Job Description

JOB TITLE: Trauma Mental Health Specialist

SUPERSEDES: *NEW*

FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB CODE: 8025

ISSUED: 03/2024

REVISED: *NEW*

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Trauma Mental Health Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of mental health screening/intervention programs, as well as trauma survivor networks to ensure enhanced outcomes for trauma survivors and reduce the occurrence of trauma recidivism. Working in close collaboration with the Trauma Program Manager and trauma clinical providers, the Trauma Mental Health Specialist has direct oversight of these programs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides trauma-informed counseling and psychotherapy services to trauma patients and their families, addressing emotional and psychological needs.

Conducts thorough mental health assessments and diagnostic evaluations for trauma survivors. Utilizes evidence-based treatment for behavioral medicine concerns including smoking cessation, substance abuse disorders, insomnia, medication compliance, anxiety and depression, and adherence to care plans.

Collaborates with the multidisciplinary trauma team to integrate mental health considerations into the overall care plan. Coordinates with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for trauma survivors.

Develops and implements individualized treatment plans per best practice guidelines and evidence-based interventions.

Responds to crises promptly and effectively, providing immediate support and intervention for individuals experiencing acute distress.

Educates trauma patients and their families on coping mechanisms, resilience-building strategies, and available mental health resources. Serves as a liaison between trauma survivors and external support services, ensuring access to ongoing mental health care beyond the hospital setting.

Offers psychoeducation to the broader healthcare team to enhance understanding of trauma's psychological impact.

Collaborates with other mental health professionals, medical staff, and community resources to facilitate a seamless continuum of care for trauma patients. Collaborates with community organizations to enhance mental health support networks for trauma survivors.

Advocates for the mental health needs of trauma survivors within the hospital setting and in the broader community.

Maintains accurate and thorough clinical documentation per legal and ethical standards.

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Provides regular reports to the trauma team regarding the mental health status and progress of trauma patients.

May complete unit/department-specific duties as outlined in department documents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and best practice guidelines.

Excellent communication, collaboration, and crisis intervention skills.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from the Manager, Trauma Program.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Three (3) years of clinical experience.

  • One of the following certifications:

  • --Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by the Missouri Committee for Professional Counselors board; or

  • --Licensed Psychologist by the Missouri Committee of Psychologists board; or

  • --Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure by the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers board; or

  • --Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure by the Missouri State Committee for Social Workers board within four

  • (4) years as a condition of continued employment in this job classification.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Certification in Trauma-focused therapies.

Experience working in a Level I Trauma Center or similar high-acuity healthcare setting.

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. This position is very active and requires ambulating, reaching, and moving objects weighing up to and over 20 lbs.

This role also routinely comes into contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses. This position is in a health care facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Rotating shifts as well as holiday and work during inclement weather will be required.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; however, completion of these duties is a measure of successful performance. Employees of this job classification are subject to performance reviews. Basic function, responsibilities and characteristics duties may change at any time with or without notice.

SAFETY SENSITIVE STATUS

This position is considered safety sensitive.

This document is a general description of typical job duties, responsibilities and qualifications of employees holding the associated job title. Additional duties, specific qualifications and work emphasis may vary between individual positions.