Coordinator, Behavioral Health Intake

POSITION SUMMARY

This position ensures patients are provided with the most appropriate Behavioral Health Services based on patient need. This position completes initial screening appointments to evaluate the level of care required for new patients for psychiatry and counseling which is an industry standard. This position also ensures the proper flow of new patients to be placed with services in a timely and patient-centered manner. This position works closely with the front desk staff and the Behavioral Health Manager to ensure patients receive this care. 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Director of Behavioral Health Integration, Case Management, and Social Services. No positions report to this role. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES and FUNCTIONS

While living and demonstrating our Core Values, the Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator will:

• All patients referred from within TWC or externally as self-referrals or referrals from outside medical providers will be scheduled for a new patient Behavioral Health telephone screen.
• Contact patients by telephone and complete screen to get an initial determination of whether the patient will likely meet the outpatient level of care for psychiatry or therapy at TWC.
• If the patient is seeking services that TWCCH does not offer, the Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator will offer resources within the community.
• If the patient has active suicidal or homicidal thoughts or is in acute crisis, employee is to keep the patient on the phone and get a BH team member to assist.
• If the patient does not have insurance, the employee will mail out a sliding fee scale to the patient and triage a CHW worker to connect with the patient to explain insurance options.
• If the patient currently sees a therapist the employee cornple;tes a confidentiality release for the therapist.
• Those patients that appear to meet the level of care for services at TWCCH will be routed to Licensed Behavioral Health Intake Counselor for review and scheduling.
• If the patient is under the age of 14, the employee will complete the new patient screen with the parent or legal guardian. Working with all of the Behavioral Health laws for children under 14, the Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator will obtain consent for treatment from parents or legal guardians. Once the consent is received, the Behavioral Health Intake Coordinator will work with the front desk to get the child scheduled directly with psychiatry as applicable.
• Respond to messages from TWCCH CHW regarding Behavioral Health concerns on SDOH surveys.
• Calls insurance companies to find _providers of Behavioral Health services closer to the patient if they cannot make the commute to our clinics.
• Assists patients with getting set up for our virtual therapists.
• Completes consent forms and confidentiality releases for patients starting virtual therapy.
• Updates outside referrals regarding the status of a client's referral to Behavioral Health at TWCCH.
• Be available as needed to work with Behavioral Health Collaborative Care and Integrated Counseling therapists to see clients during medical appointments.
• Maintain updated resources of Behavioral Health resources within the community.
• Complete Amerihealth Integrated Care Plans in a timely manner and submit to billing for reimbursement
• Provide support and advocacy during initial visits or when necessary to assure patients' needs and referrals required are being conveyed. Follow up with both patients and providers regarding patient updates.
• Continuously expand knowledge and understanding of community resources and services. Facilitate patient access to community resources including locating housing, food, clothing, prenatal classes, parenting, and relevant mental health services. Assist patients in utilizing community services including scheduling appointments with social services agencies.
• Assist the team with patients in crisis including but not limited to providing support, de-escalation, completing involuntary or voluntary commitment paperwork, and coordinating care.
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or another related field. 
• Become a Certified Community Health worker within one year of employment
• Experience with ME DENT or other EMR software a plus
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email
• Must be reliable and punctual
• Professional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule
• Consistent and reliable transportation
• Must possess valid PA driver's license
• Understanding of Behavioral Health regulations and privacy standards
• Knowledge of the basic concepts and principles of managed care required
• General computer knowledge and capability to use computers required.
• Demonstrates the ability to interact in an effective manner with practitioners, the interdisciplinary healthcare team, community agencies, patients, and families with diverse opinions, values and cultural ideas
• Demonstrates ability to work autonomously and be directly accountable for practice.
• Demonstrate the ability to function effectively in a fluid, dynamic, and rapidly changing
• environment
• Demonstrates ability to be self-directed, flexible, and committed to the team vision.
• Be able to work independently
• Excellent time management skills
• Accurate and thorough documentation
• Demonstrates teamwork, initiative an9 willingness to learn, accepts and respects diversity
• without judgment, and demonstrates strong customer service values