Therapist III

Job Code: BH1250

Thursday-Saturday | 10am-10pm

BHAT (Behavioral Health Assessment Team) is embedded in the Emergency Department at UVA Prince William Medical Center. The PRN BHAT Therapist completes behavioral health level of care assessments for individuals in the Emergency Department and Medical floors at UVA Prince William Medical Center and UVA Haymarket Medical Center.  The BHAT therapist works with the BHIP provider to determine what level of care a patient needs and coordinates admission to the Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BHIP) or other community units as appropriate.  When inpatient admission is not indicated, The BHAT therapist completes crisis planning with the patient and support system for outpatient follow-up.  Licensed and unlicensed therapists are encouraged to apply.  Supervision toward licensure is available for unlicensed therapists seeking supervision for an LPC or LCSW.

 

ABOUT US

We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know – and making connections with – our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.

As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people’s lives every day.

 

JOB TYPE

Classification: Exempt

Supervises Positions: No

 

JOB SUMMARY

The Therapist III, under general supervision of the Supervisor of Behavioral Health Therapy and/or Manager of Behavioral Health Operations is responsible for making treatment and level of care decisions independently. They collaborate as needed with their physician providers. They complete patient assessments, plan for therapeutic interventions and appropriate follow up care, implementation treatment plans, coordinate the treatment process. Also demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age and cultural diversity of the patients served. In addition to providing direct patient care, the Therapist III is also responsible to provide supervision toward licensure for unlicensed therapists within the Behavioral Health Department. In addition, the therapist will uphold and demonstrate the UVA Mission, Vision and Values: Compassion, Diversity, Personal Excellence, and Teamwork. 

Human Experience: Provides guidance to team members as they navigate patient concerns through teaching, good communication, and trust building behaviors.  

Utilizes relationship building skills through rounding to provide training and coaching to team members on how to effectively connect with patients.   Uses patient feedback to create innovative ideas to meet patient needs.   Ensures team members have pertinent information to educate patients on procedures and processes. 

Teamwork: Develops and maintains positive relationships with team members, leadership, and community providers. 

Demonstrates a willingness to adjust activities to accommodate the needs of team members.  Develops team members through mentoring, precepting, orientation, and timely feedback.  Collaborates with leaders and other team members for positive experiences for patients. 

Behavioral Health Expertise: Has a deep knowledge of psychiatric medications, psychiatric diagnosis, mental health concepts, and evidence based therapeutic interventions and treatments.  

Implements treatment plan using best practice modalities and interventions to obtain optimal patient outcomes.  Establishes and maintains control of violent patients, defends self and others against violent assaults, and reacts appropriately during a psychiatric crisis.   Continues professional development and assumes responsibility as a self-directed professional for continuing education. 

Communication: Consistently utilizes professional communication within the interdisciplinary team and when handing off patient care.  

Communicates individualized plan of care and patient’s progress toward goals to all members of the care team including the patient and his/her chosen support system/legal guardian.  Complies with required standards for medical/legal reporting and documentation situations.   Accepts responsibility for actions and responds positively to feedback. 

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate Degree required. Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience required. Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.

Licensure: LPC, LCSW, LMFT, Clinical Psychologist or PMHCNS required Nonviolent Crisis Intervention certification required within 3 months. BLS required within 3 months of hire.

Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Approval by the Virginia Board of Social Work, Virginia Board of Counseling to provide supervision towards licensure within 3 months of hire. Good working knowledge of computers. Ability to care for Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Age Specific populations.

Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand Code: 18A, Mental Health Associate

Work Function/Activity: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand

The job requires constant sitting, standing, walking, and bending/stooping. Frequent repetitive body movements. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull up to 100 lbs. occasionally. For any weight over 35 lbs. use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper.

 

OTHER

May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes On call responsibilities as directed: Yes Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes