Job description
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides expert integrated care to pediatric and adult patients as a member of the Primary Care Medical Home team. They specialize in brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions geared toward functional improvement. BHCs are generalists, providing high volume services from a population-based lens that are accessible, team-based, and a routine part of primary care. This is a behavioral health model that is interconnected with patients medical care and medical care team that requires specialized training and experience with a variety of medical and mental health concerns. In addition, this role performs high-level consultation to the medical care team members and contributes to a clear treatment plan for patient care. The BHC functions effectively in a fast pace, setting with the ability to successfully pivot from a patient facing to a physician facing role throughout the day. The BHC thrives on being adaptable, flexible, and able to independently function at a consistently high level. The individual in this position must be willing to engage in brief visits (e.g. 15- 30 mins) at a high volume, and adept in working closely with PCPs and other team members. Other required skills and duties are outlined below.
Overview: Bridge City Family Medical Clinic is state-certified, tier 4 patient centered primary care home located in Portland Oregon. We serve a diverse patient population, (including Medicaid recipients) ranging in age from birth to death.
Position Summary: This is a dual role position and will be 50% behavioral health therapist brief interventions related to primary care chronic medical conditions and 50% ongoing treatment of low-acuity mental health disorders or needs which may or may not intersect directly with physical health concerns.
With regards to the Integrative Behavioral Health Therapist position: The therapist provides integrated behavioral therapy to existing primary care patients in a patient centered primary care home at the direction of the primary care provider. To act as an extension of the primary care provider providing consultation on mental health and addiction, brief therapy intervention, referral and coordination of care, and psycho-education. This position provides services to a diverse population in the primary care clinic setting. The duties of the therapist are:
Assisting the primary care provider in recognizing, treating and managing mental health and psychosocial issues and act as a contributing member to the primary care team;
Conducing client intakes, focusing on diagnostic and functional evaluations, and making recommendations to the primary care provider concerning the clients’ treatment goals and plan;
providing consultation and training to the primary care providers to enhance their skill and effectiveness in treating mental health problems;
providing brief, focused intervention for clients who are in need of mental health services, usually 15-30 minute appointments which are often same day as the primary care visit
providing primary care providers timely feedback about the client’s about care, treatment recommendations and progress via documentation in the client’s record and verbal feedback;
advising the primary care provider about which clients are better served at the primary care setting and which should be referred to specialty mental health facilities or elsewhere;
initiating follow-up to ascertain how clients are doing and to determine if any changes in treatment approaches are indicated;
developing, where indicated, relapse prevention plans and helps clients maintain stable functioning;
assisting in the detection of “at risk” clients and in the development of plans to prevent worsening of their condition;
monitoring and coordinating the delivery of health services for clients as related to behavioral health care, including linking with other treatment providers not only within the primary care setting but, with the clients’ permission, outside it as well;
assisting, to the extent feasible, in the clients’ community functioning by helping with public benefits, vocational rehabilitation, social support, housing, etc;
documenting the clients’ progress and diagnostic information in the treatment chart;
keeping the primary care providers fully informed of the clients’ needs and progress and working with providers to formulate treatment plans;
working, where indicated, to effect behavioral changes in clients with, or at risk for, physical disorders and helps them make healthier lifestyle choices;
providing clients with self-management skills and educational information needed so they can be full participants in their own treatment and recovery;
helping the clients, where indicated, to cope with chronic conditions like pain and diabetes;
providing consultation to clinic management and other team members about behavioral services and suggested areas of outcome and program evaluation;
assisting the clients in complying with any medical treatment initiated by the primary care provider, such as offering strategies to cope with medication side effects;
Qualifications:
Work Experience: Preferably two years or more in delivering behavioral health services to a diverse patient population of all ages. Prior experience as a behavioral health therapist in the primary care setting is preferred.
Education, certification and licensure: Doctorate or Master’s education level required. I.e.: a licensed psychiatrist, a licensed psychologist, a licensed clinical social worker or social worker associate, a licensed professional counselor or associate or licensed marriage and family therapist or associate.
Skills & Knowledge: Knowledge of methods around behavioral medicine and evidence-based treatments for medical, mental health and substance use conditions. Plans and provides psychological assessment and diagnosis in a primary care setting with brief psychotherapeutic interventions as needed. Advises and consults primary care providers and team members. Ability to triage and refer for specialty mental health services. Knowledge of psycho-pharmacology and the problems and dynamics in treating medically underserved populations. Knowledge of general medical practice models and processes such as office procedures, medical records, health insurance, etc. Skilled in support group organization, facilitating, as well as educating. Ability to work as successful primary health care team member. Ability to be comfortable in role as consultant and resident BH specialist. Execute evidence-based brief interventions. Ability to design and implement clinical protocols for treatment of selected behavioral conditions. Ability to make quick and accurate assessments of behavioral health conditions. Interest in gathering, tracking and presenting outcome data. Expertise in trauma-informed, culturally sensitive substance abuse and mental health treatment. Be knowledgeable of local and state resources. Be able to work with patients from infancy to geriatrics. Comfort with electronic medical records and charting. Flexible and able to assess and triage on the spot demands of medical staff. Ability to train and teach effective behavioral health interventions and integrated health model to medical practitioners.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay and benefits negotiable.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Medical specialties:
Schedule:
Work setting:
Work Location: In person