Behavioral Health Clinician (LCSW/LMFT)

Committed to Our Community in the Heart of the Redwoods. Removing Barriers to Healthcare Access

WCCHC Willow Creek Community Health Center

The Behavior Health Clinician (LCSW/LMFT) provides a therapeutic connection between physical, social, behavioral and mental health needs of Open Door patients. Working as an integral member of the primary care team (including physicians, advance practice clinicians, nurses, case managers and medical assistants) the Behavioral Health Clinician works to identify, triage, plan, manage and provide primary behavioral health services for patients with overlapping physical and behavioral health needs. The Behavioral Health Clinician provides assessment, referral, support, education and skill-training through a variety of strategies focused on addressing specific behavioral changes in support of improved physical, social and mental health. Patients are served in individual and group settings.

Compensation Range:

$89,336.00-$102,627.20

COMPENSATION: $94,336.00 to $107,627.20

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

These essential responsibilities are performed within the context of collaboration and coordination of the patients' primary care team. Patient visits occur through "warm hand-offs" and referrals from medical providers.

• Collaborate and assist medical practitioners and other health care team members in recognizing and treating emotional, behavioral and mental health disorders, including substance abuse and dependence
• Evaluate and refer at-risk patients to the continuum of care available within ODCHC and in the community, including long-term counseling and therapy, substance abuse treatment and psychiatric assessment and services; integrate consult reports into primary care treatment plans as appropriate
• Provide brief, problem-focused, goal-oriented assessments and interventions to address mental health, behavioral health and co-morbid physical conditions
• Provide and support patient education and self-care and self-management strategies
• Coordinate the health care team in addressing holistically the needs of patients with chronic psychological, social, security, substance use and/or physical conditions; offers strategies for and supports treatment adherence
• Coordinate with ODCHC case managers to address support, logistic, service, benefit, insecurity and social needs
• Based on clinic need and patient demand, provide short-term problem-focused therapy. Following an initial assessment, services are generally provided in 30-60 minute sessions. Longer term therapy can be provided if clinically justified.
• Based on clinic need and patient demand, provide short-term problem focused group education, support and therapy (8-12 sessions) for smoking cessation, weight management, anger management, depression, chronic illness management or other identified topics
• Accurately record psychological and behavioral health histories, assessments, diagnoses, interviews, safety planning, ongoing care and referrals in the electronic health record according to established protocols
• Work to de-escalate inappropriate patient behavior and crisis situations; perform risk assessments and collaborate with external agencies when needed to assure patient safety
• Adherence to ODCHC policies and protocols
• Other related duties as identified, assigned and required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will possess experience and skills spanning a variety areas:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to establish constructive working relationships with physicians, advanced care practitioners, nurses, case managers, other clinic staff and community practitioners and resources
• Ability to establish rapport and professional relationship with patients from all parts of the community who experience a broad range of emotional, mental and behavioral health disorders typically in conjunction with physical health needs
• Ability to intervene in difficult, confrontational and/or crisis situations in a manner which works to de-escalate tensions while maintaining safety and seeking resolution
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, policies and procedures and government regulations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, tolerate interruptions, and shift focus quickly to respond to immediate needs within the clinic, while maintaining productivity standards for our therapists.
• Ability to use computer keyboard and ODCHC software applications
• Licensed by the State of California as Clinical Psychologist or Clinical Social Worker
• Experience in similar position in a community health center or outpatient mental health clinic.
• Have reliable means of transportation to travel throughout ODCHC service area and to meetings outside of the area as necessary, including an insurable driving record and California Driver's License as necessary

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a non-supervisory position; however, the Behavioral Health Clinician works collaboratively with members of the health care team.

SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT: Behavioral Health Clinicians usually work in specific general site supervision and logistic issues are within the domain of the clinic's Administrative Site Director and the clinic's Site Medical Director. The Director of Behavioral Health Services provides overall guidance, consultation, clinical supervision, policy/procedure expectations, and training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This is largely an office-based position. The physical requirements described are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation will be made to allow otherwise qualified candidates to perform these functions.

• Ability to communicate via telephone, video, and/or in-person.
• Vision adequate to read documents, computer screens, forms.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to use keyboard and view computer screens for extended periods.
• Ability to travel locally and long-distance as needed.
• Ability to move around offices and clinics as needed.