Integrated Behavioral Health Associate (BHA)

Job Title: Integrated Behavioral Health Associate (BHA)

Job Category: Mental Health

Wage Classification: Salaried/Exempt

Location: Coos Bay

Position Type/Status: Full-time, benefitted

Travel: Minimal

Salary Range: $54,965 - $65,000 DOE

Reports to: Mental Health Program Manager

Manages Direct Reports: No

HR Review & Approval: 2/26/25

Job Description

WCHC is an integrated patient-centered primary care clinic serving a diverse population with a special emphasis on care for persons who experience barriers to accessing care. Waterfall’s mission is to promote access to quality integrated health services that meet the needs of individuals with barriers to care on the Southern Oregon Coast.

Under the supervision and mentorship of the Mental Health Program Manager, the BHA provides trauma-informed and evidence-based care within the Primary Care team. This position is an integral part of the medical team, providing supportive visits to patients to check in regarding navigating current medical stressors. The BHA also reviews and provides appropriate referrals to mental health and psychiatry services. This position focuses on short-term counseling and consultation to meet the needs of patients with social, behavioral, and emotional factors that influence physical health. In addition, the BHA provides ongoing support to the medical team in the support and intervention during client crisis, implementing de-escalation techniques and reducing the intensity of potentially high-stress situations.

As a member of the Primary Care team, Integrated BHA’s provide a broad array of comprehensive behavioral services including but not limited to: conducting screenings, providing consultation and psychoeducation, coordinating with Behavioral Health Consultants, providing referrals, contributing to care coordination with individuals, families, and groups across the lifespan.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Waterfall Community Health Center’s (WCHC) mission while performing assigned duties. Demonstrate the core values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Compassion, Partnership, and Collaborative Communication.
• Abide by Mental Health Associate Competencies and Code of Ethics established by the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO)
• Provide trauma-informed and evidence-based support services within a Primary Care setting, including performing brief assessments and interventions, providing referrals, attending to social determinants of health, coordinating with community partners, and operating within a fully integrated provider care team.
• Engage in brief intervention strategies and supportive check-ins with patients attending medical services across WCHC clinics
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients to facilitate accurate assessment and ongoing therapeutic alliance
• Keep accurate and timely records including comprehensive documentation of all patient interactions appropriately in accordance with clinic policies, procedures, and local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and deal tactfully and patiently with patients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Foster a supportive, trauma-informed, and growth centered approach with patients, staff, and the community.
• Build positive rapport with a diverse patient population including those with developmental conditions, psychiatric diagnoses, and patients using substances.
• Engage as an active contributing member of the primary care team.
• Participate in team meetings and daily huddles with members of the care team to review the care of patients, particularly those patients with whom behavioral health needs are contributing to long-term health conditions.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patient communications including phone calls, MyChart messages, clinical questions, and routing as appropriate.
• Adapt and respond with communication strategies to stabilize, slow, or reduce the intensity of a potentially high-stress situation(s)
• Provide immediate support and intervention during client crisis, employing de-escalation techniques and appropriate therapeutic strategies.
• Identify and assess potential risks to client safety, developing and implementing appropriate intervention strategies.
• Ability to engage in skills training and coaching to patients to support behavioral health goals under the established treatment plan of a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) or other licensed Behavioral Health Provider
• Maintain an unbiased, safe, and confidential environment for staff and patients while in the clinic including strict adherence to confidentiality as required by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
• Support program goals to reduce cultural and socio-economic barriers between clients and institutions committed to working with marginalized and diverse community populations.
• Collaborate effectively within an integrated team setting, coordinating care within variety of services including primary care, social health, dentistry, mental health, and psychiatry.
• Ability to receive supervision and ongoing guidance to meet certification goals and continued professional development as well as to enhance clinical skills and ensure the provision of high-quality care.
• Performs other duties as needed to help support WCHC’s vision, mission, and organizational values.
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable attendance and time management strategies.
• Highly self-motivated and able to function within a team setting.
• Able to actively listen and think critically.
• Contribute to the community learning model by participating in clinical observation and feedback.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Electronic Health Records.
• Able to pass a criminal background check.
  
  

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field to meet the definition of a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
• Ability to become registered with the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) as a Qualified Mental Health Associate
• Actively engaged in pursuing QMHA career ladder (QMHA-R > QMHA-I > QMHA-II)
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention Comprehensive training class completed within 6 months of hire and recertify prior to the expiration date.
• Preferred - Experience working in a mental health care setting with a low-income population.
• Preferred - Bilingual (Spanish) fluency qualifies for additional compensation.
• Preferred - Current First Aid or BLS Certification or completion of training within 6 months of hire.
  
  

Immunizations Required

• TB (test upon hire)
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting and/or standing at a desk working at a computer.
• Able to lift up to 15 pounds rarely
• Able to travel as needed.
• Exposure to sick people within a healthcare setting
  
  

Benefits

• Student Loan repayment program opportunities
• Up to $200 per month towards student loan debt
• Master’s degree or higher provider, providing direct billable patient care, is eligible for $50,000 every 3 years
• Competitive PTO Accrual (up to 193 hours of PTO accrual each year to start)
• 7 Paid Holidays *you must be scheduled to work the holiday to qualify for holiday pay*
• Medical/Dental/Vision 100% employer paid
• 401K Retirement Plan 6% match
• Options for long term disability
• $50,000 Life Insurance Policy- options for additional voluntary life
• Additional voluntary Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity coverage is available
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Downtown Health and Fitness gym membership discount
• Bonusly – Internal Employee Recognition Platform
• Headspace care employer paid membership