BH Mental Health Therapist

TITLE: Behavioral Health Therapist

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Behavioral Health

REPORTS TO: Behavioral Health Director

UNION EXEMPT: No

DATE LAST REVIEWED: 07/07/2024

A. Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Officer or designated team member, the licensed mental/behavioral health professional provides counseling and therapy addressing psychological, interpersonal, developmental, and/or chemical dependency issues, to include active encouragement of healthier patient behaviors. This individual may also support/coach others in motivational interviewing or other techniques intended to increase the collective potential for improving patient health outcomes.

B. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Under First Choice protocols (as they may be established and/or change over time), work with other members of primary care teams to appropriately screen for, assess and address patient behavioral/mental health needs.
• Participate in clinical supervision with BH Clinical Supervisor as appropriate for level of licensure and skill set.
• Provide access to patient visit opportunities sufficient to evaluate conditions, help manage symptoms/monitor response to medications, and teach coping strategies.
• Support the provision of behavioral health treatment through both group and individual counseling sessions, as may be useful or deemed necessary.
• Coordinate and communicate with other behavioral and/or physical healthcare providers or entities involved in or who may need to become involved in caring for a given patient.
• Act as a team resource to create suicide prevention contracts, safety plans and or other crisis intervention, as necessary.
• Appropriately document the provision of clinical care in the electronic patient record or other relevant media.
• Actively support appropriate/relevant quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain productivity levels that support access and financial sustainability.
• Attend mandatory behavioral health meetings and training.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

C. Minimum Education and Experience

• Masters Degree in Social Work or Counseling (or equivalent; other related/advanced education may be considered); New Mexico licensure required, independent licensure preferred. May also be employed upon receipt of Provisional Social Work License.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is preferred but not a requirement.

D. Licenses/Certifications Required

• Must have valid NM driver’s license and reliable personal transportation.
• Must maintain professional licensure.

E. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Knowledge, ability and independent judgment necessary to provide the professional behavioral health services described.
• Ability to work as a part of a team.
• Ability to communicate well with other diverse audiences, using multiple communication media and addressing various learning preferences.
• Computer literacy necessary to use available computerized tools.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection control standards.
• Knowledge and familiarity with position-related compliance expectations, including those related to behavioral health billing and coding. Cooperate fully and comply with laws and regulations regarding patient confidentiality and care.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

F. Age of Patients Served

Patients may range in age from early childhood to geriatric; accommodation for specific expertise or lack of comfort with a particular age group will be considered.

G. Physical Characteristics/Working Conditions

A person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks although under pressure depending on patient and organization demands. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

• Physical Effort and Dexterity: Good dexterity to operate personal computer and office equipment. Occasional lifting and carrying related to office duties.
• Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Capable of using office machines and personal computers for word processing, data entry and spreadsheet applications.
• Visual Acuity, Hearing, and Speaking: Must be able to read a computer monitor and outputs accurately. Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance.
• Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly inside an office in a controlled environment. Normal office safety precautions and practices are required. Position may require travel throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends may be required to meet deadlines.