Behavioral Health Therapist MSW - Ithaca/Alma/Shepherd

Summary

$5,000 Sign-On Bonus Available!*This position will be assigned to Ithaca Family Medicine, Alma Internal Medicine and Shepherd Family Medicine*

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.

Responsibilities

(30%)* Assesses the clinical status of patients referred by the primary care provider. Assists in the detection of "at risk" patients and intervenes to attenuate further psychological or physical deterioration. Assists primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders and psychological problems. Consults with the physician as necessary, and refers cases to other behavioral health providers for longer-term care as appropriate. Facilitates and ensures patient engagement and follow-up care. Works with primary care team to treat and manage patients with chronic emotional and/or physical health problems efficiently and effectively. Provides brief behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate. Assists in preventing relapse in conditions that tend to recur over time.

(30%)* Uses brief assessment tools with patients to assist in identifying concerns, triaging , and outcomes measurement. Systematically documents treatment response and monitors patients (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications. Improves clinical outcomes with high prevalence medical and mental health conditions. Connects with new and established patients regarding integrated care model and care team information. Evaluates patient care plans with primary care team and develops appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions. Performs coding/billing following appropriate guidelines.

(20%)* Assist in program development (e. g. , pain, diabetes, weight loss, insomnia, stress, etc. ) Obtains and keeps available patient education materials about common mental health and substance use disorders. Provides and updates local available treatment options and education/resources for patients and their family.

(20%)* Tracks patient follow up and clinical outcomes using a registry. Documents in-person and telephone encounters in the registry and uses the system to identify and re-engage patients. Documents 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.

OTHERS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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 communicates recommendations to the patient's medical provider or primary care team.

Consultations may focus on patients new to the caseload and those who are not improving as expected under the current treatment plan.

Accepts accountability for the clinical outcomes.

Utilizes evidence-based scales to screen patients and then uses the data to guide treatment and follow-up.

Maintains timely, clear and concise documentation in all required systems.

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

Assures compliance with regulatory requirements and acts a resource/liaison to physicians and other staff regarding all aspects of Integrated Care Professional activities.

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

Builds professional relationships with patient, families, facilities and resources to address conflict resolution with positive outcomes.

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

Provides de-escalation and crisis intervention, and Identifies high risk patients and addresses opportunities for intervention.

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

Sustains 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 .

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

All other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

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, and obtain it 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

Required Education

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 acc.