Qualified Behavioral Health Provider (QBHP)
Intensive Outpatient Program — Group & Activity Therapy Support
Earle Family Medical Clinic (Rural Health Clinic) · Earle, Arkansas
Position Summary
The Qualified Behavioral Health Provider (QBHP) supports the delivery of the clinic's Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) by facilitating and assisting with structured behavioral health groups and activity-therapy sessions under the direct supervision of a licensed Mental Health Professional. The QBHP reinforces, practices, and models therapeutic techniques as directed by the supervising clinician, helps clients engage in the program, and documents each client's participation. The QBHP does not provide independent clinical services, does not diagnose or treat, and works at all times within the direction of the supervising Mental Health Professional.
Reporting & Supervision
Reports to: Licensed Mental Health Professional (LCSW, LPC, LPCC, psychologist, or equivalent) responsible for the client's care; administratively to the Clinic/Program Director.
Supervision: Works under the direct supervision of a Mental Health Professional, including weekly face-to-face supervision, monthly observation of service delivery, and ongoing direction of all client-facing tasks, consistent with Arkansas Behavioral Health Agency certification and Arkansas Medicaid standards.
Supervisory duties: None. The QBHP does not supervise other staff.
Credential & Certification Requirements
This position must meet the Arkansas definition of a Qualified Behavioral Health Provider. Per Arkansas Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Agency certification standards, a QBHP is an individual who does not hold an Arkansas license to provide clinical behavioral health care, works under the direct supervision of a Mental Health Professional, and has completed the prescribed initial and annual training sufficient to perform the tasks assigned by the supervising professional. Specifically, the QBHP must:
- Complete a minimum of forty (40) hours of paraprofessional training, and successfully pass all required written examinations and competency-based skills demonstrations, prior to independent task performance (initial training typically completed within the first weeks of employment);
- Maintain certification through the required ongoing supervision structure: weekly face-to-face supervision, monthly observations, and annual continuing education, with completion of any required examinations;
- Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification, and current crisis-prevention/de-escalation training as required by the program;
- Comply with all applicable Arkansas Behavioral Health Agency certification and Arkansas Medicaid standards governing the QBHP role.
Education & Experience
- Required: High school diploma or GED.
- Preferred: Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, or a related field — or equivalent work experience in a human-services setting.
- Preferred: At least one (1) year of experience in a behavioral health, substance use, or related human-services setting.
- Valid Arkansas driver's license and ability to travel locally as needed for program duties.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Group & activity-therapy support (primary):
- Facilitate and co-facilitate structured IOP behavioral health groups and activity-therapy sessions as assigned and directed by the supervising Mental Health Professional, following the approved curriculum and plan of care.
- Reinforce, practice, and model therapeutic techniques, coping skills, and recovery concepts introduced by the supervising clinician; keep group content aligned to treatment goals rather than recreation.
- Prepare group materials and the group space; support a safe, engaged, and respectful group environment.
- Encourage client participation and engagement, particularly among guarded or early-stage clients, using low-pressure, supportive approaches.
- Recognize when a client raises clinical needs, distress, or safety concerns beyond the QBHP scope, and promptly involve the supervising Mental Health Professional; keep clients safe and do not attempt to process clinical or trauma content independently.
Documentation & treatment-team support:
- Document each client's attendance, participation, and observable response for every group/session the same day, in the required format, sufficient to support the individualized nature of the service.
- Record observations objectively (what the client did and said) without clinical interpretation or diagnosis, and provide these to the supervising Mental Health Professional for clinical review.
- Serve as part of the client's treatment team; communicate relevant observations and client progress or concerns to the supervising clinician.
- Assist with service coordination and appropriate referrals as directed, and maintain accurate, timely records consistent with program and regulatory requirements.
General:
- Attend required clinic meetings, supervision sessions, observations, and trainings.
- Maintain client confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, 42 C.F.R. Part 2, and applicable Arkansas privacy law at all times.
- Perform other duties consistent with the QBHP role as assigned by the supervising Mental Health Professional or Program Director.
Scope-of-Practice Boundaries
The QBHP works within a defined, supervised scope. The QBHP does NOT: provide independent or unsupervised clinical services; diagnose, assess, or develop treatment plans; provide psychotherapy or clinical counseling; supervise other staff; or make clinical determinations reserved to licensed professionals. All clinical direction, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making remain the responsibility of the supervising Mental Health Professional and the client's licensed treatment providers.
Core Competencies
- Dependability, sound judgment, and the ability to follow clinical direction and documentation requirements precisely.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to engage clients respectfully and maintain professional boundaries.
- Ability to remain calm and follow protocol in crisis or escalated situations, and to escalate appropriately to the supervising clinician.
- Reliable, objective, and timely documentation.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with integrity.
Working Conditions
Clinic-based outpatient mental and behavioral health setting. Involves sitting, standing, and leading groups; occasional local travel. Must be able to receive verbal and written direction and to respond appropriately to client needs and program demands.
Pay: $20.84 - $25.51 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
