Behavioral Health Program Specialist

Behavioral Health Program Specialist

As part of our mission to improve the health and well-being of the county’s most marginalized residents, DHS works to ensure that youth who are experiencing acute crises and/or have other complex needs are being well-served by our providers and system.

The Behavioral Health Program Specialist will help leverage behavioral health resources – including mental health and substance use services - and our network of providers to achieve better outcomes for these youth.

In this position, they will help coordinate efforts across the system of behavioral health providers as the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) does its part to address the needs of youth with complex, acute needs that span multiple systems. As a part of this coordination and support, the Specialist will act as an OBH liaison to other DHS program offices and serve as a point of contact for our behavioral health managed care organization and providers.

Because these situations are complex, so is the work this role will advance. For youth with complex needs, there are often multiple clinicians involved in their care offering different treatment plans. This role will sometimes require working with colleagues across our Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Community Care (a behavioral health managed care organization), and other actors to arrive at and advance an aligned treatment recommendation. This role will sometimes require supporting the untangling of insurance requirements, supporting securing placements, and following up with service providers to ensure a youth is receiving services.

Along the way, you’ll notice system issues and will flag them to OBH leadership. This role involves a blend of work at relatively high, systems level and work moving the needle for individual youth. You’ll report directly to the [role] with OBH.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• · Support OBH’s role in addressing the needs of youth with complex, acute needs that span multiple systems, leveraging behavioral health resources (including mental health and substance use services) and our network of providers to help meet those needs. This may include working with colleagues across our Office of Behavioral Health (OBH), Community Care (a behavioral health managed care organization), and other actors support and advance an aligned treatment recommendation. It may also include supporting the untangling of insurance requirements, helping secure placements, and following up with service providers to ensure the youth is receiving services.
• · Review external (from system partners) and internal (from OBH and other DHS program offices) referrals of youth with complex, acute needs and help determine next steps.
• · Identify (to OBH leadership) opportunities for system improvements as surfaced by these complex cases; contribute, as directed by OBH leadership, to the work of resolving them.
• Consult on treatment options and resources across the behavioral health continuum of care.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to the behavioral health provider network, DHS Offices, DHS partners, and community stakeholders as requested.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• An understanding of the behavioral health system of care in Allegheny County and beyond.
• An ability to problem-solve around behavioral health issues, including (but not limited to) working with system actors to arrive at aligned treatment plans, securing placements, and following up with providers to ensure treatment is being provided.
• An ability to establish and maintain working relationships providers and other system actors.
• A highly effective communicator.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills (including self-organization).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision – to be self-directed in learning new skills.
• Ability to work with people from a variety of diverse agencies, backgrounds, resources, and communities.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proficient with computers specifically Windows and Microsoft
• Must possess good organizational skills.
• Must possess ACT 33, 34 and FBI clearances.
• Have a valid Pennsylvania motor vehicle license, access to a personal vehicle and car insurance
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Full-time position requiring 38.75 hours per week.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree, or three years of commensurate personal and/or life experience.

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