusts group structure, composition, and leadership style based upon assessment data. Develops a strategy for family education based on assessment data. Contributes to discharge plans or recommendations including plans for aftercare.

• Plans for discharge and aftercare including contact with outpatient therapists, group homes, residential facilities, and other appropriate social services. Documents and communicates discharge planning needs and activities with interdisciplinary team.

• Provides therapeutic activities when scheduled. Maintains a safe environment while encouraging group cohesiveness and individual participation. Provides family education as indicated by assessments and orders. Maintains a safe environment encouraging individual participation.

• Provides opportunities for learning and change. Implements discharge and aftercare plans. Follows through with actualization of discharge plans including written or verbal communication, site visits, etc. Provides evaluative data regarding effectiveness of discharge and aftercare plans where applicable. Responds to psychiatric and/or medical emergencies.

• In collaboration with his/her supervisor ensures implementation of standards which promote maintenance of patient rights, including, but not limited to:

1. Special patient rights as applicable to Mental Health Services.
2. Identification and reporting of any suspected patient abuse.
3. Informed consent.
4. Clarification of patient expectations.
5. Explanation of treatment processes.
6. Maintenance of confidentiality of patient information.
7. Adaptation of care to all ages of patients served.
8. Ethical considerations.
9. Handling of patient complaints.

• Maintains own professional growth through the utilization of professional organizations, seminars, inservice programs, and other self-directed learning activities. Maintains awareness of current developments and trends in the provision of Social Services as applicable to position responsibilities. Determines appropriate priorities for activities based on work demands. Maintains awareness of current hospital operational policies and procedures, which impact on position relationships. Ensures that problems/concerns regarding activities in the department are communicated with the Director of Geropsychiatry & Medical Detox. Participates in ongoing performance improvement activities within the facility as assigned. Actively participates in Hospital and Departmental committees and group meetings with a focus on providing input regarding improving the quality of patient care services in the facility.

Requirements

III. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology or equivalent required. Minimum of two years experience in clinical setting preferred, which may include field practicums. Two years experience in the treatment of Psychiatric Illness, Substance Abuse Disorders or Dual Diagnosis Disorders preferred. If certified, must have current appropriate level certification in the State of California.

IV. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical Activity - Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 15 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 5 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.

Working Hazards or Risks - Potential exposure to infectious processes during patient interactions.

OSHA Blood Borne Risk Category I.

CPR

PRO-ACT