Behavioral Health Specialist (LLMSW or LMSW)

Behavioral Health Specialist (LLMSW or LMSW) - Psychiatry * Days - 40hrs/wk

Shift: Days

General Summary:

Under the direction of the Psychiatrist, the Behavioral Health Specialist provides comprehensive mental health support to patients. The Behavioral Health Specialist serves as the liaison between the primary care physician, the patient and the psychiatry team as a part of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and Behavioral Health Collaborative Care (BHCC) model. BHCC is an integrated care model which aims to improve behavioral healthcare access for patients with depression, anxiety and other common mental health diagnoses. This program emphasizes mental health as an important component of overall health and wellness. The collaborative model is a joint effort to ensure that patients receive high quality mental health services in the primary care setting.

Requirements:

• Current State of Michigan License (unrestricted) as a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW), or Limited Licensed Master of Social Work (LLMSW) obtaining full licensure within six months of hire.
• Master's Degree in Social Work required.
• Three to five years of clinical experience or medical social work experience preferred.
• Child and Adolescent experience preferred
• Demonstrates leadership qualities through excellent time management, work delegation and organization skills.
• Demonstrates creative problem solving, critical thinking skills, and excellent written and verbal communication.
• Comprehensive knowledge of community resources.
• Knowledge of chronic medical and mental health conditions.
• Ability to triage and manage complex clinical issues utilizing assessment skills and protocols.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to changes in health care with the goal of improving quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness of care.
• Knowledge of electronic medical record documentation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Psychosocial evaluation, symptom monitoring, records review, administration of screening tools, care management, and care coordination, as well as engaging patients to develop self-management plans.
2. Case consultation with the psychiatrist. This will require preparation, accurate and up-to-date patient registry and records maintenance, and the ability to make case presentations accurately and concisely.
3. Use of brief evidenced based therapeutic interventions, psychoeducation, safety planning, assisting family members in understanding and supporting the patient, and providing referrals to community resources.
4. Ongoing collaboration with the patient’s medical home team while drawing on social work experience and ongoing assessment of patient needs.
5. Advocates for patients and family members while maintaining professional boundaries.
6. Consults with members of the care team on treatment plans and follow-up care.
7. Participates in process improvement activities to enhance behavioral health services and workflow.
8. Performs other duties as assigned. These may include but are not limited to: Maintaining a current knowledge base of department processes, protocols and procedures, pursuing self-directed learning and continuing education opportunities, and participating on committees, task forces, and work groups as determined by management.

Requisition #: req7418