General Description

Under the direction of the Director of Crisis Services and within federal, state, and local guidelines performs highly advanced managerial work administering the daily operation and activities of Psychiatric Triage.

Performs routine administrative and managerial program work. Responsible for the clinical and administrative oversight of the psychiatric triage facility. Work involves establishing goals and objectives; developing guidelines, procedures, policies, rules, and regulations; developing schedules, priorities and standards for achieving established goals; coordinating and evaluating business activities of the Psychiatric Triage; and monitoring budget expenditures. Plans, assigns, and supervises the work of others. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, sociology, social work (LMSW-ACP), or another human services field required to qualify as a qualified mental health professional.
• Five years’ experience with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and three years’ experience in crisis services or an equivalent combination experience is required.
• Two years’ supervisory experience is required.
• Licensed Professional of Healing Arts (LPHA) preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and 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

• Applicant should be skilled in interviewing, listening, and providing continuity of care services to individuals, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to assess individuals’ needs, coordinate individuals’ services, to monitor program effectiveness, and to communicate effectively.
• Applicant should demonstrate ability to effectively train others in necessary skills.
• Ability to effectively present information in a one-on-one and in small group situations.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and ability to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
• Computer skills required specifically: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, XFERALL, and the centers electronic health record system. This is not an all inclusive list and new software programs may be added at any time.
• Understanding of all applicable TAC and HHSC’s Information Item V.
• Ability to make decisions based on education and or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center’s Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. During times of absence will ensure that continuity of crisis services is covered utilizing Director or appropriately trained team leader.

o Provides coverage when necessary, in absence of psych triage team member.

o Completes the psych triage schedule in a timely manner to reflect availability of psych triage full time, part time, and PRN staff and secures coverage for all shifts.

o Responds to calls within 10 minutes of receiving them in order of importance. Responds by text to let staff know of delay whenever response in 10 minutes is not possible.

1. Reviews program design development and proposes changes to improve service delivery.

o Review and update applicable policies, procedures, and program descriptions annually or as needed.

o Provides suggestions and proposals for improved service provision.

o Reviews follow up notes, assessments, and other documentation to ensure accurate completion within the required time frames.

o Completes weekly, monthly, and quarterly monitoring or reports as determined by Director.

1. Manages psych triage staff with respect to deadlines, duties and performance contract requirements.

1. Creates and maintains a positive work environment.

o Meets with staff under direct supervision at least monthly (or more frequently as needed) to provide guidance, ongoing training, and support.

o Collaboratively completes a supervision form at each session documenting the strengths and areas for growth in each employee as well as other areas discussed. Both members present should sign the form.

o Ensures employees complete education and training requirements with 100% compliance rate.

o Performance issues will be addressed first in supervision, then using a performance success plan (PSP), followed by a corrective action plan (CAP) as needed, as per Center Guidelines. Direct supervisor, Human Resources Administrator and Chief Operations Officer will be kept informed of progress of employee as needed.

o Continuously looks for ways to improve morale such as implementation of fun ways to recognize employees going above and beyond on the team.

1. Actively participates in the delegation of duties by carrying the crisis phone 1-2 days per week

o Delegates tasks to the most appropriate staff member available.

o Staff cases as needed for least restrictive environment.

o Work to flex all reported overtime while maintaining adequate staffing levels.

1. Provides afterhours emergency MCOT/Psych Triage coverage as needed.

o Participates in the rotation for back-up clinician on call to provide clinical support for center staff after normal operating hours.

o Provides after hours emergency CRU admission LPHA assessments as needed; if applicable.

1. Provides after hours emergency MCOT On Call and Psychiatric Triage coverage when scheduled as Emergency On Call a minimum of 2 shifts per month or more as needed; working shifts when coverage cannot be found.

1. Participates in activities to enhance DCMHMR services and improve community understanding and acceptance.

o Participates in community meetings and ensures meeting minutes are documented, as requested by Director.

o Participates in events sponsored by the Center when schedule allows to show support for the Center and its programs.

1. Facilitates training and career growth of employees by participating in crisis training and professional development training.

1. Monitors, maintains, and updates psychiatric triage training checklists and training manuals.

1. Facilitates psych triage team meetings monthly and attends other crisis department team meetings at least monthly. Attends other Center meetings at the request of the Director or other Center leadership.

1. Assists DCMHMR Center in the goal of reducing the rate of hospitalization to maintain individuals in the community.

1. Co-facilitates crisis training classes with the help of crisis trainer, as needed.

o Assists with facilitating trainings and updating crisis training as needed.

1. Monitors XFERALL to ensure cards are being created and discharges are being responded to accurately and in a timely manner.

1. Provides courteous, professional services at all times.

o Maintains professional boundaries.

o Interacts with center staff, individuals served, and community members in a professional manner while striving to follow the Center’s Guiding Principles.

1. Performance Evaluations are completed within the required timeframes and provide accurate depiction on employee’s performance and outline goals for improvement if needed.

1. Performs additional duties as deemed necessary by supervisor within designated timeframes.

1. Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.

1. Participates in the Center’s Zero Suicide Initiative.

o Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.

1. Maintains Psychiatric Triage Procurement card. Ensuring that receipts are turned in for reimbursement within the designated timeframe.
2. Requests for car and maintenance services when needed for designated center vehicles. Maintain Car sign in and out logs for Psychiatric Triage and MCOT.
3. Communicate emergencies including but not limited to weather and work concerns.

Full-time employees are eligible for full medical, dental and vision benefits. Part time employees are eligible for full medical and dental benefits. Incentives are available if employee chooses to participate in Center's Wellness Program.

• HMO and PPO plans available through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
  • The Center covers 100% of cost of HMO if electing employee coverage only.
• Internal & External Employee Assistance Programs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual starts at date of hire.
  • Full-time employees earn up to 120 hours of PTO during first year of employment.
    • Part-time employees earn up to 60 hours of PTO during first year of employment.
  • PTO increases with tenure level.
  • The Center gives 5 personal days to full-time employees and 1 personal day to part-time employees to use at their discretion.
• Full time employees are enrolled into 401a retirement plan at 90 days of service.
  • The Center contributes 3% of earnings at 90 days of service.
  • The Center contributes 5% of earnings at 2 years of service.
• Additional, 403b and 457 retirement plans available.
  
• Full time employees have access to Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • Medical FSA
  • Dependent FSA
• The Center offers and covers 100% the following to full-time employees:
  • Short Term and Long Term Disability
  • Basic Life & Accidental Death Coverage
  • Basic Life Spouse Coverage
• The Center offers and covers 100% the following to part-time employees:
  • Short-Term Disability

Denton County MHMR Center is an approved NHSC (CMHC) and Pediatric Specialty with HRSA and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) site.

Salaried/ Exempt

Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm some variable hours

Pay Range : $34-$36/hourly