Behavioral Health Therapist (Substance Use Disorder)

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of a Licensed Masters Social Worker, responsible for providing behavioral health consultation and services to children, adolescents, adults, and families in order to improve psychosocial functioning. Consults with and makes recommendations to care team relative to psychological/substance use disorder (SUD) intervention strategies and conducts follow-up consultations to reinforce care team’s generated interventions. Participates in a team-based approach to care in the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH). Participates in activities related to Quality Improvement.

DEFINITION

Substance Use Disorder (SUD)-The Substance Use Disorder Behavioral Health Specialist provides counseling and support to individuals experiencing addiction. Assists the individual in their recovery process by using strategic interventions.  

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Accepts referrals from care team regarding patients’ behavioral health needs. Responds in a timely manner and in a form of communication that is collaborative and reaches the care team effectively. Provides and documents referrals as needed to appropriate providers/resources both within and outside GLBHC.
2. Provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, consultation, and interventions for behavioral health, and/or substance use needs, and/or social determinates of health needs. When assessment indicates, recommends referral to a different specialty provider, other member of the care team, and/or consultation.  Provides counseling/behavioral health services to patients on an individual, couples, family, and/or group basis.
3. Assists the care team in developing care management processes such as the use of guidelines, disease management techniques, case management, and patient education to improve self-management of chronic conditions (mental and physical)
4. Consults and collaborates with patient and care team regarding the recommended behavioral health intervention(s). Through a consultative and collaborative relationship, communicates the behavioral health intervention(s) as a recommendation to the patient and care team.
5. Assist in the detection of “at risk” patients and development of plans to prevent further psychological or physical deterioration. If needed and/or required use available screening tools, psychological stressors assessment and diagnostic codes in conducting initial screening to determine level of risk and/or determine if referral to another agency is needed.
6. Meets standards for quality and utilization and follows GLBHC policies, procedures, and
7. Maintain pertinent, accurate, and timely documentation.
8. Assist in monitoring the behavioral health needs at assigned site and make recommendations to immediate supervisor identifying gaps or potential opportunity for improvement.
9. Attends and actively participates in huddles, staff meetings, case conferences and meetings that support GLBHC behavioral health care models to provide comprehensive care for patients.
10. Displays a positive and professional attitude, interacts well with colleagues and leadership, and approaches their job with enthusiasm and passion for serving GLBHC patients. 

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for the job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

MARGINAL JOB DUTIES

1. Other duties as assigned.
2. Provides regular supervision to school-based therapists.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

1. Education: Master’s degree in social work or counseling from an accredited graduate school. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Required.
2. Licensure: Licensed as a Licensed or Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification Required. SUD: Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals (MCBAP) certification preferred based upon grant or position specifications. Enrolled in a Development Plan as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with MCBAP OR additional certification preferred based upon grant or position specifications.
3. Experience: Preferred minimum of three (3) years of experience in a behavioral health setting.  If Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker, must obtain license in a timely manner and be actively pursuing.  Be in good standing and continue to be in good standing with expectations regarding licensure. SUD: Previous substance abuse experience preferred based upon grant or position specifications OR additional experience required based upon grant or position specifications.
4. Skills: Skilled in written and oral communication.  Able to demonstrate positive customer service skills.  Basic computer skills and ability to work in an electronic medical record.
5. Interpersonal Skills: Able to prioritize activities on a short and long-term basis and able to handle multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.  Functions effectively in the treatment of patients.  Able to resolve interpersonal and professional conflicts appropriately.  Able to develop and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with clinical management, members of the executive structure, Board of Directors, business associates, and community groups.
6. Physical Effort: Must be able to sit, stand, and or walk for an entire workday. Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull, and or twist while holding up to 25 lbs. occasionally.
7. Hours of Work: Full time or Part time; Flexible and varied.
8. Travel: Travel may be required within the service area. Use of personal vehicle is possible. Reimbursement commensurate with corporate policy and IRS guidelines.