Substance Use Coordinator

General Summary: The Substance Use Coordinator (SC) is responsible for patient-centered care coordination in the areas of Medication Assistant Therapy (MAT) treatment, Behavioral Health Integration (BHI), Community Referrals to substance use treatment, and other care coordination programs as directed. The SC assures all service elements of the previously mentioned programs are met, documented and coordinated appropriately. The SC will provide direct patient care, substance use screenings, patient education strategies, development of specific substance use care plans for patients, and best practices in behavioral health substance use protocols for target populations. This position also performs behavioral health consulting through in-clinic coverage and direct patient care along with a variety of related administrative tasks.   

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

1. Act as the liaison between patients, behavioral health providers, primary care providers, and behavioral health consultants between office visits.  Obtain all necessary information including consent for enrollment in behavioral health and substance use programs. Help the behavioral health team remain compliant with Medicare/Medicaid standards for coding, billing, and documentation requirements
2. Support the mental and physical health care of patients on an assigned patient registry in one or more of the Care Coordination Programs (MAT, CoCM, BHI). Closely coordinate care with the patient’s medical provider and, when appropriate, other mental health providers
3. Screen and assess patients for common substance abuse disorders through routine screenings (DAST, AUDIT, GAGE, CRAFFT). Facilitate in-person and telephonic patient engagement and follow-up care
4. Facilitate outside referrals to substance use programs. Update referral status routinely in EHR
5. Provide patient education about common substance abuse disorders and the available treatment options through in-clinic or telephonic patient engagement
6. Document all communication and coordination of patient contact in electronic health records.  Assure documentation includes tracking and time-stamping to support Medicare or non-Medicare insurance billing
7. Complete and answer patient calls related to all substance use activities from patients and providers
8. Proficient use of electronic health records. Provides consultative support and training to staff in required elements, documentation and coordination
9. Assure the electronic comprehensive care plan is created and maintained accurately per Medicare Regulations and organizational policies and procedures
10. Establish and maintain positive relationships with all internal and external customers
11. Provide both in-clinic and telephonic behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate
12. Assume all other duties and responsibilities, as necessary

Education and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in Mental Health field required, Social Work, Licensed Professional Counselor, or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Additional board certifications in addictions such as CAC, LADAC, MAC are favorable
• BLS certification is required
• Two (2) or more years’ experience in the care or case management of patients with chronic conditions

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledgeable in Primary Behavioral Healthcare preferred 
• Experience with eClinicalWorks and/or ability to quickly master new IT systems
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) abilities preferred
• Must be well organized with an ability to set priorities and use time effectively
• Excellent communication, leadership and customer service skills
• Flexibility to handle a workload that fluctuates greatly based on team needs

Working Conditions: The position has normal office working conditions with the absence of disagreeable elements. 

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.