Behavioral Health Consultant

Essential Functions:

• Provide professional expertise and consultation to Primary Care Providers and the care team within a population based care framework.
• Work collaboratively across disciplines and administrative functions within the organization and the surrounding community to identify and help manage “at risk” “chronically ill,” and “frequent attenders.”
• Perform strengths-based assessment and brief behavioral treatment for a wide range of psychological and substance abuse disorders. Refer to specialty clinics as appropriate.
• Develop proficiency in fundamental medical terminology and education as it relates to chronic illness e.g. diabetes, hypertension, COPD/asthma, pain disorders
• Work in a “readiness to change” (Stages of Change) model versus a long term therapeutic model of care.
• Apply knowledge of and experience with a broad repertoire of psychotherapeutic skills from a variety of theoretical perspectives (e.g. Motivational Interviewing, Solutions Focused Tx,, Mindfulness techniques, Acceptance & Commitment Tx, and CBT).
• Facilitate support groups e.g. chronic disease-self management, pain management, smoking cessation.
• Help patients, families, and caregivers build skills to improve coping, distress tolerance, and stress reduction.
• Teach prevention and techniques to self-manage symptoms and chronic illness.
• Develop collaborative relationships with external medical, behavioral, and social service community partners.
• Provide diagnostic assessments and effective triage of patients in need of referrals to specialty mental health care.
• Develop educational, training materials and conducts sessions or disseminates information to care team on recent advances in the field.
• Participate in Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance activities as appropriate.
• Represent the health agency at external events and meetings.
• Other responsibilities as directed.

Qualifications:• LCSW or Licensed Psychologist: PsyD or PhD - REQUIRED• Experience in substance abuse counseling.• Familiarity with Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT)• Desire to work with diverse underserved populations• Comfort and flexibility in working in a fast-paced health environment• Experience with interdisciplinary team-based care preferred• Medical literacy and knowledge of psychopharmacology desired