SUMMARY:

The Bariatric Behavioral Coach provides behavioral health evaluations for the bariatric surgery patient and provides formal written evaluation as part of a multidisciplinary team. Additionally, may provide support for patients participating in medical weight loss programming as deemed appropriate. The Behavioral Coach continues to offer behavioral/lifestyle coaching to patients pre- and post-operatively to promote safe, favorable outcomes. The Behavioral Coach assesses patients using relevant screening tools and evaluation methods to determine patients' suitability for bariatric surgery per ASMBS and Metabolic Center program guidelines, adapting to meet age-specific, gender, cultural and other needs as applicable. The Behavioral Coach screens for special needs and accommodates as applicable within multidisciplinary team. Reviews and screens patient information, medical records, conducts interviews, evaluates, and sets behavioral/lifestyle goals collaboratively with patient. Makes recommendations for further behavioral health evaluation and treatment in the community as needed. Utilizes recommended guidelines for health interventions for chronic disease and obesity that align with bariatric program guidelines. Provides documentation in a professional and timely manner and coordinates with appropriate team members. Engages in program social media site, per scope of practice in a professional capacity. Develops and facilitates support groups for patients.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Uses appropriate, research driven, problem-solving approach to promote patient progress and attainment of health/weight loss goals.
2. Assesses needs and opportunities in areas of responsibility within scope of practice and per Code of Ethics as Social Work clinician.
3. Research current health and behavioral health interventions that are program specific within scope of practice.
4. Assist in the assessment, planning, and implementing of behavioral health initiatives.
5. Prepares behavioral health educational materials as needed or required.
6. Organizes and facilitates group activities.
7. Develops mechanisms for patient access and support.
8. Identifies performance improvement processes within team setting.
9. Provides patient support activities with consideration for the recipient's needs.
10. Provides for patient privacy and comfort as well as confidentiality, HIPPA compliant engagement.
11. Recognizes the role of the patient in treatment planning.
12. Adapts activities to meet age-specific, gender, language, cultural or other special needs.
13. Provides mechanisms for measuring patient satisfaction and impact.
14. Uses equipment / supplies correctly.
15. Follows safety and infection control policies.
16. Maintains patient communications, makes recommendations for services/resources/programs as appropriate within scope of practice.
17. Engages in continuing education activities and utilizes practice standards to maintain licensure.
18. Communicates status of activities with patients to team, program manager, administration, and others as appropriate for collaborative and quality of care purposes.
19. Completes program documentation in a timely manner.

PM22

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's degree, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required
2. Current North Carolina driver's license
3. Experience with Microsoft Office applications required

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Effective communicator with a wide range of age groups, ethnic, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds with knowledge of health behavior change.
2. Ability to relate sensitively to patients needs
3. Excellent telephone skills and etiquette
4. Maintains confidentiality of patient information per HIPPA, Code of Ethics and within program guidelines.
5. Ability to establish credibility with physicians, staff, and patients
6. Ability to function as a part of a team and promote teamwork required
7. Must be mature and demonstrate good judgment.
8. Must have excellent grammar and effective communication skills.
9. Time management and multi-tasking capability to monitor numerous patients simultaneously required

PI722c0a0377a0-26289-33450338