General Description

Under 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 and court liaison. 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. This is a grant funded position. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

•   Bachelor's degree in a human services field (qualifying as a QMHP) required.
•   Requires experience working with mentally ill population and experience with crisis intervention services
• One year supervisory experience required
•  Master's degree and licensure as LPC, LMSW, or LMFT preferred. Prefer experience in a community MHMR setting.

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.

o  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 case management 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, 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 be able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
•   Computer skills required specifically Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and the centers electronic health record system.
•  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.
•   In times Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.
•   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.  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 or court liaison.

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.

2.  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 required time frames.

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

3.  Manages psych triage and continuity of care liaison (court liaison) staff with respect to deadlines, duties and performance contract requirements.

4.  Creates and maintains a positive work environment.

o  Meets with staff under his/her 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, 100% compliance.

o  Performance issues will be addressed first in supervision, then using Corrective Action form as per Center Guidelines. Direct supervisor, Human Resources Administrator and Administrator of Crisis & Mental Health Services 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.

5.  Actively participates in the delegation of duties by carrying the crisis phone 1-3 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 staff.

6.  Provide after hours 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.

7.  Ensure that all court orders for outpatient Mental Health Services are administered within required deadlines and directed as outlined by the court.

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

o  Participates in community meetings as requested by Director.

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

9.  Facilitates learning of employees by participating in crisis training.

10.  Monitors, maintains, and updates psych triage and court liaison training check lists and training manuals.

11.  Facilitates psych triage team meetings monthly and attends other crisis department team meetings at least monthly. Attends FRACUM meetings monthly to learn more about center operations.

12.  Ensures compliance with all grant requirements and all target numbers are met if applicable.

13.  Assist DCMHMR Center in the goal of reducing the rate of hospitalization in an effort to maintain individuals in the community.

14.  Manages continuity of care liaison staff with respect to deadlines, duties and performance contract requirements.

15.  Ensures that timelines and percentages outlined in the HHSC performance contract are met. Ensures if a client is not seen the day of discharge that every effort is made by MCOT team to follow up with client  within 7 days as per HHSC requirement.

o  Reports all missed aftercares immediately by emailing details to cspm@dentonmhmr.org and coc@dentonmhmr.org with details.

16.  Co-facilitates crisis training classes with the help of crisis trainer.

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

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

18.  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.

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

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

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

22.  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.