Mental Health Specialist

Schedule: Saturday's, 11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

At Children's Nebraska, our mission is to improve the life of every child through exceptional care, advocacy, research and education. As the state's only full-service pediatric healthcare center, we provide comprehensive, holistic care to our patients and families—from primary and specialty care to behavioral health services and everything in between. Dedicated to a People First culture, we foster an environment with joy, belonging, wellbeing, learning and growth. Turn your passion into purpose and make a difference where it matters most. 

A Brief Overview
Provides professional mental health services for patients and families in assigned areas of the hospital/clinics, and on an as needed basis in other areas of the hospital/clinics. Enhances the psychosocial functioning of patients/families and evaluates mental health status, develops treatment plans, and provides group, family, and individual therapy while under provisional supervision. Develops and maintains a positive and long-term credible relationship with patients, physicians, mental health providers, and nursing staff to ensure a team-based approach and effective continuum of care for the patient.

Essential Functions

Under Provisional Supervision, conducts psychological diagnostic clinical interviews (DCI): 

• Completes DCI documentation including a differential diagnosis and treatment plan 
• Completes and document crisis assessment plans. 
• Collaborates with and facilitates multidisciplinary team discussions to understand the mental health needs of the patients/families. 
• Appropriately documents all clinical services in chart. 
• Formulates patient goals and monitors the progression of the plan of care utilizing strength-based interventions. 
• Provides appropriate patient education and documents in the patient's EMR. 
• Communicates psychological assessment and plan of care with patient care team. 
• Assesses high risk individuals and families intervention focusing on the safety and mental health of the patient/family and collaborates with the healthcare team to ensure a safe environment.

Under Provisional Supervision, provides crisis/supportive counseling and coaching to patients/families 

• Supports self-management by assisting families with problem-solving, adjustment to illness, and management of comorbid mental and physical health, utilizing evidenced based clinical intervention strategies. 
• Provides interventions which reflect knowledge of how disease impacts social well-being and is enhanced by disease specific knowledge. 
• Provides crisis intervention in a variety of situations. 
• Documents interventions appropriately in chart. Provides recommendations and warm hand-offs to health care team members. 
• Facilitates support groups as needed.

Provides referrals for patient and family care navigation in team work with BSW support team. 

• Gathers information from patients/families. 
• Shares appropriate resource materials and information with patients/families. 
• Maintains up to date knowledge of community resources specific to the patient's medical condition and social situation. 
• Communicates clinical hand offs for internal and community based clinical care hand offs. 
• Assists with overcoming social determinants of health. 
• Assists with follow-up and follow-through to ensure that quality of care is obtained. 
• Documents interventions in chart.

While under supervision, provides assessment and coordination of child abuse/neglect cases. 

• Assesses psychosocial dynamics. 
• Communicates with medical and nursing personnel regarding assessment and plan. 
• Facilitates referral and provides ongoing communication with CPS, law enforcement, and county attorney's office. 
• Documents pertinent information and completes all reports in a timely fashion. 
• Prepares and presents cases to the Children's Advocacy Team. Attends team meetings on an as needed basis.
• Provides pre and de-escalation skills to parents and families. Follows clinic policies and procedures for these needs.
• Covers for colleagues in their absence, and arranges for coverage of responsibilities when absent. 
• Communicates with co-workers regarding coverage needs.
• Attend regular supervision pursuant to NDHHS regulatory standards. 
• Provide community education on selected mental health topics.
• Regular attendance at work is an essential function of the job.

Education Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, counseling or related mental health field Required

Experience Qualifications

• 1-3 years' experience of providing supervised mental health services in a health care or mental health facility Preferred and
• Behavioral Health services with children, adolescents, and families Preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Requires knowledge of human behavior, social problems, counseling modalities, and community resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form, relaying case information to patients/families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, attorneys and law enforcement as needed.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Provisional Mental Health Practitioner in the state of Nebraska Upon Hire Required

*Will considered candidate who have their LMHP or LIMHP licensure in the state of Nebraska as well.

Children's is an equal opportunity employer, embracing and valuing the unique strengths and differences of people. We cultivate an inclusive environment of respect and trust where we all belong. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. 

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