ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                      Behavioral Health Consultant – Master’s Level

REPORTS TO POSITION:       Outpatient & Integrated Clinical Supervisor

DEPARTMENT:                         Integrated Behavioral Health

DATE LAST REVIEWED:          August 1, 2023

OUR VISION:                Creating America’s healthiest community, together.

OUR MISSION:             In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:              Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY: The Integrated Behavioral Health Department includes Master’s and Doctoral level clinician who are integrated into primary care settings as well as some specialty care settings.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) works alongside the Primary Care Providers or Specialty Medicine Providers, providing behavioral health assessments and brief interventions.  The BHC is an integral member of the medical team whose role is to help address a broad spectrum of behavioral health needs in the medical clinic population.  The BHC aids in early identification and provides, brief, solution focused interventions that promote wellness and preventions for as many patients as possible.  The BHC provides same-day consultative services to medical providers and patients for a broad array of behavioral health issues in the form of assessment, brief intervention, and triage of psychosocial problems in the clinic patient population.

This position requires advanced skills in conducting brief assessments using a biopsychosocial model and delivering brief, evidence-based interventions to improve overall health and quality of life of patients with a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral needs.   Functions as an integrated member of the care team by assisting physicians, advanced practice, and other medical staff in managing the overall health of their patient populations.  A Behavioral health Consultant helps improve recognition, treatment and management of psychosocial/behavioral problems and medical conditions in enrolled population.  The Behavioral Health Consultant provides consultation services to all patients referred by the medical team.

This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.      

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Clinical Responsibilities:

Plans and provides psychological assessment and diagnosis in a primary care setting with brief psychotherapeutic interventions as needed.

Provides targeted assessment and evaluation, including diagnostic impression and functional status on presenting problem(s).

Timely and succinct feedback to primary care physicians regarding consultation findings and recommendations.

Triaging and referring patients to specialty mental health care when appropriate.

Formulation of behavioral health interventions appropriate to the primary care setting and assisting with implementation of primary care physician(s) treatment plans.

Providing brief follow-up, including relapse prevention and education.

Developing, teaching, and providing oversight for classes that promote education and skill-building to enhance psychological and physical health.

Providing ongoing consultation services for a sub-set of patients who require ongoing monitoring and follow up (e.g. continuity consultations).

Sharing knowledge with other team members and patients both formally (in-services, consult responses) and informally (hallway conversations).

Working as a primary care team member to develop specific clinical pathways or best practice programs for targeted patient groups (chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity etc.).

Plans, develops, and implements groups and other services for mental health needs.

Develops behavioral health programs to meet the needs of the changing organization and changes in health care delivery.

Active member of the multi-disciplinary team within the clinic, providing team-based care. Fully integrated primary health home services.

Document all patient care in the proper form and in a timely manner in compliance with hospital policies and regulatory agencies.

Delivers first rate customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, and is timely, efficient, and accurate, and courteous.

Non-Clinical Responsibilities:

Be familiar with the organization structure, communications systems and billing process, completing billing and coding documentation within time assigned by administration.

Keep all licenses and appropriate certifications current and unrestricted.

Maintain active privileges at a St. Charles Health System hospital sufficient to permit performance of job duties.

Increase understanding and collaboration throughout the medical community regarding provider’s chosen specialty.

Provider Leadership:

Participate in provider meetings and assist in policy formation and provider practice.

Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient, and caregiver.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and put a high level of focus on attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Provide a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients/customers in a caring way.  This includes introducing oneself and stating your purpose, asking the patient their preferred name, spending time with the patient to determine their care goals, active listening, and using skillful communications (appropriate touch, eye contact, etc.).

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.

Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies, procedures and regulatory agencies. 

Develops cultural competence and provides appropriate care to patients and family members who belong to diverse cultural backgrounds.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the health system’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violations of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all health system’s investigations and proceedings.

Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. 

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION         

Required:  Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or Marriage and Family Therapy from an accredited college or university.

Complete annual CME as required to maintain license and appropriate Board certification.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Required: Oregon licensure as a clinical social worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.

Ability to travel to business functions/trainings/meetings and all SCHS worksites.

Maintain unrestricted ability to participate in Medicare/Medicaid, or other federal or state governmental health care programs.

EXPERIENCE

Required:    N/A           

Preferred:   Experience in a primary care setting.                      

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Continually (75% or more): Use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level.

Frequently (50%): Sitting, keyboard operation.

Occasionally (25%): Standing, walking, bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing stairs, reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-10 pounds, grasping/squeezing, operation of a motor vehicle, ability to hear whispered speech level.

Never (0%):  Climbing ladder/step-stool, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 11-50 pounds.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Occasionally (25%):  Chemical solution for Laboratory Caregivers.

Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area.

Never (0%):  Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, chemical solution, uneven surface.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

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