The Behavioral Health Counselor - Engagement Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
This position provides direct care to the psychiatric patient. Effectively interacts with the patients and their support network, and with the treatment milieu to facilitate positive patient outcomes. The Behavioral Health Engagement Specialist will perform these tasks in a fashion that assures, embraces, and communicates the pledge, values and policies of Northwestern Medicine.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Description
- Provide immediate support and intervention to individuals (women of childbearing age, pregnant women, women with children and women attempting to regain custody of their children, in need of treatment for substance use concerns), both in person and via telehealth.
- Deliver crisis supports individuals at imminent risk of suicide, in need of urgent resources, or experiencing emotional distress.
- Assess individual needs for appropriate coordination of care
- Provide linkage to appropriate services such as mental health care, substance use treatment, or safe housing.
- Serve as part of a team, collaborating with clinicians and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
- Transport individuals to necessary services or safe locations as needed.
- Provide crisis case management services for food and shelter resources
- Partner with local community stakeholders
- Build and foster relationships with local agencies and supports
- Facilitate support groups and deliver training sessions for staff.
- Conduct follow-up services and home or community-based visits within required timeframes.
- Use lived experience with mental health or substance use to build peer-level connections and trust.
- Respond to crisis situations with empathy and guidance, helping individuals explore solutions and stabilize.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, social service agencies, childcare centers and Northwestern Medicine departments to coordinate patient support.
- Partner with assigned clinical therapists to provide individual interventions and manage patient crises.
- Monitor and document patient progress toward treatment goals.
- Plan for patient discharge/linkage by securing treatment resources and scheduling follow-up appointments.
- Lead new patient orientations to familiarize individuals with services and expectations.
- Complete intake evaluations and assessments, documenting justification for recommended level of care using placement criteria.
- Cross-train across Behavioral Health Services (BHS) units and pursue professional development opportunities.
- Contribute to Integrated Assessment and Treatment Plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team.
- Ensure all required documentation is completed within designated time limits.
- Communicate effectively and respectfully with team members across clinical disciplines.
- Educate patients on self-help groups and encourage their use as ongoing support systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of street drugs and substances of abuse, including recognition of withdrawal symptoms.
- Conduct telephone screenings (inquiry calls) and determine appropriate disposition based on contact.
- Apply patient placement criteria to identify appropriate level of care and communicate with Managed Care for pre-certification.
- Report any incidents involving patients or staff that may compromise safety to team lead and manager.
- Support the intake process by handling inquiry calls as assigned.