Associate Behavioral Health Consultant (59743)

Associate Behavioral Health Consultant

Salary $68,800 - $80,000

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Behavioral Health Education the Associate Behavioral Health Consultant has the responsibility to identify and address the psychosocial factors important to the assessment, treatment, and management of physical health problems. This role is responsible for providing brief interventions that promote functional improvement and minimize psychological and/or psychosocial barriers to the management of health problems. This role is also responsible for guiding patients to community service agencies that address issues common to people who experience homelessness such as mental health, substance use, shelters, and housing issues. The position works in collaboration as part of the patient care team which can include primary care providers and psychiatric care providers. case managers, patient navigators, nurses, and medical assistants.

The work site may be in a primary care clinic, a medical respite center, a mobile outreach unit or with a street medicine team.

Position with mobile outreach and street medicine may require a flexible start time.

• Participate in weekly supervision.
• Completes comprehensive individualized assessments that identify psychosocial factors important to management of physical health problems including any psychological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, environmental, interpersonal, mental health and/or substance use issues.
• Utilizes screening tools as necessary to identify appropriate levels of care. Screening tools include ASAM, DAST, AUDIT, PHQ-9, GAD-7 and other evidenced based tools as appropriate.
• Coordinates within the multidisciplinary team to develop patient-centered treatment plans to improve health and wellness that include the following: Clinical summary and recommendations, measurable goals and objectives.
• Monitors patient progress towards identified goals and objectives.
• Provides evidence-based interventions as needed: Motivational interviewing, problem solving training, coping skills training, relaxation/mindfulness techniques, cognitive restructuring, teaching impulse control skills, psychoeducation and communication skills training. Interventions may be delivered individually or in group setting.
• Provides brief interventions and short-term counseling using appropriate modalities for patients with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, addiction and other concerns as needed.
• Works with patients in crisis by providing rapid intervention, risk assessment, de-escalation, safety planning, and coordination of care.
• Supports existing connections to established mental health and substance use treatment services.
• Connects patient to community agencies that address needs of people who experience homelessness.
• Serves as team content expert on behavioral changes, substance use issues and community resources.
• Completes all required documentation within the time frame defined by organization expectations.
• Maintains strict confidentiality guidelines regarding all clients, conversations and referrals in line with local, state and federal statutes and organizational policies.
• Participates in continuing education to continually improve skills and abilities.
• Attend relevant and required meetings (both internal and external) trainings, and community events.
• Receives clinical guidance as needed.
• Adjusts to fluctuating peaks in patient flow, acuity, and other operational demands while maintaining quality.
• Maintains current knowledge and skills of all computer programs being used in the agency.
• Exhibits a high degree of courtesy, tact, and poise when interacting with clients, families, and other personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively with patient care team in all settings.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with patients and members of care team.
• Experience with psychosocial assessment and treatment planning.
• Proficient in generally accepted individual, group and crisis counseling theories and interventions.
• Ability to collaborate with professionals from many different social service, healthcare and government agencies.
• Ability to work quickly, efficiently, and independently. Remain flexible and calm in tense situations.
• Maintain up to date documentation of all clinic encounters in an electronic health record.
• Maintain patient confidence and confidential record keeping practices.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including presenting and speaking in public settings.
• Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, systems, objectives, electronic health records systems and computer systems applications (MS Office, PowerPoint, Chrome etc.).
• Skill in exercising initiative, judgment, problem-solving and data driven decision-making.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and ability to work with diverse staff and patients from all backgrounds.

• Bachelor's degree in a behavioral health related field required.

• Master's degree in a behavioral health related field preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Two years of experience working in behavioral health or primary care behavioral health required.
• Current Arizona Department of Safety Clearance Card, or ability to secure one prior to start.
• Requires a current Arizona Driver's License.