Behavioral Health Consultant

Essential Functions:

• Provide professional expertise and consultation to Primary Care Providers and the care team within a population based care framework.


• Work collaboratively across disciplines and administrative functions within the organization and the surrounding community to identify and help manage “at risk” “chronically ill,” and “frequent attenders.”


• Perform strengths-based assessment and brief behavioral treatment for a wide range of psychological and substance abuse disorders. Refer to specialty clinics as appropriate.


• Develop proficiency in fundamental medical terminology and education as it relates to chronic illness e.g. diabetes, hypertension, COPD/asthma, pain disorders


• Work in a “readiness to change” (Stages of Change) model versus a long term therapeutic model of care.


• Apply knowledge of and experience with a broad repertoire of psychotherapeutic skills from a variety of theoretical perspectives (e.g. Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused Tx,, Mindfulness techniques, Acceptance & Commitment Tx, and CBT).


• Facilitate support groups e.g. chronic disease-self management, pain management, smoking cessation.


• Help patients, families, and caregivers build skills to improve coping, distress tolerance, and stress reduction.


• Teach prevention and techniques to self-manage symptoms and chronic illness.


• Develop collaborative relationships with external medical, behavioral, and social service community partners.


• Provide diagnostic assessments and effective triage of patients in need of referrals to specialty mental health care.


• Develop educational, training materials and conducts sessions or disseminates information to care team on recent advances in the field.


• Participate in Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance activities as appropriate.


• Represent the health agency at external events and meetings.


• Other responsibilities as directed.

Qualifications:
• LCSW or Licensed Psychologist: PsyD or PhD - REQUIRED
• Experience in substance abuse counseling.
• Familiarity with Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT)
• Desire to work with diverse underserved populations
• Comfort and flexibility in working in a fast-paced health environment
• Experience with interdisciplinary team-based care preferred
• Medical literacy and knowledge of psychopharmacology desired