Behavioral Health Therapist MSW - Family Practice (St. Louis School Based Clinic/Shepherd)

Summary 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. The BHT uses psycho‑education and patient education strategies to develop self‑management plans, population health programs, and specific behavioral change plans using best practice and brief evidence‑based treatment interventions. A core member of the collaborative team, the BHT supports and coordinates mental and physical health care for an assigned caseload, provides crisis intervention, and offers short‑term consultation and support to 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 detecting “at risk” patients, intervenes to attenuate further psychological or physical deterioration, and supports primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders and psychological problems. Consults with the physician as necessary, refers cases to other behavioral health providers for longer‑term care, facilitates and ensures patient engagement and follow‑up care, and works with the primary care team to manage patients with chronic emotional and/or physical health problems efficiently. Provides brief behavioral interventions using evidence‑based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem‑solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other appropriate treatments and 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 outcome 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 for high‑prevalence medical and mental health conditions, connects with new and established patients regarding the integrated care model, evaluates patient care plans with the primary care team, and develops appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions. Performs coding and billing following appropriate guidelines.
• 20%) Assists in program development (e.g., pain, diabetes, weight loss, insomnia, stress, etc.), obtains and maintains patient education materials about common mental health and substance use disorders, and provides and updates local treatment options and education/resources for patients and their families.
• 20%) Tracks patient follow‑up and clinical outcomes using a registry, documents in‑person and telephone encounters, 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 for sharing with medical providers, psychiatric consultants, and other treating professionals.

Other Duties And Responsibilities Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase patient/family satisfaction, and improve resource utilization. Facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside the health system (e.g., 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, providing guidance to non‑behavioral health staff about recommendations and barriers to wellness. Actively participate in scheduled caseload consultations with psychiatrists or other specialties and communicate 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. Accept accountability for clinical outcomes. Utilize evidence‑based scales to screen patients and guide treatment and follow‑up. Maintain timely, clear, and concise documentation in all required systems. Provide pertinent clinical data to designated outside agencies to assure compliance with their requirements. Assure compliance with regulatory requirements and act as a resource/liaison for physicians and staff regarding all aspects of Integrated Care Professional activities. Actively participate in practice provider meetings, team huddles, and quality assurance activities. Provide education/training to practice staff when requested. Build professional relationships with patients, families, facilities, and resources to address conflict resolution with positive outcomes. Complete formal outreach and training to other providers, including community education, as requested. Provide de‑escalation and crisis intervention, identify high‑risk patients, and address opportunities for intervention. Willingly and consistently offer help to peers as needed, communicating teamwork, caring, and compassion. Sustain productivity expectations established by the leadership team. Provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers. Assume responsibility for professional development and education requirements for maintenance of professional licensure. Provide 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: Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in the State of Michigan (or actively working toward full licensure within one year). PCSW – Psychologist/Counselor/Social Worker; required equivalence: Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in Michigan. Limited‑license employees must be actively working toward full licensure. Required Education Masters Degree Knowledge of psychology or social work as normally acquired through completion of an MA or Ph.D./Psy.D. in psychology or a master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university. Experience, Training and Skills Membership in at least one professional organization (e.g., APA, NASW, CFHA, MPA, SSWLHC‑MI Chapter, national SSWLHC, etc.) is preferred. Training and experience, and/or demonstrated competency in casework principles, including diagnosis, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment and transition planning; techniques in individual, family and group therapy; awareness of community resources, public assistance and entitlement programs; and ensuring transition to appropriate levels of care. Knowledge of Integrated Behavioral Health practices, processes and procedures normally applied in a primary care setting, hospital, social agency or community organization dealing with physical and/or mental health and/or welfare. Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Adherence to the American Psychological Association or National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics. Must follow MyMichigan Health blood‑borne pathogen and TB testing as required and demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. May be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health. Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions Exposure to stressful situations, including public contact, trauma, grief and death. Ability to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or an appropriate substitute if required. Walk and move freely throughout the facility with or without an assistive device and perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description. Overall vision and hearing necessary with or without assisted devices. Frequently required to sit, stand or walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching. Some exposure to blood‑borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular and predictable attendance, and stay awake. Equivalent Experience and Other Comments (Education) Other Comments #J-18808-Ljbffr MyMichigan Health