CLASS SUMMARY: The incumbent serves as a SUD (Substance Use Disorder) Diversion Counselor and is responsible for providing linkage and support for individuals with SUD, who are admitted to ESH in a bed of last resort, or at risk of admission. Linkage to educational counseling, emotional support and recovery support services to chemically dependent individuals and individuals with co-occurring disorders in the Region 5 catchment area. Incumbent will offer support and education to family members of individuals with addiction and co-occurring disorders. Incumbent will work closely with CSB Emergency Services and discharge planners, as well as, local private psychiatric, medical units, and state psychiatric facilities to attempt to divert un-necessary psychiatric hospitalizations. Facilitate a rapid discharge plan for individuals admitted with primary SUD presentation, for which there are alternate options for treatment available. DISTINGUISHING ELEMENTS OF THE CLASS: I. IMPACT: Compliance with agency, accrediting and managed care company documentation standards is required to assure continuing accreditation, licensure, and payment for rendered services by governmental and non-governmental payers. Ensures compliance to the Discharge Planning Protocols as defined by DBHDS. II. LATITUDE: Regular assignments are performed with regular consultation and follow-up from the Project Director. Work is guided by detailed program and outside agency policies, guidelines and instructions. Most administrative and technical matters are handled independently. The Project Director is available for assistance in decisions concerning customer complaints, complex situations and documentation issues. Interpretation and application guidance is available and provided by the Project Director, CSB liaisons and Clinical Directors. III. RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS: None. IV. INTERPERSONAL CONTACT: Continuous contact with clinicians and other staff in reviewing and correcting clinical documentation. Frequent contact with CSB, State Hospital and DBHDS staff to ensure discharge protocols are followed, using the regional guidelines. Provides assistance and guidance to CSB staff and hospital staff for rapid discharge and diversion of SUD individuals at ESH or at risk of admission to ESH in a bed of last resort. V. DIFFICULTY: Incumbent must deal with a variety of documentation requirements established by different agencies, and discern which standard to apply to a particular record. Appropriately relating together various parts of the treatment record requires an astute knowledge of underlying mental and behavioral health treatment and documentation issues, as well as a good working knowledge of financial tracking and reporting. On-going administrative and technical tasks require accuracy, attention to detail and an in-depth degree of understanding of insurance coverage and clinician capabilities and availability. VI. COMMUNICATIONS: Client contacts require careful and client sensitive communications by phone, in person and by mail. Contacts with other clinicians require tactful approach to ensure clinician cooperation. VII. EQUIPMENT/FACILITIES RESPONSIBILITY: None. VIII. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in a clinical outpatient setting with frequent travel to Regional Meetings, local hospitals, CSB’s and State Facilities. IX. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA’S): - Good knowledge of licensure, accrediting agency and managed care company clinical documentation requirements.
- Good knowledge of Substance addiction and recovery
- Good knowledge of co-occurring disorders and the interplay of SA and MH
- Good knowledge of the common treatment documentation practices.
- Good oral and written communication skills.
- Good knowledge of the laws, guidelines, and legal procedures relating to mental health care or substance abuse treatment to include HIPAA and 42 CFR.
- Skills in Substance addiction counseling, group therapy, engaging resistant or difficult clients, working with minorities, working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system and agencies providing criminal justice services.
- Skills in Word processing and computer operation.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with staff and clients.
- Ability to recognize error trends and inform Project Director.
X. FORMAL TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE EXEMPLIFYING KSA’S: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and 1 year clinical experience working with adults with substance use disorders. Master’s Degree in Human Services Preferred. XI. LICENSURE: None required. CSAC preferred. XII. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLASS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY): - Develop relationships with regional providers of detox, inpatient and outpatient SUD services.
- Provide resources and information to regional discharge planners.
- Resource building activities that will enhance discharge planning for SUD individuals in the region.
- Provide information to the region’s emergency services staff related to admission contact, general services provided, payment accepted, etc. to assist in access to SUD treatment during the pre-screening process.
- Meet with individuals who have a co-occurring SUD who have been admitted to the state hospital, or whose use of substances was a factor in their admission, to assist in developing a comprehensive discharge plan which will address all needs including post-discharge SUD treatment needs.
- In conjunction with the hospital treatment team and community services board staff, formulate a discharge plan to include referrals for community-based SUD services.
- Work with clients coming out of community residential or detox programs and state hospitals to ensure connection to community based SUD and other appropriate services.
- Gather and analyze data related to individuals with SUDs who are admitted to state hospitals and their discharge needs and plans.
- Share data with region’s CSB execs and with DBHDS for the purpose of planning and quality improvement.
- Work with CSB and regional staff to develop a plan for accessing funds for detox during non-business hours to prevent state hospitalizations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
XII. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must have the use jof sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effetively usse and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Walking, moving and carrying boxes, office supplies, usual climbing, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, and handling, sitting, standing, pushing and pulling. XIII. DRIVING REQUIREMENTS: Valid Drivier's License. Transports as necessary. |
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