Behavioral Health Therapist

Summary

As part of the psychiatry care treatment team, the Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) identifies, assesses, treats, documents and manages patients with medical and behavioral health problems. In addition, this BHP will utilize skills training through psycho-education and patient education strategies to develop patient self-management and will develop specific behavioral change plans for patients using best practice and evidence based treatment interventions. The BHP is a core member of a collaborative team, including the patient’s psychiatrist and the psychiatric nurse. The BHP is responsible for supporting, coordinating and treating the mental health of patients on an assigned caseload, while also providing crisis intervention and short-term consultation for patients in urgent need of same-day contact.

Responsibilities

(30%)* Assesses the clinical status of patients referred by the psychiatric or primary care provider. Assists in the detection of “at risk” patients and intervenes to attenuate further psychological or physical deterioration. Consults with the psychiatric provider as necessary, and refers cases to other behavioral health providers for longer-term specialty care as appropriate. Facilitates and ensures patient engagement and follow-up care. Works with psychiatric care team to treat and manage patients with chronic emotional and/or physical health problems efficiently and effectively. Provides cognitive-behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques. Assists in preventing relapse in conditions that tend to recur over time.

(30%)* Uses assessment tools with patients to assist in identifying concerns, triaging, and outcomes measurement. Systematically documents treatment response and monitors patients (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications. Improves clinical outcomes with high prevalence medical and mental health conditions. Connects with new and established patients regarding person-centered care model and care team information. Evaluates patient care plans with psychiatric care team and develops appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions. Performs coding/billing following appropriate guidelines.

(20%)* Assist in program development for groups (e.g., depression, pain, insomnia, stress, etc.). Obtains and keeps available patient education materials about common mental health and substance use disorders and local available treatment options for distribution and education of patients and their family.

(20%)* Tracks patient follow up and clinical outcomes. Documents patient progress and treatment recommendations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required systems so as to be shared with medical providers, psychiatric team members and other treating professionals.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase patient/family satisfaction, and improve appropriate utilization of resources. Facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside of the health system (e.g., social services such as housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, mental health specialty care, substance abuse treatment).

Assist in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need.

Identify the need for and conduct family meetings, with or without the physician, that result in understanding, comfort, decision-making, and other important outcomes.

Integrate relevant theories of family dynamics, crisis intervention, strengths based, solution focused, and meaning of illness into everyday casework.

Summarize a patient and family situation concisely, with helpful guidance to non-behavioral health staff members about recommendations for actions to be taken and barriers to wellness.

Actively participate in scheduled caseload consultations with psychiatric providers and communicates recommendations to the patient’s medical provider or primary care team. Consultations will focus on patients new to the caseload and those who are not improving as expected under the current treatment plan.

Accepts accountability for the clinical outcomes.

Maintains timely, clear and concise documentation in all required systems.

Provides pertinent clinical data to designated outside agencies to assure compliance with their requirements.

Assures compliance with regulatory requirements and acts a resource/liaison to physicians and other staff regarding all aspects of Integrated Care Professional activities.

Actively participates in practice provider meetings, team huddles, and quality assurance activities as scheduled. Provides education/training to practice staff when requested.

Builds professional relationships with patient, families, facilities and resources to address conflict resolution with positive outcomes.

Completes formal outreach and training to other providers including community education as requested. Provides de-escalation and crisis intervention, and Identifies high risk patients and addresses opportunities for intervention.

Willingly and consistently offer to help peers as needed. Communicates teamwork, caring and compassion. Sustains productivity expectations established by Director.

Provide excellent customer service with internal and external customers.

Assume responsibility for professional development and education requirements for maintenance of professional licensure.

Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures.

All other duties as assigned

Certifications and Licensures

MSW: Masters of Social Work

Licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, Limited Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan. Limited License employees must be actively working to obtain full licensure, and obtain it within one year of employment.

Required Education

Masters degree is required

Other Information

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of psychology or social work as normally acquired through completion of a Ph.D./ Psy.D.in psychology or Master's Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.

Licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in the State of Michigan. Limited License employees must be actively working to obtain full licensure, and obtain it within one year of employment.

Membership in at least one professional organization (i.e. APA, NASW, CFHA, MPA, SSWLHC-MI Chapter, national SSWLHC, etc.) preferred.

Training and experience, and/or demonstrated competency in casework principles, including diagnosis, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment and transition planning; techniques in individual, family and group therapy; awareness of community resources, public assistance and entitlement programs, ensuring transition to appropriate levels of care; and issues relating to age and stage of development, special needs and cultural patterns of the patient populations being served.

Background or Certification in care management preferred.

Knowledge of Integrated Behavioral Health practices, processes and procedures as normally acquired in a primary care setting (preferred), hospital, social agency or community organization dealing with physical and/or mental health and/or welfare.

Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.

Adherence to the American Psychological Association or National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics.

Must follow MyMichigan Health blood borne pathogen and TB testing as required.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.

Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.

Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).

Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.

Physical Demand Level: Light. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 11-20 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 10 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls.