Reports to: Director of Behavioral Health Services

Work Hours: Hours: Mon-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm; extended hours may be required

Supervises: N/A

Credentials and Experience

• Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist
• Prior work experience as a Clinical Social Worker or Psychologist in a medical setting or clinical behavioral health setting
• Must pass background check
• Familiarity or work experience in integrated behavioral health models.

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) is responsible for providing clinical behavioral health services that align with HMC's mission of integrated care and lead to better patient health outcomes. The BHC operates under the administrative supervision of the Behavioral Health Director but performs all duties and responsibilities within the patient's primary care pods and in exam rooms. The BHC supports primary care providers and focuses on enhancing patients' overall health. The BHC also works towards integrating and embedding behavioral health into patient medical care.

Primary Responsibilities:

Please list any responsibilities for this position that are required (must have) for this position, with or without accommodation.

• Brief Consultations. The productivity expectation of a trained BHC is an average of 6-9 consultations per clinical day including:
• Individual and/or Family consultation with patients
• Psychoeducation for patients and their support systems
• Motivational Interviewing and stages of change to develop behavioral strategies aimed at symptom reduction.
• Substance use/abuse screening and referral
• Brief problem-solving cognitive intervention aimed at modifying negative thinking and promoting self-efficacy.
• Treatment planning to develop self-management, improved coping, distress tolerance, relaxation
• Consultation with PCPs to enhance understanding of the patient, provide decision support for treatment planning and assist in the implementation and monitoring of biopsychosocial health of the patient.
• Coordination of Care. Provide consultation and coordination of care for patients with HMC primary care staff. Identify, refer and advocate for patients needing specialty services including behavioral health and substance use/abuse.
• Crisis Intervention. Be immediately available to the HMC staff during working hours in the event of a behavioral health emergency. Participate as a member of the HMC staff in the event of any other kind of emergency.
• Charting. Complete all charting as needed and required including assessments, progress notes and billing.

Job Proficiency:

Add any key skills that are required for this position. Below are examples, keep any that apply or add new ones that are job-specific:

• Performs "warm hand-offs". The BHC is easily accessible and prompt in responding when primary care providers request behavioral health consults.
• Provides clinical consultation to providers and staff regarding mental and behavioral health of the patient and that supports the patient's medical care and treatment.
• Provides brief (15-30 minute) solution-focused behavioral interventions with the development of a behavior change plan using evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing.
• Provides on-site availability for crisis, triage and intervention. BHC will be available to the clinic staff during working hours in the event of a behavioral health emergency.
• Provides follow-up appointments to track and measure behavior changes and impact on overall health.
• Provides clinical judgment and promotes collaborative and coordinated transitions when referring patients to specialized services such as Community Mental Health Centers or Substance Abuse Treatment.
• Collaborates and coordinates the patient's behavioral health care with consistent and timely feedback to referring providers.
• Documents the clinical behavioral health diagnosis and supporting treatment plan that is behavioral and measurable.
• Attends both medical and behavioral health staff meetings.
• Work schedule: must be available to providers during clinic hours. Must comply with specified work schedule.
• Participates and complies with Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement measures.
• Must be willing to change work locations as needed.
• Seeks opportunities to learn new skills and improve existing skills (Excellence)
• Recognizes, supports and advocates on behalf of a diverse workforce with representation across race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, country of origin, education, abilities and the intersectionality of the elements of diversity (Compassion)
• Provides service and care to patients with diverse values, beliefs, and behaviors, including tailoring delivery to meet patients' social, cultural, and linguistic needs. (Cultural Competency/Access?)
• Supports an organizational culture that values diversity and promotes inclusion.
• Develops and maintains mutual trust and respect with colleagues. (Commitment)
• Develops and maintains a pattern of reciprocal exchanges of support, information, and other valued resources with colleagues. (Commitment)
• Listens actively and empathetically to others' views and concerns. (Compassion)
• Welcomes the opportunity to hear competing points of view and does not take criticism personally. (Excellence?)
• Willing to try and solve problems or identify when something is not working and come up with solutions
• Holds self and others accountable for the work completed, speaks up when an error is made, and clearly communicates expectations to others (Accountability)
• Communicates honestly and openly, and does the right thing even when it's difficult (Integrity)

EEO Statement

Health Ministries Clinic is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.