Under the direction of the Program Manager of Psychiatric Triage and within federal, state, and local guidelines perform risk of harm assessments to determine level of risk and subsequent treatment. This position is grant funded.

The Crisis Psychiatric Triage Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) is responsible for providing crisis services to residents of Denton County that present to the Psychiatric Triage Facility. Job duties include face-to-face assessments and responding to needed telephone interventions. Additionally, this position will complete 24hr follow-ups both in person and over the phone as needed and jail phone assessments. The QMHP will work in the office from 5pm to 12am and then work from home for the last hour of the shift. If an individual comes into Psychiatric Triage and needs to be seen in person after midnight the QMHP will stay/return with overnight personnel. The QMHP may be asked to remain in office until end of shift (1:00am) with a second staff member. QMHP Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in human services field as required to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
• (1) year prior experience in a mental health field required. Master's Degree in a human services field and previous crisis experience preferred.
• . English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid driver's license and current automobile insurance.

• Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skills in interviewing, listening, providing case management services to individuals, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to screen and evaluate individuals, provide appropriate referrals/resources, prepare reports, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to individuals and interested parties, explain available services.
• May train others.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
• Computer skills required specifically Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, and the Center's electronic health record system.
• Ability to make decisions based on education and or clinical experience, which reflects consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative

• Assists individuals served during a crisis episode by ensuring they are linked to appropriate Center programs (MCOT, Psych Triage, CPT, etc.).
• Monitors individuals experiencing a crisis as needed with in person contact.
• Completes CSSRS Since Last Visit at each contact with individuals served to determine risk level and ensure appropriate referrals.
  • Openly ask questions regarding Suicide to ensure accurate and thorough information is obtained.
• Provides additional support to individuals identified as having higher risk for suicide.
  • Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.
• Provides additional phone calls/support as required or requested.
• Seeks out supervisors or other management to debrief on cases as needed.
• Completes risk of harm assessments as outlined.

Essential Duties

Below is a list of essential duties of the position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.
  • Staff will attend all Psychiatric Triage team meetings as scheduled and sign in for meetings to acknowledge their presence and understanding of the topics discussed.
• If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.
• Provides courteous, professional services always.
  • Maintains professional boundaries.
• Interacts with center staff, individuals served, and community members in a professional manner.
• Input time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.
• Greets individuals in psychiatric triage facility and gain an understanding of what brought them to the facility.
  • Ensure completion of sign in sheet when applicable.
• Coordinates care of individuals served by ensuring appropriate staff members are contacted within 10 minutes of client arrival.
• Ensures consents are obtained prior to releasing any information to outside entities.
• Provides emergency/crisis intervention when necessary, according to Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), trauma informed care principles, and center policies and procedures.
  • Begins all assessments within a maximum of ten minutes post completed triage.
• Completes triages as assigned. Discusses clinical outcome and notifies appropriate manager if needed.
• Collaborates with team members to determine the least restrictive treatment through screening form and other assessment methods.
  • Discusses treatment recommendation at the end of every Risk of Harm (ROH) Assessment.
• Attempts to contact all collaterals to gather or collaborate information provided during ROH Assessment, prior to discussing case with management.
• Discusses case as needed with appropriate manager.
• Collaborate with individuals and with community agencies to carry out least restrictive environment.
  • Arrange transportation as needed.
• Facilitate ensure safety as needed.
• Coordinate/confirm admission to inpatient facility as needed.
• Ensures follow-up on 100% of individuals screened within 24 hours.
  • Completes or ensures screening email is sent to all necessary parties, with all necessary information to complete 24 hour follow up.
• Follow up appointment is documented in the follow up schedule.
• Completes follow ups as assigned both in face to face and over the phone.
• Completes phone follow ups as needed.
  • Monitors emails throughout scheduled shift and completes any follow ups requested.
• Prints and posts follow up email in appropriate location that fall under different shift.
• Completes Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA)/Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) at time of Risk of Harm assessment to determine whether an individual qualifies for crisis package services.
  • Documents reason for clinical decision if deviating into level of care.
• Documents individuals determined level of care in crisis assessment and screening email.
• Works collaboratively with team members to ensure all necessary levels of care 9 and 0 services are provided.
  • Completes follow up appointments as assigned.
• Communicates recommendation to necessary staff (i.e. Counselor, Supervisors, Psychiatrist, Case Manager, etc.…)
• Develops Crisis/Recovery plans collaboratively with each individual.
  • Crisis plans are completed at time of risk of harm assessment.
• All persons with a substance abuse diagnosis have a crisis plan goal which addresses substance abuse needs.
• All crisis plan objectives are individualized and measurable.
• Documents all services provided to an individual or on behalf of an individual served according to center guidelines.
  • Documentation is completed within 2 business days and uploaded into Smart Care if applicable.
• Complete ROH Assessment documentation within one hour of interview.
• Corrections are completed within 2 business days of being notified.
• Responds to emails within a timely manner.
• Ensure completion of client tracker for each shift.
  • Updates tracker immediately after individual is screened and ensures all appropriate information is added.
• Mails caring letters out to individuals assessed at psychiatric triage facility on a weekly basis.
• Contact supervisor or designated backup for clarifications of procedures or clinical assistance as needed.
  • Staff communicate urgent clinical and logistical needs with appropriate manager.
• Contacts Program Manager for clarification of protocols or needed direction or assistance.
• Shares knowledge and resources by collaborating with teammates and sharing community resources when beneficial to the treatment of individuals served.
• Is familiar with all applicable Texas Administrative Code (TAC), fidelity tools and HHSC contract information and Center policies and procedures.
  • All documentation is completed within two business days.
• All documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Center and HHSC guidelines.
• Signs company cars out prior to use and in after use, completes travel log in each car, completes maintenance request upon identifying problems, fills cars up with gas using center gas card when cars reach ¼ tank, and is follows center policy regarding accidents in center vehicles or on center time.
• Completes tasks in a manner that fosters principle of creating a safe place for both staff and individuals served.
  • Identify and report safety hazards to the appropriate manager.
• Complete Incident Reports according to Denton County MHMR Policies and Procedures.
• Ensures individuals charts follow HHSC contract requirements and standards.
  • Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.
• All paperwork will be signed in black ink with credentials and date.
• Works in a team setting and provides support and assistance to other team members as needed.
• All assignments given are completed in a timely manner.
• Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.