PASRR Clinical Evaluator - PRN (Cabarrus County, North Carolina)

As a PASRR Clinical Evaluator at Acentra Health, you will perform thorough face-to-face assessments for individuals with serious mental illness and intellectual disabilities. Your key responsibilities include confirming eligibility for services, evaluating ongoing care needs, and providing tailored recommendations based on each patient's unique clinical situation. You will complete assessments on time, ensuring adherence to contractual requirements, while also maintaining compliance with established program workflows. Additionally, you will utilize your strong clinical background to inform care assessments and training, making your role pivotal in guiding individuals to the appropriate resources.

To qualify as a PASRR Clinical Evaluator at Acentra Health, candidates must possess active and unrestricted licensure in North Carolina as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Mental Health Counselor, or a Registered Nurse with a master’s degree in Psychiatric Nursing. A degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution is essential, along with at least three years of experience working with individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, or related conditions. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, along with strong typing and organizational skills, are also important to fulfill the demands of this role.

Acentra Health is deeply committed to the growth and development of its employees, particularly PASRR Clinical Evaluators. The company provides access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance your clinical skills and knowledge in mental health practices. Acentra encourages a collaborative environment where sharing best practices and learning from one another is essential. With dedicated leadership and a focus on innovation, you'll have the resources and support necessary to excel in your career and make meaningful contributions to health outcomes.

The work environment for a PASRR Clinical Evaluator at Acentra Health is dynamic and engaging. You will work in a hybrid model that combines both fieldwork and office hours. This flexibility allows you to balance patient assessments, administrative responsibilities, and collaborative team meetings effectively. The culture at Acentra is one of support and camaraderie, where every team member is valued for their input and expertise. The organization prides itself on fostering an atmosphere of innovation, professionalism, and dedication as everyone works together to improve health outcomes.

Key skills that will contribute to your success as a PASRR Clinical Evaluator at Acentra Health include strong clinical assessment abilities, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in documentation and data management. You should be adept at conducting thorough evaluations, compiling assessments, and offering insightful recommendations that focus on each patient's needs. Additionally, being detail-oriented and possessing a good understanding of psychiatric disorders, intellectual disabilities, and long-term care services will be critical in ensuring compliance and providing quality care.

When conducting a clinical assessment for PASRR evaluations, I start by reviewing the individual's medical history and relevant records to gather background information. During the face-to-face interview, I focus on establishing rapport and ensuring a comfortable environment for open communication. I utilize structured assessment tools while also allowing space for the individual to share their experiences and concerns. This approach enables me to gather comprehensive insights that accurately inform my recommendations.

I have over three years of experience working directly with individuals diagnosed with serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorders. This background has equipped me with essential skills in identifying symptoms, understanding treatment approaches, and recognizing the impact of these conditions on daily functioning. I am confident that my clinical knowledge and empathetic approach will enable me to deliver the precise evaluations needed for effective care recommendations at Acentra Health.

In my previous role, I encountered a challenging case involving a patient with dual diagnoses of mental illness and an intellectual disability. The complexities of the situation required in-depth collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s needs. I coordinated interdisciplinary meetings where we established a joint care plan. By actively listening to both the patient and the team, we successfully created meaningful recommendations that significantly improved the patient's quality of care.

To stay organized and ensure timely evaluations, I use a combination of digital tools and structured time management techniques. I maintain a centralized scheduling calendar where appointments and deadlines are tracked. Additionally, I break down larger tasks into manageable steps, allowing me to prioritize based on urgency. This not only facilitates punctual evaluations but also ensures that I stay focused and engaged with each individual’s unique needs during our interactions.

Handling sensitive information during assessments requires a strict adherence to confidentiality and ethical guidelines. I ensure that all discussions are private, and I make it clear to patients that their information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis. I also stay updated on relevant legal regulations and organizational policies to maintain compliance. Building trust with clients is vital, as it encourages openness, allowing for a complete and accurate assessment.

I am passionate about working in the field of mental health and intellectual disabilities because I believe in the potential of every individual. Empowering those in vulnerable situations to access appropriate care and support is a driving force for me. Seeing the positive transformation in people's lives and advocating for their needs fuels my commitment to this important work. I strive to contribute actively to creating a more inclusive and understanding community.

Ensuring accuracy in evaluating service needs begins with thorough preparation and a detailed understanding of the client’s history and presenting issues. I utilize standardized assessment tools to underpin my evaluations, but I also balance that with clinical observations and patient input. After gathering information, I carefully analyze it against established guidelines and criteria to make informed recommendations. Consulting with colleagues or supervisors can also provide additional insights and verification.

Approaching teamwork in a clinical setting is centered around clear communication and mutual respect. I believe in keeping lines of communication open, actively listening to my colleagues' input, and fostering a team-oriented environment where everyone feels valued. When working collaboratively, I am proactive in sharing insights and seeking feedback, as effective teamwork ultimately enhances the quality of care provided to patients. Celebrating collective successes enriches the workplace culture.

42 CFR, Chapter 483 establishes critical regulations concerning the quality of care in long-term care settings, including requirements for resident assessments and the PASRR process. My understanding is that these regulations mandate comprehensive evaluations to ensure that individuals receive care that is appropriate to their needs, while also promoting autonomy and dignity. Staying informed about these regulations is vital in my role to guarantee compliance and advocate for the best outcomes for our clients.

I want to work at Acentra Health because of its commitment to innovative health solutions and its positive impact on underserved populations. The organization's mission resonates with my personal values of advocacy and service in the mental health arena. I appreciate Acentra Health's dedication to fostering a supportive environment for its employees, which I believe will allow me to grow and contribute more effectively. I am excited about the opportunity to work with a passionate team dedicated to redefining expectations in healthcare.