Consultant, Behavioral Health

Job Summary The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides expert integrated care to pediatric and adult patients as a member of the Primary Care Medical Home or Specialty Care treatment team. They specialize in brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions geared toward functional improvement. BHCs are generalists, providing high volume services from a population-based lens that are accessible, team-based, and a routine part of primary care. This is a behavioral health model that is interconnected with patients medical care and medical care team that requires specialized training and experience with a variety of medical and mental health concerns. In addition, this role performs high-level consultation to physicians and other medical care team members and contributes to a clear treatment plan for patient care. The BHC functions effectively in a fast pace, highly productive setting with the ability to successfully pivot from a patient facing to a physician facing role throughout the day. The BHC thrives on being adaptable, flexible, and able to independently function at a consistently high level. The individual in this position must be willing to engage in brief visits (e.g. 15‑30 mins) at a high volume, and adept in working closely with PCPs and other team members. Essential Responsibilities Apply solid working knowledge of biopsychosocial models of human behavior and development for assessment of patient care, including knowledge of adult and pediatric screening instruments and the ability to screen for and identify substance abuse problems. Apply first line interventions in a time-limited setting for a broad spectrum of physical and mental health problems experienced by patients and families throughout the lifespan as presented in primary care or specialty care, targeting mental health concerns, substance abuse concerns, adverse health behaviors, stress‑related physical symptoms, ineffective patterns of health care utilization, and adjustment to new and chronic medical conditions. Provide patient and family education effectively and sensitively to encourage compliance with medical and behavioral treatment plans, and discuss common psychotropic medications, indications, effects, side effects, and appropriate recommendations to primary care physicians. Effectively utilize electronic health record and verbal communication to concisely communicate relevant information to medical providers in a timely manner and concurrently document during patient sessions, including compliance and administrative duties required for billing and medical documentation. Effectively assess for and manage suicidal and homicidal risk, as well as concerns for child or elder abuse and neglect, using evidence-based methods (PHQ‑9, Columbia Risk Assessment); collaborate and coordinate care with the Crisis team, contact police and/or Child Protective Services, and communicate with receiving emergency department when applicable. Provide high‑level consultation and training to other members of the primary care team in the areas of mental health, chemical dependency, and behavioral medicine. Basic Qualifications External candidates must have a minimum of two (2) years of post‑graduate clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system, primarily (51% or more) providing the care described above. Experience must be within the past five (5) years or have completed an integrated care training/course within that time period. Internal candidates must have a minimum of two (2) years of post‑graduate clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system or two (2) years of post‑graduate applied psychotherapy clinical experience AND have completed an integrated care training/course within the past five (5) years. Integrated care training/course sample list can be provided upon request. Education Masters degree in a mental health related field. License, Certification, Registration Credentials from multiple states: primary work state credentials required at hire; secondary state credentials post‑hire. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Oregon) within 6 months of hire OR Professional Counselor License (Oregon) within 6 months of hire OR Psychologist License (Oregon) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Oregon) within 6 months of hire. Mental Health Counselor License (Washington) within 6 months of hire OR Psychologist License (Washington) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Washington) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Washington) within 6 months of hire. National Provider Identifier required at hire. Additional Requirements Taxonomy code required at time of hire. Ability to work in a fast‑paced Primary Care or Specialty Care setting, managing multiple competing demands, re‑prioritizing, and communicating information effectively to patients and medical team members. Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team. Current knowledge of cultural competency, particularly how socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture impact physical and emotional health, and understanding of how these variables may affect presentation in primary care settings. Ability and willingness to teach classes and groups relevant to the integrated behavioral health provider role (e.g., chronic pain management, diabetes and stress, insomnia). Experience/training working with a population that ranges across the life span. Ability to present a case for review by the medical home or specialty treatment team, highlighting key clinical considerations, assessment needs, case formulation, and treatment plan recommendations. Preferred Qualifications Clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system. Flexible, high‑energy level, team player, strong interest in health and fitness, extroverted, self‑starter, interest in larger systems issues in addition to individual patient care. Masters or Doctoral degree with emphasis in Integrated Care. Job Details Primary Location: Oregon, Portland, East Interstate Medical Offices. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40. Shift: Day. Workdays: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri. Working Hours Start: 08:00 AM. Working Hours End: 05:00 PM. Job Schedule: Full‑time. Job Type: Standard. Worker Location: Flexible. Employee Status: Regular. Employee Group/Union Affiliation: W05|AFT|Local 5017. Job Level: Individual Contributor. Department: Interstate - East Medical Ofcs - Mental Health/Resource‑Admin - 1008. Pay Range: $45.57 – $67.96 / year. Travel: Yes, 15 % of the Time. Work Setting: Flexible. Worker location must align with Kaiser Permanente's Authorized States policy. Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market‑competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of our total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location. Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. #J-18808-Ljbffr