Behavioral Health Clinician

Behavioral Health Clinician

The Behavioral Health Clinician is based primarily in the Behavioral Health (BH) Department and shall have primary responsibility for completing behavioral health services under the general direction of the Director of Behavioral Health Services, in accordance with policies, procedures, and protocols established by DotHouse Health. The Clinician develops an ongoing caseload starting with a comprehensive diagnostic mental health assessment and then establishes a treatment plan for ongoing care. The clinician is required to follow all other appropriate standards of practice, licensing, and certificates, along with other regulatory agency requirements.

General Duties & Responsibilities:

• Screen and assess at-risk patients for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, substance use, intimate partner violence, suicide risk, and trauma symptoms during the primary care visit.
• Provide diagnostic assessments, interventions, education, referrals, and consultations.
• Perform short and long-term outpatient therapy.
• Prepare appropriate transfer, discharge plans, and assist clients in a therapeutic transition from services.
• Use tests, measurements, and measurement scales (PHQ2/PHQ9, GAD) for general and specific assessments.
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes primary care providers, case managers, and other administrative staff.
• Provide integrated behavioral health care within the health center.

Administrative:

• Attend bi-weekly Team Meetings.
• Attend regular supervision.
• Maintain and complete in a timely manner all appropriate clinical paperwork and documentation in compliance with the Behavioral Health department policy and procedures, including use of the EHR and use of DSM 5 coding as needed.
• Perform other duties as required by the position or as assigned by the BH Director.

Requirements:

Required Skills & Competencies:

Education: Master's Degree in Social and/or Human Services from an accredited school of social work or related field

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years' experience in a community health, substance abuse, social work, or clinical setting.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary staff and providers at external agencies.
• Professional, positive attitude, vision, and understanding of behavioral health integration within the primary care setting.
• Must have demonstrated sensitivity to the healthcare needs of underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Must be a team player who welcomes working across disciplines and departments.
• Strong interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills.
• Can be flexible in approaches.
• Familiarity with multicultural groups, previous work experience in a multicultural setting, and willingness to remain current in the field of focus are preferred.

Certification/Licensure: Massachusetts Licensure (LICSW, LCSW, or LMHC) or license eligible.

Software/Hardware: Basic computer knowledge. Experience with an electronic medical records system.