Behavioral Health Specialist

OVERVIEW:

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides clinical therapy services to patients within a Federally Qualified Health Center. This is a grant-funded position in which the Behavioral Health Specialist works within an interdisciplinary team to provide holistic care primarily onsite on our clinic, but on occasion, offsite at various community locations through our mobile unit. Due to the nature of the position, it will have both administrative and direct patient care components.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works in collaboration with the Director of Behavioral Health to develop, implement, and administer service program protocols, policies, and procedures for the program.
• Provides therapy to assigned caseload patients with a broad range of mental health needs, including but not limited to mood disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, conduct disorders and trauma/stress-related disorders.
• Provides consultation to a multidisciplinary team for effective clinical intervention and ongoing support.
• Provides direct short-term clinical therapy, case management, treatment and care coordination to patients consisting of individuals, families, couples and groups.
• Conducts screening and psychosocial assessment, makes diagnoses consistent with DSM disorders, creates and implements treatment plans, develops progress notes and facilitates crisis intervention.
• Refers patients for internal and external case management and support services.
• Familiar with relevant mental health resources including inpatient services, outpatient services, peer support, and refers to support services as clinically indicated.
• Renders evidence-based opinion regarding patients’ mental status, competency, safety risk, diagnosis and need for psychiatric treatment.
• Provides immediate support and assistance during times of crises or emergency situations by responding to warm handoffs and serving as rotating on-call provider during clinic hours.
• Assists with coordinating integration of behavioral health programming within IMAN and its departments.
• Provides representation at community events as required.
• Utilizes a strength-based, culturally competent, and trauma-informed approach to support patients in the treatment and recovery process.
• Prepares and maintains accurate, thorough and timely mental health records within the electronic health record system.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to provide counseling and case management services in Spanish and English and/or Arabic and English.
• Must hold, at minimum, an active Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), License of Social Work (LSW) or Associate License of Marriage and Family Therapy (ALMFT) Illinois credential in good standing with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
• Master’s degree in addiction science, counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field.
• Experience with direct use of clinical techniques, interventions and philosophies (ie. harm reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) for individuals, couples, family and group counseling.
• Sound understanding of DSM criteria and how to apply these concepts to differential diagnosis.
  
  
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed to practice and provide clinical therapy with an unrestricted license in the state of Illinois preferred (LCPC, LCSW or LMFT license).
• Experience working in a Federally Qualified Health Center in an outpatient urban healthcare setting.
• Experience providing trauma-informed clinical counseling services.
• Ability to work some Sunday and evening hours.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team, in a multicultural setting.
  
  
  

GENERAL SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Mental Health Assessment: Ability to assess mental health conditions, substance use issues, and behavioral challenges using standardized tools and clinical judgment.
• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Proficiency in diagnosing mental health and behavioral conditions, and developing individualized treatment plans tailored to client needs.
• Crisis Intervention: Skills in managing acute crises, such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, or violent behavior, while ensuring client safety and de-escalation.
• Therapeutic Techniques: Knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic approaches (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, etc.).
• Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, respecting differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Knowledge and practice of recognizing the impact of trauma and integrating this awareness into the therapeutic process.
• Active Listening: Ability to listen attentively to clients, demonstrating empathy and understanding, which fosters a trusting relationship.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, social workers, case managers, and other healthcare providers.
• Documentation and Record Keeping: Accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes in compliance with regulations and ethical standards.
• Legal and Ethical Decision Making: Knowledge of legal and ethical standards in behavioral health care, including mandatory reporting laws, client rights, and professional boundaries.
  
  
  

IMAN is an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

BENIFITS:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(K)
• Vacation, Sick, and Personal days
• Paid Parental Leave
• Life and Disability Insurance