Behavioral Health Specialist I

POSITION DESCRIPTION: --> The Behavioral Health Specialist-I (BHS-I) is an integral member of the Collaborative Care team that involves the patient''s primary care provider, a psychiatric consultant, and other mental health providers. Essential responsibilities for this role include mental health assessment, delivering evidence-based behavioral interventions, and assisting with medication management. The Behavioral Health Specialist-I provides consultation for mental health conditions within the scope of their license. In addition, the BHS-I may coordinate referrals to clinically-indicated services outside the office, depending upon office-specific need. The Behavioral Health Specialist-I offers diagnostic assessment and symptom monitoring, collaborative care management, detailed consultation with a psychiatrist, and brief interventions surrounding behavioral health. This role provides Collaborative Care service delivery involving use of psychoeducation and monitoring, provision of patient education tools, brief tele -health and face-to-face interventions in primary care office, and collaboration with primary care clinicians to ensure appropriate support and management of mental health symptoms. The position does not include providing long-term therapy. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Supports and closely coordinates mental health care with the patient''s primary care provider and, when appropriate, other treating mental health providers. Screens and assesses patients for common mental health and substance abuse disorders. Provides patient education about common mental health and substance abuse disorders and available treatment options. Monitors patients (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications. Supports psychotropic medication management prescribed by PCPs , focusing on treatment adherence, side effects and other complications, and effectiveness of treatment. Provides brief interventions using evidence-based techniques such as Behavioral Activation. Provides or facilitates in-clinic or outside referrals to evidence-based psychosocial treatments (e.g., CBT, IPT ) as clinically indicated. Participates in regularly scheduled (usually weekly) caseload consultation with the psychiatric consultant and communicates resulting treatment recommendations to the patient''s PCP. Consultations will focus on patients new to treatment or who are not improving as expected. Facilitates patient engagement and follow-up in care. Tracks patient follow-up and clinical outcomes using a registry. Documents in-person and telephone encounters in the registry and uses the system to identify and re-engage patients. Documents patient progress and treatment recommendations in the registry so they can be easily shared with PCPs , the psychiatric consultant, and other treating providers. Facilitates treatment plan changes for patients who are not improving as expected in consultation with the PCP and the psychiatric consultant. These may include changes in medications or psychosocial treatments or appropriate referrals for additional services. Facilitates referrals for clinically indicated services outside the primary care clinic (e.g., social services such as housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, mental health specialty care, substance abuse treatment). Completes relapse prevention plan with patients who are in remission. Assumes additional responsibilities and performs work within position licensure, as required. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Master''s degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council of Social Work Education is necessary, or equivalent. CREDENTIALS/LICENSURE: Valid, unrestricted license to practice clinical social work in the State of Michigan or similar relevant licensure. Limited license at hire will be considered. MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Prior experience with screening for common mental health and/or substance use disorders. Experience with assessment and treatment planning for common mental health and/or substance use disorders, when appropriate. Experience working with patients who have co-occurring mental health, substance abuse, and physical health problems. Experience with evidence-based counseling techniques ( e.g. CBT or PST ) . POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ABILITIES & SKILLS): Knowledge of patient care procedures and organizational policies related to position responsibilities. Familiarity with brief, structured intervention techniques Basic knowledge of psychopharmacology for common mental health disorders. Ability to effectively engage patients in a therapeutic relationship. Basic knowledgeable in relevant medical terminology. Ability to perform mathematical calculations needed during the course of performing basic job duties. Proficient in operating a standard desktop and Windows-based computer system, including but not limited to, electronic medical records and other care management and/or clinical IS systems, email, e-learning, intranet, Microsoft Word and Excel, and computer navigation needed to complete the tasks of clinical care and performance reporting. Ability to use other software as required while performing the essential functions of the job. Excellent communication skills in both written and verbal forms, including proper phone etiquette. Ability to speak before groups of people. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; courteous and friendly demeanor. Ability to work effectively with various levels of organizational members and diverse populations including IHA staff, executive and management staff, providers, patients, family members, insurance carriers, vendors, external customers and community groups. Ability to cross-train in other areas of practice in order to achieve smooth flow of all operations. Good organizational and time management skills to effectively juggle multiple priorities and time constraints. Ability to exercise sound judgement and problem-solving skills. Ability to handle patient and organizational information in a confidential manner. Knowledge of the compliance and quality aspects of clinical care and patient privacy and best

Created: 2021-11-29