The Behavioral Health Specialist (LICSW) functions as a member of the comprehensive primary health care team in addressing the psychosocial and substance abuse needs of patients at assigned corporate locations. The Behavioral Health Specialist also actively searches for individuals in need of behavioral health services, particularly those within special population groups.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Establishes and maintains relationships with outside organizations for purposes of establishing effective mental health networks for special population groups;
2. Conducts assessments on referred patients within appropriate time periods;
3. Develops recommended mental health, substance abuse and/or social service plans of care based upon assessment;
4. Works with provider staff on referral policies and patient care management;
5. Assists in the development of case management guidelines and referral methodology for providing continuity of patient care;
6. Participates in mental health/substance abuse prevention activities throughout the community;
7. Plans care in conjunction with other primary care team members;
8. Conducts individual, family and group counseling sessions as needed or as plans of care indicate;
9. Identifies and maintains listings of mental health and substance abuse resources needed to meet the patient needs, and facilitates patient and family usage of resources;
10. Prepares and keeps current and confidential case records for each patient, including nature of social problems, recommended program and status of treatment;
11. Maintains confidentiality of patient and corporate information.

Qualifications:

1. A Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or other human science required;
2. State of Alabama license in the required discipline preferred.
3. Two years of related work experience required, preferably in a medical setting.
4. Must have basic computer skills.