Erin Knudson

Cultivated strong collaborative professional relationships w/UR supervisees, multiple managed care associates, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, & billing manager to find cost-effective strategies to utilize inpatient care effectively for patients.

• Collaborated with providers to obtain required clinical information, supporting prior authorization determinations and individual inquiries.
• Applied medical criteria and clinical judgment to researched cases to evaluate and establish determinations.
• Contacted insurance carriers to obtain authorizations for services delivered to patients.
• Kept detailed documentation on all utilization reviews using Midas software.
• Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
• Planned and led team meetings to review business results and communicate new and ongoing priorities.
• Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.

Crisis management; determined medical necessity for offered hospital services. Issued Mental Health Holds as necessary to ensure patient safety. Efficiently reviewed assessment findings w/on-call psychiatrists/nursing personnel.

• Assessed patients by reviewing mental and physical health along with individual backgrounds and current family and social situations.
• Provided crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
• Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings from assessments.
• Examined laboratory or diagnostic tests on patients to provide information on general physical condition or mental disorder to admitting psychiatrist on-call.
• Conducted assessments on a walk-in or appointment basis at our free-standing psychiatric hospital and also on-call at our neighboring medical hospital Emergency Dept.
• Maintained patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Developed training materials related to assessment processes for newer team members.

• Develop lesson plans and presentation materials for classes.
• Revise training programs and curricula to reflect new industry information and trends.
• Present public talks to promote specific employee health topics and work of Centered Health.
• Plan is to provide Health & Wellness Coaching for Centered Clients to promote improved health of employee mind, body, and spirit using best-practice methodologies of positive psychology and motivational interviewing with coaching clients. (Plan to see clients has not yet been fulfilled.)

Maintained consistent H&W coaching session attendance/regularly received client satisfaction ratings of 9-10/10. Trained groups of hospital leaders clinically proven methods of stress reduction/self-care to positively impact hospital culture through live & web-based workshops ("Thrive" Program). Expanded Thrive Program to include RN staff.

Rendered mental health and counseling services to individual clients within the family system, focusing on reduction of conflict, development of healthy relationships, and improved mental health for all members of the system.

• Conducted intake and needs assessments to set therapeutic goals and establish professional relationships with clients.
• Countered problematic behavior with healthy alternatives to enhance mental, emotional and physical wellness and increase energy.
• Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
• Encouraged individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for constructively confronting problems.
• Maintained accurate and thoroughly documented notes and client records in accordance with licensing standards.
• Completed required third-party coverage forms for continuing brief, solution-focused therapy sessions until goals were met.

Worked on-site at the Colorado Works-TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) Building and served as the liaison between the TANF program and Pikes Peak Mental Health Center. Promoted referrals from TANF employees by teaching them signs and symptoms of mental illness to generate referrals for a seamless individual or family mental health assessment. Completed these assessments and conducted crisis interventions as necessary within the TANF building. Arranged for timely engagement in outpatient services or arranged transportation for clients at risk to be immediately brought to the PPMHC Light House for 72-hour stabilization. Contacted Child Protective Services as necessary for cases of abuse or neglect, usually including the parent responsible to feel supported and involved during the call with intention to create a more therapeutic experience.