Denton County MHMR Center employees are committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Denton County MHMR Center defines diversity broadly to include race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, and other groups.

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to strive to maintain a trauma sensitive workplace, to embrace trauma sensitive and informed practices, and to foster a supportive and welcoming environment of care.

General Description

Under direction of the Program Manager of MCOT On-Call and within federal, state and local guidelines provides moderately complex case management work. Work involves developing contact with clients, client families, and service providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs.

This position is responsible for providing after-hours crisis services to residents of Denton County. Job duties include face to face risk of harm (ROH) assessments within the county at a secure location (medical hospitals, psych hospitals, jails, etc.) as well as individual's homes and anywhere in Denton County community with police present. This position requires telephone interventions and works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Bachelor's degree in a human services field, qualifying as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) required. Requires experience working with individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and experience with crisis intervention services. Requires a minimum of six-months experience working in the mental health field. Preference of Spanish-English bilingual. Must be able to respond anywhere in Denton County within 1 hour.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Individual needs to meet the requirements to Qualify as a QMHP (Qualified Mental Health Professional)

• This position requires knowledge of causes and treatment of individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and related conditions.
• This position requires adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines of Texas Human and Health Services Commission (HHSC) and Denton County MHMR. Other specific laws, regulations, policies, procedures and/or guidelines which must be followed include Medicaid Rehabilitation Standards, Texas Administrative Code (TAC), and Specifications of Performance Contracts with HHSC.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to program areas.
• Knowledge and background in mental health services.
• Knowledge of serious and persistent mental disorders, personality disorders and substance abuse/dependence encompassed in the DSM-V.
• Proficient reading, writing, interpersonal relations and communication skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to assess individuals' needs, coordinate individuals' services, and communicate effectively.
• Ability to train others as needed.
• Skills in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and must demonstrate organizational and administrative skills.
• Computer skills required specifically ability to use Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook and the Center's electronic health record.
• Ability to make decisions based on education preparation and clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Agency philosophy, Center's guiding principles, policies and procedures, and standards of care.

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.).
• Remains with individuals experiencing a crisis as needed.
• 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 at higher risk for suicide.
  • Educates individuals on the Suicide Care Pathway.
• Provides additional phone calls/support as required or requested.
• Seeks out to supervisor or other management to debrief on cases as needed.
• Completes risk of harm assessments as outlined.

Essential Duties

• Responds to all calls within 10 minutes. Gathers information from caller regarding the nature of the crisis situation. Responds to need for emergent face to face assessments within one hour.
  • This position is community based and staff will report to various locations in the community as needed.
    • If the location is not secure, police presence will be requested (secure locations include medical and psychiatric hospitals, jail, or Denton County MHMR's Psychiatric Triage Facility).
  • Provides thorough documentation.
    • Documents all services provided to an individual in the electronic health record (EHR).
  • Each service delivered will be documented according to agency and state guidelines.
  • All risk of harm assessments and 24-hour follow-ups completed must be documented within one hour of completion.
  • Other documentation or corrections must be completed within 2 business days.
  • Collaborates with MCOT team members and at times Backup Clinician On-Call to determine the least restrictive environment.
    • Utilizes the Centers screening form to gather and document information regarding risk of harm/risk factors.
  • Ensures least restrictive environment recommendation is carried out.
    • Provides or facilitates transport as needed.
  • Maintains communication with hospitals regarding admission if applicable.
  • Communicates with collaterals regarding possible ensure safety and means restriction if applicable.
  • Completes all additional tasks associated with completion of a risk of harm assessment.
    • Completes Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) or Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA) to determine appropriate level of care.
  • Ensures communication and appropriate documentation of follow-up for 100% of individuals assessed.
  • Collaborates with individuals to complete individualized crisis plan.
  • Ensures screening email is sent to all appropriate parties.
  • Ensures registration document is completed for all individuals.
  • Ensures provider letter is complete when applicable.
  • Ensures diagnosis is entered into the EHR; when applicable.
  • Completes 24 hour follow ups as assigned.
    • Each individual assessed receives a follow up within 24 hours of the assessment.
  • Ensures time worked is documented accurately on Center timesheet.
  • Completes on-call reimbursement and mileage reimbursement forms in a timely manner.
  • Provides on call availability by deadline provided.
  • Attends all team meetings.
    • On-call meetings are held monthly, and two-time options are available to accommodate staff who have an additional full-time job.
  • Follows all Center policies and procedures.
  • Maintains acceptable driving record as required for Denton County MHMR insurance.
  • Performs additional duties as deemed necessary by department supervisor within designated timeframes.

Shifts Required:

• You will be required to work a minimum of 8 shifts a month. Those 8 shifts must include:

A minimum of 4 full (i.e., 4:30PM - 7:00AM) overnight shifts a month.

A minimum of 2 weekend shifts (1 Saturday and 1 Sunday, or 2 Saturdays or 2 Sundays).

• You will be required to pick up 3 of the below minor holidays and 2 of the below major holidays:

Minor holidays include Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Friday after Thanksgiving, New Years Eve

Major holidays include Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Day

Stipend Pay Information

There are three teams scheduled each on call shift:

Monday-Friday:

North 1 (4:30p-8a): $200 base stipend plus $50 each additional assessment after the first one.

North 2 (4:30p-1a): $125 base stipend plus $50 each additional assessment after the first one.

South (4:30p-8a): $200 base stipend plus $50 each additional assessment after the first one.

Weekend/Center Holiday:

North 1 (7a-7a): $325 base stipend plus $50 each additional assessment after the first one.

North 2 (7a-1a): $250 base stipend plus $50 each additional assessment after the first one.

South (7a-7a): $325 base stipend plus $50 each additional assessment after the first one.

An MCOT incentive is provided quarterly based on performance. The amount varies.