Healthy Start Behavioral Health Specialist

Provides the delivery of professional and culturally appropriate behavioral health services to Healthy Start enrolled clients to address depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, and other issues as identified by case managers and specialists. Triage clients to specialized agencies for crisis management and inpatient treatment as needed.The following functions represent the majority of the duties performed by the position but are not meant to be all-inclusive or prevent other duties from being assigned when necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Following initial screening and interview by case managers, receive referrals for behavioral health services.
2. Meet with Healthy Start participants to evaluate counseling needs and determine interests.
3. Develop a clinical treatment plan with the participant, determining goals for counseling.
4. Complete a mental health assessment and develop a clinical treatment plan with each participant to determine goals for counseling.
5. Provide ongoing individual and/or family counseling to Healthy Start participants. Services are provided at the Healthy Start office or in the participant’s home based on the participant’s preference.
6. Make referrals for inpatient, residential, crisis, or shelter services as needed.
7. Communicate and coordinate with the case manager about the participant’s progress and case management needs.
8. Provide staffing support and clinical direction to case managers and fatherhood coordinator on client issues including child abuse, depression, suicidality, mental health diagnoses, and interpersonal violence.
9. Provide group education on behavioral health issues relevant to the Healthy Start target community.
10. Attend training on and complete follow-up on critical client needs to include issues of trauma, violence, and safety planning.
11. Complete required documentation/follow-up on a timely basis, including mental health assessment, treatment plan, and client progress toward goals.
12. Available to provide group education on behavioral health issues relevant to the community.
13. Participate in staff meetings, workshops, and conferences as they relate to the position, quality assurance activities, and appropriate in-service.
14. Complete monthly time and effort reports and attend appropriate THD-wide staff meetings.
15. Other duties as assigned, including those required to fulfill activities in support of public health emergency operations.

QUALIFICATIONS/SPECIFICATIONS:
Education: A Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling, is required.
Experience: Three years of experience providing counseling, preferably to the Maternal Child Health Population and/or those living in poverty required, five years preferred. Familiarity with BIPOC populations, health disparities, and ability to engage and serve this population effectively.
Licenses:

• Clinically licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) OR Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by the State of Oklahoma required.
• Valid Oklahoma driver’s license.

Skills:

• Works cooperatively with case management staff.
• Self-motivated and able to work without close supervision.
• Skilled in interviewing clients, and in working with agency staff and community resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and good communication skills are required to provide effective client counseling and obtain cooperation from clients who come from a wide range of economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent skills in planning and organization of multiple duties.
• Must be punctual and work required shifts.

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Regular internal contact with staff including case managers to coordinate care or referrals for clients.
• Will have external contact with outside agencies to exchange information to coordinate care, referrals, and programs for clients.
• Expected to form therapeutic, professional relationships with clients and positive professional relationships with coworkers.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Physical effort is required to lift and move equipment, materials, and boxes (up to 30 lbs.).
• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting, or standing for prolonged periods.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrist, hands and/or fingers.
• Bend spine at waist, bend legs at the knees, and move on hands, knees, and feet.
• Extend arm(s) up and out.
• Hold objects by using fingers and hands, and ability to use fingers for operational needs such as typing.
• Perform activities that require close visual acuity.
• Identify sounds in order to receive information and to communicate by use of the spoken word.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/ACCOUNTABILITY:
Direct Supervision – None
Indirect Supervision – None.
Budget/Money/Material – Responsible for assigned equipment.
Reports to – Healthy Start Program Manager
Location- On Site

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Conditions include those found working in a clinic environment. Additionally, various settings to include housing communities to provide counseling. Must feel comfortable doing community outreach and working with clients in diverse socioeconomic communities. At times, exposure to a noisy, crowded work environment, community neighborhoods and interaction with clients with various levels of mental health stress/crisis. Regular exposure to a high volume, fast-paced clinic.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must maintain client record confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.
• Must possess the ability and willingness to perform job-related travel (home visits/training/etc.).
• Must be punctual and work required shifts.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary : $70,000