At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

The Licensed Processional Counselor intervenes with patients who have complex psychosocial needs, require assistance with eligibility determination for social programs and funding sources and qualify for community assistance from a variety of special funds and agencies. In addition, offer crisis intervention to patients and families with psychosocial needs and coordinates and facilitates the development of a discharge plan of care for high-risk patient populations. This role will receive referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from interdisciplinary team members (including physicians, Case Managers, staff nurses and other members of the care team). Position may participate in community related events and presentations, as needed.

This role will provide counseling and resources to our population impacted by cancer.

Location: The Woodlands Campus. It will be a shared office space, but separate counseling areas.
Shift: Part-time, Mon - Fri, 8 am to 5 pm varied, with one Saturday shift a month, and one evening shift (noon to 8 pm) a week.

Minimum 3 years experience
Prior experience in healthcare, trauma
Bi-lingual a plus

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education:  Masters Degree in Behavioral Science

Licenses/Certifications:  Licensed Professional Counselor

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Working knowledge/experience in utilization management, managed care, and payor issues
• Experience in psychosocial and therapeutic counseling
• Strong interview, assessment, organizational and problem solving skills
• Ability to identify appropriate community resources on assigned caseload and to work collaboratively with patients, families, multidisciplinary team and community agencies to achieve desired patient outcomes
• Possesses excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills in interactions with patients, families, physicians and health care team colleagues
• Strong analytical and PC skills
• Exposure and/or experience in pre-acute and post-acute care, as well as community resources
• Ability to work independently as well as to develop collaborative relationships with physicians, families, patients, interdisciplinary team and other community agencies
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to analyze, develop and manage change
• Ability to work with people of all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds; be flexible, open-minded and adaptable to change
• Demonstrates the ability to connect patients and families with necessary services, both inside and outside the MH network
• Maintains a current working knowledge of services available in the local community, particularly services available to patients with limited or non-existent payment resources
• Must demonstrate patience and tact when dealing with patients, families and other staff
• Demonstrates commitment to the Partners-in-Caring process by integrating both Behaviors and Operating Principles in all internal and external customer interactions.  Performs duties with accountability, competency, innovation, collaboration, compassion and respect to create the best possible outcomes with exceptional customer experiences.

Principal Accountabilities

Psychosocial Assessment and Interventions

• On the basis of preliminary risk screening, assesses patient’s and family’s psychosocial risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning levels, appropriateness and adequacy of support systems, reaction to illness and ability to cope.
• Intervenes with patients and families regarding emotional, social, and financial consequences of illness and/or disability; accesses and mobilizes family/community resources to meet identified needs.
• Provides intervention in cases involving child abuse/neglect, domestic violence, elderly abuse, institutional abuse and sexual assault.
• Serves as a resource person and provides counseling and intervention related to treatment decisions and end-of-life issues.
• Advocates for patient and family empowerment and independence to make autonomous health care decisions and access needed services within the health care system.

Complex Discharge Planning

• Participates in discharge planning activities for complex patients, in order to ensure a timely discharge and to provide appropriate linkage with post-discharge care providers.
• Deals with families exhibiting complex family dynamics that impact directly on patient care and discharge.
• Communicates with care coordinators regarding the discharge planning status of all patients referred by them. Assists Case Managers with discharge planning activities as requested.
• Provides consultation to Case Managers when coordination with significant or intensive community resources is necessary to achieve desired treatment outcomes.
• Receives referrals for complex patient problem resolution from Case Managers or care team members. Validates discharge criteria for patient and families and notifies Case Managers of newly-identified resources or change in previously-identified resources.
• Educates patient/family and physician regarding post-acute options and addresses issues of choice.

Patient and Family Support in Legally Complex Cases

• Provides intervention in child abuse/neglect, mental health placement, adult/elderly abuse, and child protection.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education, skills competency, supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor, and resource to less experienced staff.
• Other duties as assigned.