Behavioral Health Therapist

Job Summary

This Rural Health Transformation Program is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $206,927,896.80 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

The Behavioral Health Therapist (BHT) serves as a key member of the Emergency Department (ED) care team and is responsible for providing behavioral health assessments, crisis intervention, care coordination, and linkage to community resources for patients presenting with behavioral health, chronic health conditions, and/or substance use concerns. The BHT supports the hospital’s goal of reducing unnecessary ED visits, improving access to outpatient treatment, and facilitating timely follow up after discharge. This position may be assisting medical providers with patient deescalation, behavioral intervention planning, and suicide prevention activities. This position will also include scheduled warm handoffs and follow-ups with patients who have been seen at the ED regularly and are at-risk for frequent ED usage.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling or social work with two years of Master’s level experience and must obtain Indiana license as a Professional Counselor (LPC), Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) within 1 year of employment -or-
• Master's degree in Family Therapy with two years of Master’s level experience and must obtain Indiana license as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or a Professional Counselor (LPC) within one year of employment -or-
• Doctorate in Psychology with Indiana Psychologist license and must obtain HSPP certification within 1 year of employment
• BLS certification or must obtain during Orientation and prior to reporting to department.

Preferred Job Requirements

• One-year experience in hospital or healthcare setting.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

• Excellent communication skills to effectively and tactfully communicate with patients and their families and guests, co-workers, managers, providers and other hospital personnel on a one-to-one basis using appropriate grammar, vocabulary and word usage.
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to carry out duties in a professional manner, as well as the ability to work well under stress.
• Basic computer skills and the ability to work in the EMR and proficiently perform computer applications related to department operations and job function.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong organizational skills in order to manage multiple issues simultaneously combined with ability to effectively prioritize.
• Ability to be discreet and protect the integrity of any confidential matter or information encountered during the performance of job duties.

Working Conditions

• Typical hospital clinical environment with frequent standing and walking.
• Work may be subject to interruptions and occasional high stress levels.
• Risk for occupational exposure to blood, body fluid and other potentially infectious, electrical and radiation hazards.
• Works in close proximity to patients and visitors.
• Ability to work any shift, occasional extended hours, holidays and/or weekends based on the needs of the department.
• Works with protected health information.

Physical and Mental Activities, Tools and Equipment

• Standing, walking, stooping, bending, lifting, pushing and pulling to provide patient care and to utilize patient care devices necessary to perform duties in a safe manner.
• Use of computers and other standard office equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Marion Health is a smoke-free environment.