Description

Compensation:

· New hires are placed on our starting wage scale of $72,700 to $88,300 per year ($34.95-$42.45 hourly equivalent)

· Based on performance, there is room to grow on our full wage scale of $72,7000 - $104,000 per year ($34.95-$50 hourly equivalent)

· Exempt/Salary

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Who We Are

Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving the greater Whatcom County area since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental care, as well as pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing almost 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve.

What We Value

• Respect
• Integrity
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Innovation

We have an inclusive culture and strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a diverse workforce of the very best talent, whose ambitions and values align with ours.

Job Summary

We believe both physical and emotional health are important for overall health and wellness. As a Patient Centered Medical Home, we offer the unique opportunity to work within an integrated system that combines Medical, Dental, Pharmacy and traditional Behavioral Health (BH) services emphasizing a patient-centered, trauma-informed approach. Within the framework of a Primary Care Behavioral Health model, BH Consultants employed in our medical clinics can receive on-the-job training and education to support the transition from traditional counseling to working within an episodic model of care.

 
The Behavioral Health (BH) Consultant is responsible for improving patient health and increasing well-being through small behavioral changes using evidence-based interventions during brief consults in a fast-paced, medical clinic environment.

Job duties include the following, and you can learn more about this role by viewing our video at https://youtu.be/0jLwlLPZjK0 .

1. Practices Clinical and Clinical Care Management Skills:

a. Uses a generalist approach to care that encourages high volumes of patient contact.

b. Uses appropriate assessment tools for Primary Care to assist with diagnostic clarification.

c. Limits assessment focus to one referral problem to promote small changes in many patients.

d. Conducts brief life context interview and functional analysis of target problem, combining information to create effective self-management and home-based practices interventions.

e. Assesses patient confidence and motivation in behavior change plan.

f. Ensures follow-up appointments are focused on behavior change plan.

g. Provides groups or classes for a variety of problems.

h. Assists with high utilizers of medical care.

i. Uses 30-minute visits efficiently.

j. Completes treatment episode when improvements noted, and plan is clear.

k. Uses continuity visits and engages in flexible patient contact strategies.

l. Appropriately triages and refers patients to groups, classes, or specialty BH services within and outside of UCNW.

m. Provides basic case management strategies or refers appropriately to case management.

2. Performs Consultation:

a. Focuses on and responds to referral questions from providers.

b. Conducts brief and effective curbside consultation to the work pace of primary care.

c. Describes interventions in transparent language to encourage primary care team support.

d. Focuses on recommendations that reduce medical visits and medical provider/RN workload.

e. Provides education and presentations to care team members.

f. Researches questions about BH interventions.

g. Assertively follows-up with Primary Care Providers as needed.

h. Participates in development and implementation of workflows in collaboration with medical care teams.

3. Clearly documents chart notes:

a. Writes clear, concise chart notes in a timely manner.

b. Gives feedback to PCP/RN within UCNW requirements and patient need.

c. Ensures chart notes are consistent with treatment plan and support medical and BH treatment, within standards. 

What We Offer 

• A friendly & team-based culture
• Clinical supervision for all therapists
• Opportunities for 1-on-1 & group collaboration with Primary Care Providers, care team members, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners & other Behavioral Health staff
• A competitive compensation package
• A salaried position without the overhead duties & cost of running a private practice
• Outpatient only with no call schedule
• In-house case management
• Malpractice insurance with tail coverage through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)

Loan Repayment Application Opportunities 

Watch our video at UCNW Loan Repayment Program - YouTube to learn more about loan repayment opportunities at UCNW!

• Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – details can be viewed at Federal Student Aid. 
• Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC Loan Repayment Program | NHSC (hrsa.gov)), Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps | WSAC) &/or Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program (Apply to the Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program | Bureau of Health Workforce (hrsa.gov))

Generous benefits including:

• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
• 6 paid holidays 
• Generous paid time off of 160 hours accrued in Year 1 gradually increasing to 248 hours per year over 10 years
• Other paid leaves for Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow/Organ Donation
• Life/AD&D insurance
• Variety of optional insurances including Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, and Travel as well as Identity Theft Protection
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Alternative transportation incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursement 
• Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonus, Will preparation services & a gym discount
• Continuing Education days/dollars
• Reimbursement of WA State license renewal fees

Requirements

• Licensed in Washington State as an Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) or Psychologist (or be eligible to obtain an independent license in Washington)
• 2 years’ direct clinical experience, preferably in community health or community mental health

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialized knowledge, training &/or experience in the principles of integrating behavioral health assessment and treatment in the primary care setting (we can provide training if you don’t have this)
• Experience with Medicaid, Medicare & private insurance plans & related insurance knowledge
• Demonstrated success working with and relating to individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds & socio-economic levels, treating them with sensitivity & respect

Candidates who meet the requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

About Bellingham

Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. Enjoy all the area has to offer:

• Recreational & Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, & Camping)
• Excellent Schools (University, Community College, Technical School, & Outstanding K-12 Educational System)
• Small Town or City Living (Unique Shops, Local Festivals, Farmers Markets, Berry Picking, & Community Events)
• Cultural Activities (Theater, Music, Independent Films, Museums, Art Studios, & Diverse Local Restaurants) 

To Apply

If you’re passionate about everyone having the opportunity to live their healthiest life, please visit our Careers Page to apply at www.unitycarenw.org or contact Vicki Curtis, Provider Recruiter, at hr@ucnw.org or 360-788-2661. For news on our organization & future job postings, please follow us on LinkedIn at https://bit.ly/363mfhv!

 
Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires that all employees receive annual flu vaccines. UCNW also requires vaccination against COVID-19 as a vital public health measure that has truly been life-saving. We are proud of the leadership role we’ve played in protecting our community from this devastating virus & have granted a limited number of exemptions for employees who qualify.