Behavioral Health Consultant

Description

Summary of Position:

The Behavioral Health Consultant has the responsibility to identify and address the psychosocial factors important to the assessment, treatment, and management of physical health problems.   This role is responsible for providing brief interventions that promote functional improvement and minimize psychological and/or psychosocial barriers to the management of health problems.   This role is also responsible for connecting patients to community service agencies that address issues common to people who experience homelessness such as mental health, substance use, shelter, and housing issues.   The Behavioral Health Consultant works in the Primary Care Behavioral Health model as part of the patient care team, which can include primary care providers, psychiatric consultants, case managers, patient navigators, nurses, and medical assistants.   The Behavioral Health Consultant will assist in identifying gaps and opportunities related to expanding services to patients.  

Depending on the position, the work site may be in a primary care clinic, a medical respite center, a medical mobile unit or with a street medicine team.  

Positions with mobile units and street medicine may require a flexible work schedule which may include early mornings, possible evening, and infrequent weekend hours. 

Essential Duties:

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Provides services within the integrated Primary Care Behavioral Health model.
• Completes comprehensive individualized assessments that identify psychosocial factors important to management of physical health problems including any psychological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, environmental, interpersonal, mental health and/or substance use issues.
• Utilizes screening tools as necessary to identify appropriate levels of care.  Screening tools include ASAM, DAST, AUDIT, PHQ-9, GAD-7 and other evidenced based tools as appropriate.  
• Coordinates within the multidisciplinary team to develop patient-centered treatment plans to improve health and wellness that include clinical summary, assessment and recommendations, measurable goals, and objectives. 
• Monitors patient progress towards identified goals and objectives.   
• Provides evidence-based interventions as needed such as motivational interviewing, problem solving training, coping skills training, relaxation/mindfulness techniques, cognitive restructuring, teaching impulse control skills, psychoeducation and communication skills training. Interventions may be delivered individually or in a group setting.  
• Provides brief interventions and short-term counseling using appropriate modalities for patients with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, addiction, and other concerns as needed.
• Works with patients in crisis by providing rapid intervention, risk assessment, de-escalation, safety planning, and coordination of care.
• Supports existing connections to established mental health and substance use treatment services. 
• Connect patients to community agencies that address the needs of people who experience homelessness.     
• Serves as team content expert on behavioral changes, substance use issues and community resources.  
• Complete all required documentation within the time frame defined by organizational policies.
• Maintains strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations, and referrals compliant with local, state, and federal statutes and organizational policies.
• Participates in continuing education to continually improve skills and abilities. 
• Attends relevant and required meetings (both internal and external), trainings, and community events.
• Receives clinical guidance as needed.
• Adjusts to fluctuating peaks in patient flow, acuity, and other operational demands while maintaining quality.
• Maintains current knowledge and skills of all computer programs being used in the agency.
• Exhibits a high degree of courtesy, tact, and poise when interacting with clients, families, and other personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Basic Knowledge and Skills:

• Must be (at least) 21 years old.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with a patient care team in all settings. 
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with patients and members of care teams.
• Experience with psychosocial assessment and treatment planning.  
• Proficient in generally accepted individual, group and crisis counseling theories and interventions.
• Ability to collaborate with professionals from many different social services, healthcare, and government agencies.
• Ability to work quickly, efficiently, and independently. Remain flexible and calm in tense situations.
• Maintain up to date documentation of all clinic encounters in an electronic health record.
• Maintain patient confidence and confidential record keeping practices.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including presenting and speaking in public settings.
• Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, systems, objectives, electronic health records systems and computer systems applications (MS Office, PowerPoint, Chrome etc.).
• Skill in exercising initiative, judgment, problem-solving and data driven decision-making.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and ability to work with diverse staff and patients from all backgrounds.
• Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work or Doctorate in Psychology required.
• Must possess Arizona BBHE license of Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Arizona Board of Psychologist Examiners license – other disciplines will not be considered for this position. 
• Two years of experience working in the health care field.
• Current Arizona Department of Safety Clearance Card, or ability to secure one prior to start.
• Requires a current Arizona Driver License.
• Basic Life Support certification required (BLS).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. 
• Reviewed the physical requirements form.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Handle high levels or stress.
• Sit frequently.
• Lift or carry from 0 to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Walk frequently.
• Drive occasionally.
• Bend or stoop frequently.
• Use hands to push or pull occasionally.
• Fine manipulation continuously.

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All resumes will be reviewed for education and experience. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant's or employee's race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.