Behavioral Health Consultant

Description

JOB TITLE:              Behavioral Health Consultant

REPORTS TO:         Asst. Director - Behavioral Health Services

FLSA STATUS:        Exempt

UNION STATUS:     Non-Union

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) works in the primary care clinic as a regular team member and delivers brief, consultation-based services to patients referred by their primary care providers. The BHC provides services to individuals of all ages and to families, informed by evidence-based interventions. The BHC also provides group programs and other services as well that enhance quality and efficiency. Training requires strong skills as a generalist, as patients are assisted with medical as well as mental health and substance abuse problems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Maintains a visible presence to the PCPs during clinic operating hours.
2. Is available for “curbside” consultation by being in the clinic or available by phone or pager.
3. Is available for same day and scheduled initial consultations with patients referred by PCPs.
4. Performs brief, limited follow-up visits for selected patients.
5. Provides a range of services including screening for common conditions, assessments, and interventions related to chronic disease management programs.
6. Conducts risk assessments, as indicated.       
7. Provides psycho-education for patients during individual and group visits.
8. Provides brief behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions for patients
9. Triages patients with severe or high-risk behavioral problems to community resources for specialty MH services consistent with level of care criteria.
10. Facilitates and oversees referrals to specialty mental health/substance abuse services, and when appropriate, supports a smooth transition from specialty services back to the primary care clinic level of management.
11. Prepares brief consultant notes for the medical chart that explain assessment findings, interventions delivered, and recommendations made to the PCP. Maintains clinical records and other necessary paperwork in a timely manner to comply with all administrative regulations.
12. Educates PCPs in the basic principles of brief behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions and reinforce their use in the medical visit.
13. Attends clinic meetings.

PCMH REQUIREMENTS:

Recognizes that the focus of care is the patient and understands patient participation and control of their care is our priority.  Maintains focus of agency on the following patient centered principles:

1. Empanelment
2. Continuous and Team-based Healing Relationships
3. Patient-centered Interactions
4. Engaged Leadership whose focus is the patient
5. Quality Improvement (QI) Strategy that is inclusive and dynamic
6. Enhanced Access
7. Care Coordination
8. Organized, Evidence-based Care

Maintains communication between departments and outside agencies and responds to needs of others in a prompt and respectful manner.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: PhD, PsyD, or Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy or field related to position requirements.

Current WA State License or License Eligible: Licensed Psychologist, LMFT; LMHC; LICSW; LASW

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Experience working in primary care as a fully integrated team member providing evidence-based brief interventions,

Education: Ph.D, Psy. D, Master’s degree