Behavioral Health Advocate

Job Description Summary

The BH Navigator's primary responsibility is to guide behavioral health patients through the health care system. Serves as a single point of contact for referring physicians, clients, caregivers, and human service organizations to provide resources and assistance with behavioral health care services offered within South Shore Health System and its partnering healthcare community. The BHN will provide brief interventions in Acute Care, primary care and other community settings, educate clients on the importance of MH services, and navigate clients to a long-term provider. Serves as a liaison between clients, healthcare providers and human service agencies to reduce barriers to care and that assure clients receive the care they need when they need it. The BHN will focus on behavioral health coaching (e.g. brief intervention), removing barriers to care (stigma, insurance status), navigating to long-term behavioral healthcare, educating and empowering the clients on behavioral health intervention and screening, and advocating for and coordinating client care with PCPs and behavioral health providers. At this time we can only consider RN's with Emergency Department and/or inpatient behavioral health/psychiatric patients and or RN Case Management Experience This position is on-site (5-days/week) with no option work remotely. Prior experience working in an acute care hospital: inpatient psychiatric or emergency department and/or Nurse Case Manager Behavioral Health.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Identify clients who could benefit from Behavioral Health services using referrals acute care providers, primary care providers (PCP), behavioral health providers, or other community agencies.

2. Connect with referred clients in the acute care setting, during PCP visits or in other community settings skillfully and effectively.

3. Assess presenting problems efficiently, and developing an initial treatment plan with the client or family seeking treatment.

4. Assist clients in understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, and the resources available, including educating eligible clients about appropriate community services, clinical research studies, and technologies.

5. Provide brief behavioral health interventions in the form of Individual, Family, or Group treatment. Possesses knowledge of substance abuse assessment, recovery principles, behavioral activation, and chronic disease self-management.

6. Complete intake of high-risk clients, working with the client, family and other members of the healthcare team as needed, to assess client's behavioral health needs, physical health, support system, financial resources, and available community and government resources. Refer to crisis services as needed.

7. Determine with the client specific objectives, goals, and measures that meet the client's needs and that have been identified through assessment. Utilize the needs assessment to find a mental health home for the client and provide warm hand-offs to long-term mental health providers.

8. Serve as an essential link between clients and all other care providers. Represents client/family by intervening, negotiating and promoting their concerns. Problems requiring advocacy may include social and health inequities or inadequate and non-existent hospital and/or community resources (i.e., insurance benefits, housing, transportation, etc.) 9. Accurately chart and enter data in electronic health record.

10. Collect data, track outcomes and support strategic planning process. Assure collection and management of Behavioral Health data from PCP clinics.

11. Collaborate with community partners to ensure list of community resources remains up to date.

12. Collaborate with healthcare providers, human service organizations and community members, both in and out South Shore Health System. Provides administrative oversight and support for collaborative partnerships. Troubleshoot implementation process. Resolve program issues with all partners and stakeholders. Coordinate ongoing education and outreach presentations to partners.

13. Attend trainings and workshops as necessary.

14. Provide factual information based on current knowledge to support and assist the client/family in coping with their disease to improve their overall behavioral health management.

15. Provide specific information on how to communicate with health care providers to better utilize resources and increase understanding of the disease process.

16. Educate the clients and families regarding various symptoms and consequences related to specific diseases, conditions and hospitalization.

17. Function as a consultant/advisor/educator to healthcare providers, human service organizations, and public and private insurance programs.

18. Abide by confidentiality guidelines and HIPPA compliance standards.

19. Perform assigned work safely, adhering to established safety rules and practices. Report to supervisor, in a timely manner, any unsafe activities, conditions, hazards, or safety violations that may cause injury to oneself, clients, or other partners.

20. Perform other related duties as required.

Technology and Learning

a - Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

b - Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

BSN, MSN

LMHC, LICSW, Bachelors in Nursing with focus on Behavioral Health

Minimum Work Experience

Demonstrated proficiency in LICSW, LMHC behavioral health. Three (3) to five (5) years of nursing experience in behavioral health. 3-5 years as an LICSW or LMHC. Knowledge of local and state regulations and local community resources. Experience working with underserved populations is paramount and could supersede professional licensures.

Required Licenses / Registrations

RN-Registered Nurse or LMHC-Licensed Mental Health Counselor or LICSW-Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker

Preferred (not required Certifications

RN-BC Psych Certification

Required additional knowledge and abilities

Requires an aptitude for, or a desire to learn how to quickly synthesize and present data.
Strong interpersonal skills.

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