Behavioral Health Specialist

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides short-term counseling, crisis intervention, and behavioral health assessments within an integrated primary care setting. They collaborate closely with medical providers, coordinate care with community resources, and offer education to patients, families, and staff. The role involves documenting in electronic medical records, making appropriate referrals, and participating in care teams and quality improvement efforts. Strong organizational, communication, and clinical skills are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities

• Provides short term counseling for patients with Behavioral Health needs.
• Orients patients to Behavioral Health Program.
• Clinically assesses patients for appropriateness of behavioral health services. Establishes a psychiatric diagnosis.
• Works with patients (and Primary Care Provider, if indicated) to establish and obtain treatment goals. Monitors follow-up.
• Provides crisis intervention services to patients experiencing acute emotional distress.
• Contacts may be face to face or by phone.
• Contacts may include patients who are experiencing chronic pain/addiction issues.
• Consults with medical providers and other professionals on patient treatment and/or services.
• Communication with primary care providers, external psychiatrists, community therapists, community mental health centers, treatment facilities or other community resources.
• Provides behavioral health education.
• Instructs patients and families on management of behavioral health issues.
• Provides patients and families with educational materials for behavioral health issues that are both paper and web based.
• Educates staff on behavioral health issues.
• Provides referral of patients
• Identifies patient needs that may require referral to outside community services.
• May refer patient to primary care provider for intervention and/or follow-up.