Psychiatric Assessment Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Psychiatric Assessment Specialist (PAS) is responsible for conducting comprehensive, age-appropriate psychiatric assessments and crisis evaluations for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use concerns. The PAS evaluates clinical presentation, psychiatric history, risk factors, and functional needs to determine the appropriate level of care and facilitate timely referrals, treatment recommendations, and disposition planning.

This position requires strong clinical assessment skills, crisis intervention experience, sound clinical judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with emergency department personnel, behavioral health providers, community agencies, and other members of the treatment team.

The PAS ensures timely, accurate, and thorough clinical documentation in accordance with organizational policies, applicable regulatory requirements, and established clinical standards.

Location and Shift: 

JOB DUTIES

• Respond onsite to 100% of crisis evaluation calls within 60 minutes of notification.
• Conduct comprehensive, age-appropriate psychiatric assessments to evaluate mental health needs and determine the appropriate level of care.
• Perform mental health evaluations, including suicide and homicide risk assessments, mental status examinations, and assessments of psychiatric symptoms and substance use concerns.
• Develop treatment recommendations and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate appropriate care and treatment planning.
• Facilitate timely referrals, psychiatric admissions, and linkages to appropriate behavioral health and community-based services.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy and supportive counseling services as appropriate to client needs and program requirements.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support to individuals experiencing psychiatric or behavioral health emergencies.
• Complete and maintain accurate psychiatric assessments, clinical documentation, treatment records, and disposition reports in accordance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.
• Communicate assessment findings, treatment recommendations, and disposition outcomes to appropriate healthcare providers, referral sources, and authorized family members.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable clinical, ethical, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related human services field required.
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) qualifications required.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in psychiatric assessment, crisis intervention, emergency behavioral health, or a related mental health setting preferred.
• Experience conducting comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, risk assessments, and treatment planning preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, and applicable Rule 132 requirements.
• Ability to assess psychiatric symptoms, identify safety concerns, and determine appropriate levels of care.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to complete accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary treatment teams, healthcare providers, and community agencies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in fast-paced psychiatric crisis settings.
• Proficiency in electronic health record systems and standard computer applications.

SMART GOALS

Psychiatric Assessment Specialist SMART Goals:

• Accurate Diagnosis:
  Display the ability to diagnose accurately by aligning clinical assessments with reported symptoms and observed behaviors.
• Effective Listening Training:
  Complete one training per quarter on Effective Listening techniques to enhance rapport and understanding during crisis situations.

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) SMART Goals:

• Trauma-Informed Care:
  Review Trauma-Informed Care approaches every 3 months and apply these practices daily with all client interactions.
• Therapeutic Techniques & Documentation:
  Utilize the appropriate therapeutic approach to address identified diagnoses and consistently document the clinical methods used during every client session over the next 6 months.
• LOCUS Competency:
  Demonstrate a full understanding of the Level Of Care Utilization System (LOCUS) within 30 days of hire.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Friend Health - HRDI reserves the right to change this job description and /or assign tasks deemed as needed.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Paid Time Off (PTO) & Holidays
Professional Development Opportunities
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Occupational Risk for Exposure to TB:

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

Join HRDI’s dynamic mental health team and help make a difference in the lives of individuals in crisis. We offer competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and a collaborative, mission-driven environment.