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The Case Therapist II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Assesses emotional, behavioral, mental status, environmental, familial, and situational state of patients at the Northwest Region Emergency Departments. Provides necessary crisis intervention and stabilization services. Provides assessment results and recommendations to required professionals during course of on-site (i.e. DCFS worker, CCBYS worker, ED doctor, on-call psychiatrist, etc.) in the development of disposition plans. Coordinates the arrangement of disposition plans and referral decisions. PES Case Therapists facilitate individual and group mental health intervention and stabilization services for clients in need of short-term crisis stabilization services, post assessment, within the Psychiatric Emergency Department setting. Reports to the Crisis Program Coordinator and Crisis and Outpatient Behavioral Health Program Manager. This position will be stationed in the Psychiatric Emergency Department in Northwestern Hospital Woodstock and responds to requests for crisis assessment services within the emergency departments in the Northwest Region.

Responsibilities:

Consistent with established policies and procedures:

• Facilitates and documents comprehensive behavioral health and substance use crisis assessment protocol to identify patient strengths and needs and to establish a recommended level of care disposition
• Educates and discusses treatment options with patients related to mental health and substance use needs
• Provides immediate mental health/substance abuse intervention to stabilize patient, outlining goals, identifying barriers, and discussing strategies to navigate barriers to care. Encourages patients to follow through on immediate and extended treatment recommendations.
• Works within a multi-disciplinary team to consult on treatment and disposition of patients
• Coordinates access to referral and linkage information and appointments to facilitate an effective community stabilization disposition
• Coordinates with ED doctor and psychiatrist when establishing criteria and recommendation for inpatient care and Extended Stay Protocols
• Coordinates with PES Team partners to verify benefits, facilitate pre-certification, and complete all administrative responsibilities required for proper handoff, and PES Nurse to facilitate an admission to NM or alternate hospital
• Communicates with collateral partners the disposition and crisis safety plan
• Provides individual and group crisis intervention services to patients receiving short-term crisis stabilization services within the psychiatric emergency department setting. These may include patients who are awaiting inpatient hospitalization as well as clients requiring further stabilization before returning to a community setting
• Utilizes CPI de-escalation techniques to support and treat psychiatric patients. Utilizes evidence based, trauma, cultural, and recovery-informed practices to guide practices
• Facilitates follow-up contact and intervention with identified clients who were assessed and referred to community resources and supports
• Provides grief support and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) as requested
• Completes USARF screenings for unfunded patients at requesting facilities (county contract)
• As a member of the PES team, responds to client crisis calls and external requests for service as needed.
• Engages in actively marketing PES services with consumer groups, community providers, education, police, and other collateral partners.
• Provides all services in accordance with the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act (Ill. Rev. Stat, ch. 91 ½, par 2-100 et seq. and par 801 et seq – 740 ILCS 11 0/1 et seq.)
• Records appropriate client progress notes and required consultation documentation into the client’s treatment record.        
• Other duties as assigned.

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Required:

• Master’s Degree in psychology, social work, or related field required..
• Minimum of one or more years of experience related to mental health/substance use counseling
• Interpersonal skills necessary to establish a working relationship with patients and their families and staff.
• Analytical skills necessary in order to properly monitor patients’ behaviors and maintain a safe and therapeutic milieu environment
• Writing skills necessary in order to accurately document patients’ progress in the medical record.
• Must be organized, detailed oriented, able to multi-task, and dedicated to helping others

 Preferred:

• Independent licensure as a mental health professional (LCSW, LCPC). Must obtain clinical licensure when becoming eligible by meeting the state’s requirements.
• Crisis experience preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of crisis intervention techniques for a broad spectrum of the mentally ill or chemically dependent is preferred.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.