Job Summary
The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) is a highly flexible member of a co-located care team that utilizes an adaptive and patient centered schedule to address the psychosocial needs of primary care patients in a community health center. The BHC provides timely access to behavioral health services for a broad range of physical health and mental health needs. The BHC will primarily deliver time limited therapy that incorporates evidence-based behavior change strategies to empower patients to develop self-management skills and coping strategies.
“AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply”.
: Streams
: Behavioral Health Manager
Description of Duties/Responsibilities
· Serves as a behavioral health consultant within the primary care team, offering consultation to PCPs and other healthcare providers regarding the psychosocial factors influencing patient health.
· Assist in identifying and managing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, stress, and adjustment issues.
· Ability to be flexible and receive short notice referrals (warm hand offs) for behavioral health services
· Provide short-term, solution-focused therapeutic interventions to patients, focusing on helping them manage mental health symptoms and navigate stressors that impact their physical health.
· Utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and brief problem-solving interventions.
· Conduct screenings and assessments to evaluate the psychosocial needs of patients, including mental health symptoms, social determinants of health, and life stressors. Identify those who may benefit from behavioral health interventions and develop personalized care plans that address these needs.
· Work closely with PCPs, nurses, and other team members to develop integrated care plans that address both the mental and physical health needs of patients.
· Offer psychoeducation to patients about the connection between mental health and physical health, including how managing stress, emotions, and behaviors can support overall well-being.
· Facilitate referrals to additional mental health services or community resources as needed. Assist with care coordination for patients who require ongoing behavioral health services from a higher level of care, ensuring timely access to appropriate services.
· Document all patient interactions, assessments, and interventions clearly and accurately within the electronic health record (EHR) system. Ensure that documentation meets clinical, legal, and regulatory requirements.
· Provide culturally sensitive care, respecting the diversity of patient backgrounds and experiences. Tailor interventions and approaches to the unique cultural and social contexts of individual patients.
· Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Position Qualifications
§ Master's Degree in Social Work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Social Work and a valid Michigan License as clinical social worker.
§ Licensed Professional Counselor, Psychologist, Licensed by the State of Michigan
§ Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred
§ Experience with Microsoft Office 365
§ Please note that this position requires a comprehensive background check as part of our commitment to patient safety and organizational integrity. Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply, and we welcome open discussions about any past experiences that may arise during the background check process.
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Skills, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements
§ Ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.
§ Ability to maintain effective and professional relationships with patients and other members of the care team.
§ Experience with screening for common mental health and/or substance abuse disorders.
§ Working knowledge of differential diagnoses of common mental health and/or substance use disorders, when appropriate.
§ Ability to effectively engage patients in a therapeutic relationship.
§ Ability to work with patients by telephone or telehealth as well as in person.
§ Experience with assessment and treatment planning for common mental health and/or substance use disorders.
§ Working knowledge of evidence-based psychosocial treatments and brief behavioral interventions for mental health disorders, when appropriate (e.g., motivational interviewing, problem-solving treatment, behavioral activation, CBT, and psychodynamics).
§ Basic knowledge of psychopharmacology for common mental health disorders that is within appropriate scope of practice for type of provider filling role.
§ Experience with evidence-based counseling techniques.
§ Strong motivational interviewing, verbal/written communication skills.
§ Experience with Electronic Medical Records a plus
§ Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a team setting.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Grand Rapids, MI 49534: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
