Behavioral Health Counselor

City/State: Nyack, New York Department: Behavioral Health_3 Bargaining Unit: NH- SEIU-1199 Work Shift: Day Work Days: MON-FRI, ALTERNATING WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS Scheduled Hours: 7 AM-3:30 PM Scheduled Daily Hours: 8 HOURS Hours Per Pay Period: 20 Hourly Rate/Range: 21.72-22.40 For positions that have only a rate listed, the displayed rate is the hiring rate but could be subject to change based on shift differential, experience, education or other relevant factors.

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Counselor functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team. The Counselor will facilitate various social and leisure time groups and activities. Maintains vigilance in conducting ongoing, routine observations of patients, and implementation of special precautions, as directed. The counselor will assist patients with various activities of daily living tasks.

The Counselor will answer calls and direct help as needed.

Essential Functions

Demonstrates the required job specific technical/professional knowledge, skills and abilities. *

1. Conduct ongoing, routine observations of patients, and implementation of special precautions, as directed.
2. Effectively de-escalate individuals who may exhibits agitated behaviors.
3. Facilitate various social and leisure time groups and activities.
4. Assist patients with various activities of daily living tasks. Employee Performance Standards A. CUSTOMER SERVICE:
5. Demonstrates the ability to create a positive interaction with the customer.
6. Demonstrates positive communication with people of different cultures, values and beliefs.
7. Demonstrates the ability to acknowledge customer concerns and takes corrective action.
8. Demonstrates compliance with identified customer service behaviors.
9. Provides escort to customers when necessary. PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT:
10. Participates in Department/Hospital-wide activities which improve processes and/or outcomes.
11. Utilizes resources to maintain and improve self development and knowledge.
12. Complies with licensure and/or certification requirements.
13. Participates in annual competency assessment. BUDGET:
14. Demonstrates fiscally prudent use of equipment and supplies.
15. Utilizes charge process for supplies/equipment. PROJECTS/ASSIGNMENTS:
16. Completes projects/assignments within projected time frames and expectations. MISSION/STRATEGIC PLAN: Participates in activities which support the mission of the hospital Hospital-Wide Standards A. Organizational Demonstrates adherence to Nyack Hospital “We Care” standards including: WORKING TOGETHER “I will commit to work together in a courteous, respectful manner. I will demonstrate a positive spirit of service with all employees with whom I interact.”

• Place team success above individual recognition.
• Be receptive to new ideas and approaches within my workplace.
• Offer assistance generously without hesitation. EMPOWERMENT “I will be accountable, responsible, and self-directed in all aspects of my work at all times.”
• See projects through to ensure completion.
• Problem solve with patients, family members, and other employees.
• Follow up to ensure a resolution. COMMUNICATION “I will demonstrate positive communication in a clear, courteous and appropriate manner at all times.”
• Answer the phone within three rings if possible and identify myself, my department, and ask, “How may I help you”?
• Use effective verbal and written communication to patients, families, visitors, using the principles of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You)
• Use positive communication in my tone of voice, body language, and choice of words.
• Respond to e-mails in a courteous manner, with-in twenty-four hours. APPEARANCE “I will dress in a manner that reflects a professional and positive image of the hospital at all times”  Maintain a clean, neat, and professional appearance which adheres to the hospital dress code policy.  Promote and adhere to Nyack Hospital's guidelines regarding a safe and clean work environment for employees, patients, families and visitors. RESPONSIVENESS “I will demonstrate the ability to provide timely feedback and communication to patients, visitors, and coworkers.”
• Respond to patient call lights and ask if I can assist. (No Pass Zone).
• Respond empathetically.
• Apologize for delays and concerns. EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE “I will strive to ‘do my best everyday’ in exceeding customer expectations.”
• Anticipate and address my patients’, families and visitors needs.
• Avoid negativity and exhibit a “can-do” attitude.
• “Manage up” fellow employees, physicians, departments, and the organization, to increase patient confidence both internally and in the community.
• Exit elevators to accommodate our patients’ first.
• Acknowledge people in the hallway by smiling and making eye contact.
• Help lost guests and new employees by escorting them to their destination.

Qualifications

High School Required Bachelor Degree Preferred 1-3 years Experience in Behavioral Health Required Basic knowledge of human behavior or principles of psychology Have familiarity with medical and psychological terminology preferred Must have the ability to effectively de-escalate situations Basic data entry skills and experience using electronic health record preferred.

BLS- American Heart Association within 30 Days Required Montefiore Nyack Hospital is an equal employment opportunity employer. Montefiore Nyack Hospital will recruit, hire, train, transfer, promote, layoff and discharge associates in all job classifications without regard to their race, color, religion, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, age, gender, actual or presumed disability, history of disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, pregnancy, military status, marital status, or partnership status, or any other characteristic protected by law.