Clinical Associate

Northern Light Acadia Hospital

Department: Psychiatric Unit - Pediatric

Position is located: Acadia

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Schedule: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Summary:

The Clinical Associate is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team and works under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor. The Clinical Associate is responsible for the delivery of care coordination to patients, individually or in-groups across the life span connecting patients to valuable outpatient resources in hopes of reducing recidivism. The CA functions for patients as the discharge planner, patient advocate, and patient educator and performs case management activities. Additionally the Associate uses critical thinking skills to assess and advocate for patients; families in order to develop an individualized treatment and aftercare plan. The plan identifies desired outcomes and the strategies and resources to be used in attaining the outcomes. The CA will meet on a scheduled basis for individual and/or group clinical supervision to identify progress toward goals and to ensure continuous competence of duties outlined below. Annual performance review will document professional goals. In addition to the job-related competencies listed below, the employee must possess the core competencies of self-management, reflective practice, collaboration, systems thinking, initiative, and flexibility. Perform any duties and/or responsibilities assigned by manager or Supervisor for which qualified.

Responsibilities:

Reviews and adheres to clinical policies yearly.

Completes yearly updates in MOAB, ICare,

Develops discharge plan consistent with MTP and TPU

Completes discharges within proper time frame and covers appropriate elements.

Coordinate team/family meetings as needed for discharge.

Develops, maintains, and shares with colleagues community resources while connecting clients with these resources.

Serves as a community liaison among all internal and external providers.

Has a comprehensive understanding of service cost and budgetary parameters consistent with the community resources being sought for a patient.

Effectively identifies client crisis situations.

Keeps current all consents, releases, and care plans ( MTP, TPU).

Guarantees the confidentiality of all information accessed regarding clients care.

Maintains a professional manner when making professional contacts and inquiries on behalf of Acadia Hospital and the clients it serves.

Assists patient with completion of all entitlement applications, including but not limited to social security disability, SSI BRAP, shelter plus care, and residential etc.

Represents Acadia in a friendly and courteous manner.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas: (con’t)

Ensures that all work assigned is completed in an accurate, professional and timely manner,

Collaborates with workers effectively.

Informs co-workers and supervisor of scheduling changes and coverage needs as needed.

Follows all procedures and timeframes for opening up new cases

Presents cases in a concise and accurate manner- both verbally and in writing.

Reacts well to immediate client needs including activating resources and/or providing de-escalation

Seeks supervision and risk management support as needed.

Ensures all signatures are current.

Has working understanding of diagnosis and treatment of behavioral health disorders.

Pertinent data is collected from multiple sources using developmentally and culturally appropriate assessment techniques

Assessments of needs and resources including; informal support systems, family members, friends, educational systems, organizational membership, social role functioning, environmental issues, i.e. economic situation, employment status, relevant cultural/religious factors and basic needs.

Gathers and assess patients’ needs and resources.

Educates patient and family about utilizing appropriate referrals and resources

Maintains and abides by ethical standards set forth by the facility and state licensure.

Consistently makes contact with patients/guardian post discharge.

Intervenes at the system level to support existing case management services and to expand the supply of and improve access to needed services.

Promotes clinical understanding and needed resources of patient through participation at daily report. Morning huddles.

Assists in maintaining a work environment free from recognized hazards that create a risk or injury to employees, patients or visitors and that all accidents and incidents are reported by employees and properly investigated.When appropriate, assist with the return of all workers with work related injuries and illnesses to gainful employment.

Coordinate community services taking into account patient health insurance status, geographical region, transportation, childcare resources, etc.

Participates in interdisciplinary team huddles to review and plan patient care discharge needs.

Relies on engagement skills aligned with various diagnostic presentations to care for patients with varying symptoms using elements of evidenced-based practices.

Coordinates placement at various facilities to include treatment programs and housing programs.

Bridges patients into outpatient programs to create a more successful transition and higher show rate in outpatient services.

Participate in interdisciplinary case reviews weekly

Supports the interdisciplinary team in developing flexible and creative discharge planning, often within short timeframes.

Promote collaborative decision making with patients relative to discharge planning to improve patient experience.

Demonstrates awareness of discharge and discharge planning standards of Maine Rights of Recipients of Mental Health Services.

Other Information:

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Education

• Required Bachelor's DegreeBachelor’s Degree Human Services or related field

Working Conditions

• Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Prolonged periods of walking.

Northern Light Acadia Hospital is a broad behavioral health delivery system centrally managed from its location in Bangor, Maine. Acadia Hospital is a leader in providing comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services, tele-psychiatry, consultations to regional emergency departments, school-based and employer-based services, and integration into primary and specialty care practices. Northern Light Acadia Hospital offers innovative programming in the form of eating disorder services and a geriatric mood and memory clinic, which is involved in multiple clinical trials for promising Alzheimer's medications. The hospital is also the parent organization of Northern Light Acadia Healthcare which provides a substance use disorder treatment program, case management, and other outpatient mental health services serving patients from all corners of Maine. Acadia Hospital embraces service excellence and high quality care as evidenced by its commitment to achieve Center of Excellence status in the delivery of behavioral health services.

Northern Light Acadia Hospital is a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Northern Light Health offers a broad range of providers and services, including ten hospitals, primary care and specialty physician practices, long-term care, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport.

Bangor, Maine is a vibrant small city with easy access to Maine's spectacular coast, mountains, and lakes. Schools rank among New England's best with the flagship campus of the University of Maine located in the neighboring town of Orono. Bangor serves as the regional hub for medicine, the arts, and commerce. Bangor International Airport offers direct and one-stop service to many major destinations.