Behavioral Health Clinician

Western Sierra Medical Clinic is an engaging, enthusiastic, mission driven organization dedicated to providing high-quality primary care to all members of our community. This includes the delivery of evidence-based preventative care, chronic disease management, and addressing urgent care needs as indicated for our pediatric and adult patient population.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES 

The licensed Therapist is responsible for providing evidence-based, solution focused, behavioral health interventions for medical clinical patients in accordance with established best practices. Also serves clients who frequently use emergency departments for non-urgent care, providing them with a healthcare home and the supportive services needed to establish treatment and wellness in the community. This includes conducting assessments and providing therapy to adults with any combination of mental health issues, substance-use disorders and medical complications. The Therapist will develop behavioral health treatment plans integrated with the patient’s medical treatment plan and will provide consultation to physicians regarding mental health issues.

GENERAL DUTIES

(This list may not include all of the duties assigned.)

1. Use behavioral health interventions as part of an integrated response to a patient’s medical and mental health needs.
2. Provide therapy to clients.
3. Respond immediately to medical provider requests for a behavioral health intervention in the patient exam rooms (conduct triage).
4. Provide therapeutic interventions when behavioral health issues arise during a medical clinic visit.
5. Provide brief intervention therapy and assess whether additional therapeutic intervention is indicated.
6. When indicated, provide counseling / therapy sessions for clinic patients. Coordinate long-term therapy as needed.
7. Develop diagnosis and treatment plans that are integrated with the medical treatment plan and in partnership with the patient.
8. Complete all required clinical and billing documentation.
9. Attend clinic and other staff meetings as requested.
10. Provide information for reports to funding sources.
11. Represent the agency to other agencies or groups as assigned.
12. Supervise graduate students/interns as assigned.
13. Perform Utilization Review responsibilities when required.
14. Provide culturally specific and appropriate intervention and therapy to patients of WSMC.
15. Respond to and assists with patients in emotional crisis on-site at WSMC.
16. Work collaboratively with providers of other disciplines at WSMC.
17. Work collaboratively with other sister agencies in WSMC’s area of influence.
18. Perform questionnaire-based assessments/screenings when appropriate.
19. Participate in staff meeting and the Total Quality Management Program of the Clinic. Assist when asked to review medical records on the basis of specific criteria.
20. Ensure adequate patient billing and insurance information.
21. Maintain records on all patients seen and provide listing of those requiring follow-up when going off duty.
22. Maintain security of Clinic facility and equipment.
23. Be familiar with the Clinic Administrative, Personnel and Infection Control, Immunization and Disaster Policies and Procedures Manuals.
24. Read/sign the Orientation Manual and Administrative and Clinical Policies Manuals at initial employment.
25. Provide for continuity of care between specialists and Clinic.
26. Document all pertinent information in patient’s electronic medical record according to Western Sierra Medical Clinic's policies and procedures.
27. Uphold Western Sierra Medical Clinic's Policies and Procedures, infection control standards, applicable state, federal and local laws.
28. Quality Improvement Duties:
29. Participate in quality improvement activities;
30. Participate as assigned in interdepartmental quality improvement team efforts; and
31. Contribute to overall Community Health Center efforts in quality improvement towards higher-quality, more cost-effective health care for patients and improved quality of work-life for staff members.
32. Assist when asked to review medical records on the basis of specific criteria.
33. Other duties as assigned.

The salary range for this position is $95,000-120,000.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Valid California license to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)/ Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
2. Master’s Level Training appropriate for a Licensed Therapist.
3. Successfully Completed Internship requirements for the State of California
4. Administratively competent to handle record keeping.
5. Personality and temperament supportive to the clinic staff and patients unique to small communities.
6. Knowledge of enhanced case management, SNP case management, complex case management

DESIRED EXPERIENCE

1. Expertise in utilizing evidence-based models of therapy.
2. Expertise in Motivational Interviewing, and Harm Reduction.
3. Knowledge of medical conditions and the interaction between medical and behavioral health conditions.
4. Knowledge of common chronic medical diseases and their affect on behavioral health (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc.).
5. Knowledge of how behavior and mental health affect medical outcomes.
6. Knowledge and skill working with diverse populations.
7. General knowledge of Medi-Cal requirements.
8. Familiarity with an electronic practice management system.
9. Computer literate (i.e. logging on to computer, use of keyboard and mouse, familiarity with Windows, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel).
10. Ability to type 40 wpm.

Salary : $95,000 - $120,000