Mental Health Assistant

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

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Responsibilities:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Verifies health home assignments for assigned patients.
• Verifies Medicaid status using MAPP/Psyckes as needed.
• Contacts assigned care manager to request collateral information at admission and document in eRecord.
• Completes screening for eligibility and facilitates referral for patients not in health home.
• Ensures referral is directed to the appropriate care management agency.
• Requests a warm handoff occur with the Health Home care management agency during the patient’s visit.
• Assists with updating health home care manager regarding the discharge plan.
• Consults and collaborates with team members and patient/family on safe discharge planning.
• Meets with assigned patients prior to discharge to discuss follow up post discharge.
• Maintains appropriate contact with patient’s family and community supports, living situation, etc. regarding discharge plan/updates.
• Ensures division, department, and Hospital policies and procedures are implemented with regard to professional practice, discharge planning and patient care.
• Complies with division and departmental quality assurance and staff development activities.
• Ensures timely completion of time reporting and other Hospital or division forms, as well as Hospital and division mandatory in-service training programs and reviews.
• Attempts to follow up with patients up to a week post discharge by contacting the patient to provide assistance and support as needs arise and within scope of practice.
• During the phone contact, verifies patient’s access to own safety plan that was completed during presentation and consults Sr Clinical Evaluator if safety concerns arise.
• Functions as the main contact if assigned patient has questions after discharge.
• Ensures linkage occurs with the appropriate party to ensure patient need is addressed.
• Provides back up services, within scope of practice, as requested in the absence of co-workers.
• Makes referrals for agreed upon services and provides instruction/information for other needed resources, including but not limited to, emergency housing, food banks, and community-based support services.
• Arranges discharge transportation and schedules follow up appointments as needed.
• Subscribes to the departmental goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patient, families, trainees, and co-workers in a sensitive manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences.
• Participates in available cultural competence events and training appropriate to job duties.
• Documents all interactions, interventions, referrals, discharge plans, contacts in the patient’s chart in compliance with division, department and Hospital policy.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, or other human services related degree and 1 year of experience in working with behavioral health population in a direct care capacity required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 

• Understanding of psychosocial stressors, community resources and safety issues; basic crisis intervention skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Well-developed listening skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to advocate, research and collaborate on behalf of patients preferred.

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.