Emergency Triage Specialist

Conduct all initial mental health and addiction evaluations for adolescents and adults seeking services at Porter-Starke Services within the Crisis Center. Respond to all Northwest Health Porter Hospital, Portage Hospital and Valparaiso Medical Center Emergency Department for crisis evaluation requests, conducting crisis evaluations for adolescents and adults with mental health and substance use needs. Facilitate placement of crisis clients at a crisis stabilization unit or inpatient psychiatric unit, when necessary.

Shifts include days, evenings, and overnights, including every other weekend.

• Starting at $22.85/hr. based on experience
• Up to $8/hour in shift differential opportunities
• 401(k) with 20% company matching
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance options
• Company paid life insurance and long term disability
• Employee discounts (YMCA)
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous PTO
• 11 paid holidays
• Educational Reimbursement ($200/month)
• Tuition Assistance ($5,250 eligibility)
• Company-wide employee recognition events
• Free health and wellness screenings
• EAP Program

• Complete emergency assessments for crisis stabilization, inpatient or outpatient services/programs.
• Provide information and referrals to community services both in person and via the telephone.
• Complete electronic and paper medical record documentation as required.
• Respond to emergency service departments such as fire, police, hospitals, mobile crisis units and/or social service organizations as requested.
• Provide emergency services at Northwest Health Porter Hospital emergency rooms, and other locations (i.e., Juvenile Detention Center, Porter County Jail) when deemed necessary by the Crisis Center Project Director.
• Promote timely access to appropriate services for those requiring ongoing mental health and/or co-occurring mental health and substance use services.
• Ensure the highest standard for the delivery of evidence-based or evidence-informed crisis support, including those related to suicide prevention and intervention.
• Answer crisis calls from clients, the community, families and mobile crisis teams.
• Consult with Porter-Starke Services doctors and therapists on treatment and level of care recommendations.
• Understand Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance programs in regards to coverage limitations and restrictions.
• Complete Medicaid applications.
• Assess the client’s strengths and mental health needs accurately and objectively.
• Provide selected therapeutic communication to clients.
• Maintain and assures client confidentiality.
• Schedule outpatient appointments and follow up on treatment recommendations.
• Perform safety and/or environmental interventions as needed.
• Cross train in other acute services departments when deemed necessary by the Crisis Center Project Director and/or Director of Acute Intensive Services.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
• One year experience in a mental health field required.
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification is required;
  Porter-Starke Services can provide, if needed.

Visit www.porterstarke.org to learn more about our organization.