Banner Health·Fort Collins, Colorado
Perform emergent and non-emergent behavioral health assessments and provide crisis stabilization for patients with psychological or substance abuse disorders. Coordinate appropriate levels of care and discharge plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies.
This position assesses and coordinates behavioral health care to ensure the most appropriate level of care in accordance with all state and federal regulations as well as company policies and procedures. This position provides crisis assessment and support to patients and family members who are experiencing serious psychological or psychoactive substance abuse disorders. This position communicates effectively with multidisciplinary teams within organization and outside agencies.
Core functions 1.
Performs emergent/non-emergent behavioral health assessment of mental health and psychoactive substance abuse patients.
Makes recommendations regarding patient’s level of care needs and resources.
Coordinates inpatient and outpatient admissions or alternate level of care facilities.
Provides crisis stabilization therapy or intervention therapy skills during critically changing behavioral situations.
Coordination with the patient’s family, attending physician, or other hospitals and agencies may be required.
2. Conducts assessments in collaboration with other healthcare professionals as necessary to develop clinically safe patient dispositions according to state regulations.
3. Documents complete, accurate and timely in the medical record. Depending on assignment, incumbents with a current RN License may take Doctor's orders.
4. Conducts initial utilization review by obtaining treatment authorizations as appropriate with representatives of managed care or other necessary agencies/individuals. Documents accurately and coordinates with patient financial services and payers regarding treatment authorized.
5. Identifies the full spectrum of mental health disorders as listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) and is knowledgeable of all state and federal protocols that pertain to the treatment/transfer of psychiatric patients.
6. Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies.
7. Responds within hospital bylaws to requests for assessment and consultations within organization. Provides emergency interventions and makes disposition recommendations to medical staff.
8. May be accountable for external patient placement, advocacy assistance and support to patients and families. Collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to develop, manage and communicate discharge plans.
9. This position is responsible for behavioral health assessments within organization. Internal customers: all levels of nursing management and staff, medical staff, and all other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. External customers: physicians, payers, community agencies, provider networks and regulatory agencies.
Requires a Master’s degree in counseling, behavioral health, or a related human services field, or education requirement as mandated by the state board in order to obtain licensure in field of specialty. Requires one of the following licenses: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC), Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC)Marriage and Family Counseling (LCMFT) or MA-Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT).
Requires BLS.
Employees working at Banner Behavioral Health Hospital must possess an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. An Arizona Criminal History Affidavit must be signed upon hire. Employees working in the Banner McKee Senior Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit must possess a Colorado Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment. Employees working in any Banner Staffing (BSS) Behavioral Health role in Arizona must possess a State of Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card at the time of hire and maintain the card for the duration of their employment.
Requires a Master's degree in counseling or a related human services field and a valid professional license such as LMSW, LCSW, LPC, or equivalent. Must have BLS certification and typically 2 years of clinical experience, including recent acute care hospital experience.
Market context
In Colorado, behavioral-health practicum and internship roles often draw steady interest from students preparing for licensure, especially in mental health and substance use treatment settings. These positions are competitive because employers look for candidates who are already enrolled in a qualifying master’s program, eligible for placement, and ready to learn under licensed supervision. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save research time, then confirm your program’s placement rules and tailor your application to your licensure goals.
