The Behavioral Health Therapist identifies, assesses, and manages patients with medical and behavioral health problems within a primary care setting. They provide brief evidence-based interventions and coordinate care between patients, medical providers, and external social services.
Requirements summary
Requires a Master's degree in Social Work or Psychology and licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Master's Social Worker in the State of Michigan. Candidates should have competency in casework principles, crisis intervention, and integrated behavioral health practices.
As part of the primary care treatment team, the Behavioral Health Therapist (BHT) identifies, assesses, triages, documents and manages primary care patients with medical and behavioral health problems. In addition, this BHT will utilize skill training through psycho-education and patient education strategies to develop patient self-management, population health programs, and will develop specific behavioral change plans for patients using best practice and brief evidence based treatment interventions. The BHT is a core member of the collaborative team, including the patient’s medical provider and the larger primary care team. The BHT is responsible for supporting and coordinating the mental and physical health care of patients on an assigned caseload, while also providing crisis intervention and short-term consultation and support to the primary care team for patients in urgent need of same-day contact.
Responsibilities
(30%)
Assesses the clinical status of patients referred by the primary care provider. Assists in the detection of “at risk” patients and intervenes to attenuate further psychological or physical deterioration. Assists primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders and psychological problems. Consults with the physician as necessary, and refers cases to other behavioral health providers for longer-term care as appropriate. Facilitates and ensures patient engagement and follow-up care. Works with primary care team to treat and manage patients with chronic emotional and/or physical health problems efficiently and effectively. Provides brief behavioral interventions using evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem-solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate. Assists in preventing relapse in conditions that tend to recur over time. (30%)
Uses brief assessment tools with patients to assist in identifying concerns, triaging, and outcomes measurement. Systematically documents treatment response and monitors patients (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms and treatment side effects or complications. Improves clinical outcomes with high prevalence medical and mental health conditions. Connects with new and established patients regarding integrated care model and care team information. Evaluates patient care plans with primary care team and develops appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions. Performs coding/billing following appropriate guidelines. (20%)
Assist in program development (e.g., pain, diabetes, weight loss, insomnia, stress, etc.) Obtains and keeps available patient education materials about common mental health and substance use disorders. Provides and updates local available treatment options and education/resources for patients and their family. (20%)
Tracks patient follow up and clinical outcomes using a registry. Documents in-person and telephone encounters in the registry and uses the system to identify and re-engage patients. Documents patient progress and treatment recommendations in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required systems so as to be shared with medical providers, psychiatric consultants and other treating professionals. OTHERS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase patient/family satisfaction, and improve appropriate utilization of resources. Facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside of the health system (e.g., social services such as housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, mental health specialty care, substance abuse treatment). Assist in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need. Identify the need for and conduct family meetings, with or without the physician, that result in understanding, comfort, decision-making, and other important outcomes. Integrate relevant theories of family dynamics, crisis intervention, strengths based, solution focused, and meaning of illness into everyday casework. Summarize a patient and family situation concisely, with helpful guidance to non-behavioral health staff members about recommendations for actions to be taken and barriers to wellness. Actively participate in scheduled caseload consultations with psychiatrists or other specialties and communicates recommendations to the patient’s medical provider or primary care team. Consultations may focus on patients new to the caseload and those who are not improving as expected under the current treatment plan. Accepts accountability for the clinical outcomes. Utilizes evidence-based scales to screen patients and then uses the data to guide treatment and follow-up. Maintains timely, clear and concise documentation in all required systems. Provides pertinent clinical data to designated outside agencies to assure compliance with their requirements. Assures compliance with regulatory requirements and acts a resource/liaison to physicians and other staff regarding all aspects of Integrated Care Professional activities. Actively participates in practice provider meetings, team huddles, and quality assurance activities as scheduled. Provides education/training to practice staff when requested. Builds professional relationships with patient, families, facilities and resources to address conflict resolution with positive outcomes. Completes formal outreach and training to other providers including community education as requested. Provides de-escalation and crisis intervention, and Identifies high risk patients and addresses opportunities for intervention. Willingly and consistently offer to help peers as needed. Communicates teamwork, caring and compassion. Sustains productivity expectations established by leadership team. Provide excellent customer service with internal and external customers. Assume responsibility for professional development and education requirements for maintenance of professional licensure. Provides for the age specific needs of the population served according to department standards and policies/procedures. All other duties as assigned.
Certifications and Licensures
MSW - Masters of Social Work Preferred Equivalent Experience - Licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in the State of Michigan. Limited License employees must be actively working to obtain full licensure, and obtain it within one year of employment. PCSW - Psychologist/Counselor/Social Worker Required Equivalent Experience - Licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in the State of Michigan. Limited License employees must be actively working
Required
Education
Masters
Degree
Comments: Knowledge of psychology or social work as normally acquired through completion of a MA or Ph.D./ Psy.D.in psychology or master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university
Other Information
Experience, training and skills
Membership in at least one professional organization (i.e. APA, NASW, CFHA, MPA, SSWLHC-MI Chapter, national SSWLHC, etc.) preferred. Training and experience, and/or demonstrated competency in casework principles, including diagnosis, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment and transition planning; techniques in individual, family and group therapy; awareness of community resources, public assistance and entitlement programs, ensuring transition to appropriate levels of care; and issues relating to age and stage of development, special needs and cultural patterns of the patient populations being served. Knowledge of Integrated Behavioral Health practices, processes and procedures as normally acquired in a primary care setting (preferred), hospital, social agency or community organization dealing with physical and/or mental health and/or welfare. Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner. Adherence to the American Psychological Association or National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics. Must follow MyMichigan Health blood borne pathogen and TB testing as required. MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft® Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
Physical/Mental
Requirements
AND
TYPICAL
WORKING
CONDITIONS: Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death. Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position. Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description. Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s). Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching. Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required. Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
Equivalent Experience and Other Comments (Education)
