Behavioral Health Therapist MSW - West Branch

Behavioral Health Therapist

$5,000 sign-on bonus available! As part of the primary care treatment team, the Behavioral Health Therapist (BHT) identifies, assesses, triages, documents, and manages primary care patients with medical and behavioral health problems. In addition, this BHT will utilize skill training through psycho-education and patient education strategies to develop patient self-management, population health programs, and will develop specific behavioral change plans for patients using best practice and brief evidence-based treatment interventions. The BHT is a core member of the collaborative team, including the patient's medical provider and the larger primary care team. The BHT is responsible for supporting and coordinating the mental and physical health care of patients on an assigned caseload, while also providing crisis intervention and short-term consultation and support to the primary care team for patients in urgent need of same-day contact.

Job Description

• Assess the clinical status of patients referred by the primary care provider. Assist in the detection of "at risk" patients and intervene to attenuate further psychological or physical deterioration. Assist primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders and psychological problems. Consult with the physician as necessary, and refer cases to other behavioral health providers for longer-term care as appropriate. Facilitate and ensure patient engagement and follow-up care. Work with the primary care team to treat and manage patients with chronic emotional and/or physical health problems efficiently and effectively. Provide brief behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate. Assist in preventing relapse in conditions that tend to recur over time.

• Use brief assessment tools with patients to assist in identifying concerns, triaging, and outcomes measurement. Systematically document treatment response and monitor patients (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications. Improve clinical outcomes with high prevalence medical and mental health conditions. Connect with new and established patients regarding integrated care model and care team information. Evaluate patient care plans with the primary care team and develop appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions. Perform coding/billing following appropriate guidelines.

• Assist in program development (e.g., pain, diabetes, weight loss, insomnia, stress, etc.). Obtain and keep available patient education materials about common mental health and substance use disorders. Provide and update local available treatment options and education/resources for patients and their families.

• Track patient follow-up and clinical outcomes using a registry. Document in-person and telephone encounters in the registry and use the system to identify and re-engage patients. Document patient progress and treatment recommendations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required systems so as to be shared with medical providers, psychiatric consultants, and other treating professionals.

• 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 psychiatrists or other specialties and communicate recommendations to the patient's medical provider or primary care team.

• Accept accountability for the clinical outcomes.

• Utilize evidence-based scales to screen patients and then use the data to guide treatment and follow-up.

• Maintain timely, clear, and concise documentation in all required systems.

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

• Assure compliance with regulatory requirements and act as a resource/liaison to physicians and other staff regarding all aspects of Integrated Care Professional activities.

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

• Build professional relationships with patients, families, facilities, and resources to address conflict resolution with positive outcomes.

• Complete formal outreach and training to other providers including community education as requested.

• Provide de-escalation and crisis intervention, and identify high-risk patients and address opportunities for intervention.

• Willingly and consistently offer to help peers as needed. Communicate teamwork, caring, and compassion.

• Sustain productivity expectations established by leadership team.

• Provide excellent customer service with internal and external customers.

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

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

• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• MSW - Masters of Social Work

• Preferred Equivalent Experience - 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 within one year of employment.

• PCSW - Psychologist/Counselor/Social Worker

• Required Equivalent Experience - Licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Master's Social Worker in the State of Michigan. Limited License employees must be actively working.

Education

• Required Education: Masters Degree

• Comments: Knowledge of psychology or social work as normally acquired through completion of a MA or Ph.D./Psy.D. in psychology or master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university.

Experience, Training, and Skills

• 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, entitlement programs; ensuring transition to appropriate levels of care; issues relating to age and stage of development; special needs; cultural patterns of the patient populations being served.

• 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/mental health/welfare.

• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals/groups; interact with people at all levels; communicate ideas/concepts clearly.

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

• Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required. MyMichigan Health is a technology-driven organization; 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

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

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

• Able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device; must be able to perform job functions as outlined in the job description.

• Overall vision and hearing are 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.

• Some exposure to bloodborne 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; maintain regular attendance; ability to stay awake.