Access Center Crisis Response Staff

This position is responsible for the coordination of services for all patients admitted to the Southern Iowa Mental Health Center (SIMHC) Access Center. The Access Center consists of the following services: Crisis Stabilization Residential Services, Mental Health Subacute Facility Services, 23-Hour Crisis Observation & Holding Services, 24/7 Crisis Line, and Court Ordered Evaluations. All services are designed to serve patients with a mental health, substance abuse and/or co-occurring disability. Individuals that are either experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, or need continued stabilization services, that have other conditions such as brain injury, physical disability, and/or intellectual disability will be served within the Access Center if they qualify for admission for the service they are rendering.

The Crisis Response Staff (CRS) is responsible for the initial mental health, substance use, and brain injury screenings of the patient when they arrive to the Access Center. CRS will provide monitoring, crisis intervention, and one-on-one interaction with patients admitted to the Access Center. CRS staff will provide education and teaching skills as appropriate. CRS will be responsible for completing admission processes, daily check in with patients and assisting with care coordination activities in preparing for discharge. The CRS will make decisions about admissions of patients to Crisis Stabilization Residential Services and mobile crisis response.

I. PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Complete screening, engagement, and admission of patients into the Access Center.
• Get a completed Mental Health & Disability Region services application upon admission of each patient and fax application to applicable Region office (home county office of patient).
• Connect with each patient’s provider of choice and natural supports within 24 hours of their admission to the Access Center.
• Ensure that patients are adhering to the expectations and rules as set forth by the Crisis Unit.
• Help to identify the patient’s areas of need, problems, and strengths and work to develop crisis plans for each patient to use upon discharge.
• Work with the patient, team, their natural supports on development of treatment plans.
• Work with the patient on achieving their treatment plan goals.
• Work as a team with the other Access Center staff and with all other SIMHC staff.
• Documents case notes, patient contact notes, and all other necessary documentation into the SIMHC EHR, and other applicable MCO portals.
• Request preauthorization’s for Access Center services being rendered from the patient’s funder.
• Adheres to all medication policies and works with trained nursing staff to ensure all medication policies are followed whether client administered or staff administered.
• Provide patient transportation if needed.
• Handle crisis line calls, help callers de-escalate and/or make referrals for services they are seeking or would benefit from.
• Review Mobile Crisis Team referrals and dispatch the team when appropriate, including offering callers this service.
• Attend staff meetings, staffings, and trainings as requested by the Team Lead and Crisis Unit Director.
• Cleaning, laundry, and trash removal within the Access Center.
• Complete patient follow-up calls and confirmation of follow-up appointments achieved.
• Complete incident reports when applicable, review incident reports completed and help identify areas to prevent future incidents.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

II. QUALIFICATIONS:

• One or more of the following is required:
a. A mental health professional as defined by Iowa Code Section 228.1
b. A bachelor’s degree with 30 semester hours or equivalent in a human services field (including, but not limited to, psychology, social work, nursing, education) and a minimum of one year of experience in a behavioral or mental health service.
c. A law enforcement officer with a minimum of two years of experience in the law enforcement officer’s field.
d. An emergency medical technician (EMT) with a minimum of two years of experience in the EMR’s field.
e. A peer support specialist with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services.
f. A family support peer specialist with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services.
g. A registered nurse with a minimum of one year of experience in behavioral or mental health services.
h. A bachelor’s degree in a non – human services related field, associate’s degree, or high school diploma (or equivalency) with a minimum of two years of experience in behavioral or mental health services, and 30 hours of crisis and mental health in service training (in additional to the Department approved training).
• Staff providing crisis response services must complete:
a. A minimum of 30 hours of Department – approved crisis intervention training.
b. A post – training assessment of competency.
• Medication Manager preferred or willing to obtain this.
• Must be able to pass an Iowa criminal background check.
• Must be able to pass Iowa DHS Adult & Child Abuse Registry verification.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and carry automobile insurance.
• Must adhere to Driver policy 24.3 (4) as part of ongoing job requirement.

III. REQUIREMENTS FOR POSITION:

• Flexibility to alter schedule as needed for patient care, staff meetings, and trainings.
• Good verbal and written skills with ability to practice good communication with clients, staff, and other community providers.
• Good decision- making skills and ability for critical thinking.
• Strong passion for improving the mental health care delivery system.
• Comfortable transporting patients out in the community.
• Complete a physical and a 2-step TB test.
• Familiarity and proficiency with electronic medical record, electronic mail, and word processing required. Strong computer skills required.
• Hearing and visual ability which allows for necessary understanding while rendering professional and supervisory services.
• Physical ability to stand, walk and move for up to 8 or 12 hours in a working shift.

To apply for any of these positions, or if you have any questions, please contact: [email protected]