Behavioral Health Consultant (FT, Days - Center for Black Health & Wellness)

About the role

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides expert integrated care to pediatric and adult patients as a member of the Primary Care Medical Home or Specialty Care treatment team. They specialize in brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions geared toward functional improvement. BHCs are generalists, providing high volume services from a population-based lens that are accessible, team-based, and a routine part of primary care. This behavioral health model is interconnected with patients’ medical care and the medical care team, requiring specialized training and experience with a variety of medical and mental health concerns. The BHC performs high-level consultation to physicians and other medical care team members and contributes to a clear treatment plan for patient care. The role functions effectively in a fast-paced, highly productive setting and must successfully pivot between patient-facing and physician-facing responsibilities throughout the day. The ideal candidate thrives on adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to independently function at a consistently high level while engaging in brief visits (typically 15–30 minutes) at high volume.

Responsibilities

• Apply solid working knowledge of biopsychosocial models of human behavior and development for assessment of patient care, including use of adult and pediatric screening instruments and the ability to screen for and identify substance abuse problems.
• Provide first-line interventions in a time-limited setting for a broad spectrum of physical and mental health problems experienced by patients and families throughout the lifespan as presenting in primary care (pediatrics, internal medicine, and family medicine) or specialty care (ob/gyn, dermatology, cardiology, etc.).
• Target treatment areas include mental health concerns, substance abuse concerns, adverse health behaviors (including their contribution to chronic medical illnesses), stress-related physical symptoms, ineffective patterns of health care utilization, and adjustment to new and chronic medical conditions.
• Provide patient and family education to encourage compliance with medical and behavioral treatment plans, including the ability to discuss common psychotropic medications with patients (indications, effects, side effects) and recommend initiating medication to the primary care physician.
• Utilize electronic health records and verbal communication to concisely and timely share relevant information with medical providers; concurrently document during patient sessions.
• Perform clinical, compliance, and administrative duties required to meet billing and medical documentation requirements.
• Assess and manage suicidal and homicidal risk, as well as concerns for child or elder abuse and neglect, using evidence-based methods (e.g., PHQ-9, Columbia Risk Assessment). When applicable, collaborate with crisis teams, contact police and/or Child Protective Services, and communicate effectively with receiving emergency departments.
• Provide consultation and training to other members of the primary care team in mental health, chemical dependency, and behavioral medicine.
• Deliver brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions with a focus on closing gaps in screening and prevention for chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes).

Requirements

• Experience: External candidates must have a minimum of two years of post-graduate clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system, with at least 51% of time spent providing care as described above, completed within the past five years; or must have completed an integrated care training/course within that same time period. Internal candidates must have a minimum of two years of post-graduate clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system or two years of post-graduate applied psychotherapy clinical experience, plus completion of an integrated care training/course within the past five years.
• Education: Master’s degree in a mental health–related field.
• Licensure/Certification: Credentials from multiple states are required; primary work state credentials are required at hire, with additional state credentials required post hire. Examples include:
  • Oregon: Professional Counselor License, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Psychologist License (within six months of hire)
  • Washington: Psychologist License, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Mental Health Counselor License (within six months of hire)
• Additional Requirements:
  • National Provider Identifier required at hire.
  • Taxonomy code required at time of hire.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced primary or specialty care setting with multiple competing demands, re-prioritization, and succinct communication to patients and medical team members.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team.
  • Current knowledge of cultural competency, particularly regarding how socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture impact physical and emotional health; experience and understanding of how these variables may affect presentation of concerns in primary care settings.
  • Ability and willingness to teach classes and groups relevant to integrated behavioral health (e.g., chronic pain management, diabetes and stress, insomnia).
  • Experience/training working with populations across the lifespan.
  • Demonstrated ability to present cases to the medical home/specialty treatment team, highlighting key clinical considerations, assessment needs, case formulation, and treatment plan recommendations.
  • Experience supporting populations affected by structural racism or systemic barriers.
  • Ability to build trust with diverse client groups.
  • Knowledge of culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system.
• Flexible, high energy level; team player; strong interest in health and fitness; extroverted; self-starter; interest in larger systems issues in addition to individual patient care.
• Master’s or doctoral degree with emphasis in integrated care.