UPMC·Cumberland, Maryland
The Behavioral Health Navigator I assesses patients in the emergency department and inpatient units to develop treatment plans and facilitate disposition. They also manage patient flow, coordinate with psychiatrists, and ensure accurate documentation of psychiatric evaluations and insurance authorizations.
UPMC Western Behavioral Health is hiring a part-time Behavioral Health Navigator I to support UPMC Western Maryland!
The Behavioral Health Navigator I is responsible for the assessment and navigation of patients and families in collaboration with attending psychiatrists and other staff within the Western Maryland Emergency Department and Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit.
They will develop initial treatment plans to facilitate disposition planning and assists with bed placement or disposition planning.
They will have the ability to identify acuity level of patient and facilitate the flow of information to promote effective communication regarding the patient care and patient operations and disposition.
The incumbent will work varied shifts, including days, evenings, nights, and weekends.
Shifts will typically be 4 to 5 hours, but it is based on department needs.
Master's-level candidates are strongly preferred.
Candidates with Maryland licensure, including LGPC, LCPC, LMSW, and LCSW-C are strongly preferred.
Please indicate which licensure you have obtained on your application and resume.
*UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE (if applicable) TRANSCRIPT(S) MUST BE INCLUDED WITH APPLICATION*
Meet standards for documentation and completes all required paperwork, including psychiatric evaluation, commitment paperwork. Demonstrate ability to utilize DSMV and to develop provisional diagnosis. Demonstrate knowledge of mental health laws and reviews inpatient commitment for accuracy, competencies and proper time frames. Knowledge of insurance programs, processes and able to obtain authorizations as needed. Participate in interdisciplinary activities such as staff meetings and other committees as assigned. Maintain competency requirements. Learn and utilize up-to-date technology in delivery of patient care for assessment and disposition/referral planning. Efficiently take a sizable volume of calls and disposition callers to meet their needs rapidly Follow outpatient scheduling or referral documentation guidelines Responds rapidly to appointment or inpatient admission requests through email, phone, or voicemail Review and summarizes the patient information for admissions to a behavioral health unit and triaging patient for appropriate placement Ability to verbally present the case to physicians and others Demonstrate triage and assessment skills for medical necessity or appropriate outpatient clinic Provides accurate, timely information to coworkers, physicians, outside agencies, with a professional and courteous manner Demonstrates expertise in accessing social systems by providing resource-specific information to patients and families, initiating contact with appropriate resources and facilitating the patient/family's ability to accept referrals.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, or Social Work with one year of experience, or a Master's degree. Maryland licensure such as LGPC, LCPC, LMSC, or LCSW-C is strongly preferred.
Market context
Behavioral-health roles in Maryland are typically driven by ongoing demand in community programs, outpatient settings, and care teams supporting patients with complex needs. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma or GED, at least two years of related experience, and an active American Heart Association BLS certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm your certification status and recent experience before applying.
