Behavioral Health Clinician I - LMSW/LMHC at Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC) serves as a member of an integrated multidisciplinary treatment team providing recovery-oriented care to a diverse population within a primary care setting. The BHC provides a combination of brief, targeted interventions and outpatient counseling/therapy to patients across the lifespan. As a member of an integrated system of care, the BHC is responsibility for ensuring adequate coverage of intakes and crisis intervention within the primary care setting. While collaborating with the primary care team in identifying, assessing, and making recommendations in the treatment of a variety of behavioral health and substance use disorders. Through the conduct of comprehensive assessments and the delivery of evidenced based interventions the BHC will develop individualized, integrated treatment plans designed to empower patients in their pursuit of optimal physical and behavioral health. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Conducts face-to-face comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for all patients initiating care, and reassesses patients on an ongoing basis. 

· Conducts patient-centered, strengths-based, culturally and linguistically-sensitive mental status exams and diagnostic assessments; administers and monitors evidenced based screenings, including the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for all patients. 

·  Develops individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patient establishing appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions. Collaborates with members of the care team, including primary care providers, care coordination, and other service agencies. 

· Provides brief behavioral health interventions using evidenced-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving strategies, motivational interviewing, and other treatment modalities as appropriate. 

· Assesses patient’s readiness for change, identifying barriers to care and compliance; assists the patient with self-management; facilitates referrals to care coordination and other community based organizations to enhance patient opportunities for success. 

· Determine ongoing care based on a level of clinical ability, medical and psychosocial complexity. Refer complex cases to alternative/higher levels of care as needed. 

· Exhibits knowledge and skill in all functions of the electronic medical record pertinent to successful job performance. 

· Provides evidenced based individual, group, and family counseling/therapy as assigned.

· Provides crisis intervention services as indicated.

· Provides case management services as necessary and ensures coordination of care amongst service providers.

· Maintains and protects accurate and timely documentation in case records according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.

· Assists with patients’ swift access to care, that performance outcomes are met and patients experience satisfaction with services (Triple AIM). 

· Facilitates collaboration between primary care and behavioral health; participates in departmental case conference(s) and team huddles across the network of care. 

· Participates in performance improvement/quality assurance activities designed to ensure organizational achieve of metrics/UDS and Value-Based performance.  

· Develops and networks with other community service providers to provide the full continuum of care needs identified by the multidisciplinary treatment team and supervisor.

· Participates in professional growth activities including ongoing education/training.

· Maintains a professional relationship with staff and other providers and the community.

· Collaborates with school-based personnel.

· Refers clients to community social support services.

· Participates in individual and group supervision and; reports all pertinent information to supervisor.

· Participates in staff meetings and other meetings, as assigned.

· Utilizes the DSM V Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in the diagnostic assessment of all clients. 

· Maintains a caseload as assigned. 

· Completes Continuing Education requirements per licensing requirements.

· Abides by all professional licensure Canon of ethics and insures that license to practice is maintained.

· Demonstrates excellence in both internal and external customer service.

· Understands and is able to effectively communicate HIPAA compliance, corporate compliance and client confidentiality.

· Ensures and/or remains in compliance with local, state, and federal regulation, i.e. OASAS, NYS DOH, HRSA, OMH, NYSED, Albany County DSS, CPS and Family Court.

· Adheres to the National Patient Safety Goals as defined by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Services.

· Contributes to the provision of a safe and respectful environment for treatment.

· Demonstrates excellence in both internal and external customer service.

· Completes other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree from an Accredited College or University in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling; possession of New York State Licensure as a LMSW or LMHC; at least one year of work experience providing behavioral health counseling. Strong individual, and group therapy skills with patients with substance use, mental health and co-morbid disorders. Strong assessment and diagnostic skills; Knowledge of recovery concepts, self-help groups, and community resources; Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates a high level of cultural competency; Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines; Working knowledge of computers and electronic health records. Must be cleared by the New York State Central Registry.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working in a community health care setting. Preference given to LCSW and LCSW-R licensed individuals.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.

Salary range: $59,000 - $68,000 annually