Counselor

Job Summary

Responsible for the independent delivery of highly professional counseling services with direct contact with patients experiencing chemical dependency and/or psychiatric issues within professional setting.

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

• Identifies patients and families who have complex psychosocial needs/issues requiring social work intervention.  Collects in-depth information and documents pertinent information for access by all members of the healthcare team.
• Assesses patients by collecting information about the patients’ medical, social, emotional, financial, spiritual, support systems, barriers to care, access to services, psychosocial functioning through direct client contact and other relevant sources to include family and caregivers, etc. The social services assessment is required to be completed within 72 hours of admission. 
• If a licensed professional counselor or a licensed marriage and family therapist conducts the social services assessment, the results of the assessment shall be signed by a licensed master social worker evidencing approval of such results.
• Develops a discharge/care management plan in collaboration with the patient, other members of the healthcare team, the physician and 3rd party payers, as indicated. 
• Communicates the plan with the patient and family/significant other and adjusts the plan based on the patient’s progress, input, and needs.
• Advocates for patients (e.g., ensures adequate knowledge/comprehension regarding medical care choices, etc.) and clearly communicates case management activities/intervention in the health care record.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in the planning, and provision of timely and efficient clinical services to patients and their families and initiates referrals to service providers as identified in the plan of care. Coordinates discharge teaching.
• Directs, monitors, and evaluates the social services provided within Inpatient Psychiatric Units. Provides therapeutic group and individual counseling to patients.
• Reviews the patient's progress as described by the various disciplines involved in an ongoing basis to ensure an effective plan is in place.  Ensures that the interdisciplinary care/discharge plan/plan of care is consistent with the patient’s clinical course, continuing care needs and covered services and modifies, as indicated.
• Ensures discharge prescriptions, orders, and appointments are made, DME, ambulatory care services, nursing home care, etc. have been arranged and discharge, transfer, and referral forms are as complete as possible prior to patient departure.
• Advocates for the patient to promote positive client health and wellness outcomes. 
• Assists patients and their families to understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations, restore patients to optimum social and health adjustment and address personal and environmental difficulties through individual, group, and family counseling.
• Maintains updated knowledge of community resources and governmental programs available from local, state, and federal health and social services agencies and makes referrals as indicated.
• Evaluates readmission rates, LOS reports, Press Ganey and patient satisfaction surveys and applies to case management practices, as indicated.
• Respects and maintains hospital policies regarding patient confidentiality, patient rights, and ethical issues.
• Has knowledge and competency in initiating emergency detention orders, orders of protective custody, and the guardianship process.  
• Assists with establishing Advance Directives, Medical Power of Attorney, etc. as indicated. Identifies and establishes legal guardian/decision maker.
• Have knowledge and competency in completing initial insurance authorization, concurrent review and updating the insurance companies to obtain certification of days.  Understands the process of contracted bed authorization through the local mental health authorities.
• Utilizes the Patient/Visitor Safety Learning Report to document patient safety issues and complaints related to care.
• Attends meetings and in-service as required. Attends appropriate conferences and workshops to enhance career growth and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.