Behavioral Health Professional Licensure Candidate

The Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) is an integral member of the primary care team who works to identify, triage and support patients with behavioral health needs in the primary care setting. The BHP specializes in brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions geared toward functional restoration and empowerment.  The BHP typically sees patients for 15 to 30 minute appointments and care may address chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, obesity, and chronic pain), mental health and substance use, health behaviors, life stressors and crises, stress-related physical symptoms and ineffective patterns of healthcare utilization. Behavioral health services include assessment, treatment planning/coordination, collaboration, monitoring, review and advocacy. Adapts interventions to rapid pace of primary care, including rapid assessment, brief treatment, and a high daily volume of patient contact (6-10/day) provides through a variety of modalities including in-person, telehealth, and phone-based.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a minimum of 4 patients contacts (i.e., warm handoffs, clinic crisis intervention, care coordination via MPMs, scheduled brief therapy face-to-face or virtual appointments). Average minimum numbers are calculated through a 6 months rolling average. This goes into effect after 6 months of hire. 

• Collaborate with the whole primary care team based on individual patient need to develop and implement a comprehensive plan of care. 

• Utilize standardized screening tools to assess and monitor patient condition. Routinely update the primary care provider on patient health and progress on health goals.

• Perform initial and comprehensive assessments, including diagnostic evaluation, risk assessment, behavioral systems, level of care need, and other information necessary to determine treatment.

• Apply first-line interventions and crisis management in a time-limited setting for a broad spectrum of physical and mental health needs throughout the lifespan. Provide brief therapeutic and supportive services, crisis intervention, and evidence-based education for patients, families, significant others, and for medical and allied staff members.  If patients require specialized outpatient mental healthcare or additional needs, coordinate and assist patient and their supports in navigating resources. 

• Provide patient and family education effectively and sensitively to encourage self-management. May require skill and expertise to discuss common psychotropic medications with a patient, including indications, effects and side effects. 

• Complete Caring Contact phone calls within specified time frame, including medication reconciliation, as part of an overall suicide-reduction effort.

• Engage in population based proactive outreach and/or outreach based upon disease registries.

• Effectively utilize electronic health record and verbal communication to concisely communicate relevant information to care team members in a timely manner.  To include clinical, compliance, and administrative duties to meet various billing and medical documentation requirements. 

• Effectively assess for and manage suicidal and homicidal risk, as well as concerns for child, elder, or special population's abuse and neglect.  When applicable, collaborate and coordinate with crisis teams, emergency department, or contact police, child family services, or adult protective services. 

• Provide consultation and training to other members of the primary care team in areas of mental and behavioral health and substance use.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: 

1. 1-3 years related clinical experience, preferably in a primary care setting.
2. Master's degree in social work or counseling required.

EDUCATION: Master's degree in social work or counseling required.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Must maintain active Montana license as SWLC or LCPC-C. Licensure candidates must complete licensure hours and sit for licensure exam within three years of hire. BLS required.

Aptitudes: 

Essential Department and Organizational Functions

1. Participates in continual improvement of department & system processes

2. Engages with and seeks out opportunities for community partnerships to advance the health and well-being of our patients and community

3. Participates in performance improvement activities

4. Perform other duties and projects as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

1. Knowledge of current practices in population health

2. Ability to identify disparities and work with the team to develop programs/intervention to help reduce them

3. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of information

4. Ability to work with medically vulnerable individuals, including substance use disorders

5. Ability to set goals independently and prioritize work to balance competing deadlines in a professional manner

6. Excellent customer service skills

7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Demonstrates the ability to manage time, coordinate departmental functions and promote departmental and professional growth.

1. Ability to work independently and organize time well. Ability to work collaboratively with the entire patient care team. 

2. Ability to work with individuals who have a high ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score

3. Ability to "meet patients where they are" and treat individuals with compassion and empathy

4. Competency with computer software programs, e.g. MS Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint