Behavioral Health Specialist - LMSW
Description
Serves as a professional behavioral health provider embedded in primary care and specialty settings. Is responsible for providing behavioral health services to assist patient and their support systems in managing mental health conditions and related psychosocial problems more effectively. Services include assessment, screening, treatment planning, crisis intervention, provision of short-term, brief therapy, referral, consultation, behavioral care management and advocacy. Collaborates with other members of the health care team or community-based services as needed to improve client access and provide continuous, comprehensive, and affordable health care. Practices following the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.
Qualifications
Education: Minimum: Accredited Master's level program in clinical social work, counseling or psychology. Preferred: Fully Licensed by the Michigan Board of Social Work as a Licensed Mater’s Social Worker with clinical designation or Licensed Professional Counselor or Limited Licensed Psychologist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.
Credentials/Licensure: Minimum: Limited Licensed by the Michigan Board of Social Work as a Limited Licensed Master’s Social Worker with clinical designation or Licensed Professional Counselor or Limited Licensed Psychologist. Preferred: Fully Licensed by the Michigan Board of Social Work as a Licensed Mater’s Social Worker with clinical designation or fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or or Limited Licensed Psychologist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor certification.
Related Experience: Minimum: Two years of experience in health care social work and/or counseling/psychotherapy. Preferred: Two years of experience in health care social work and/or counseling/psychotherapy in an ambulatory setting.
Other Knowledge, Skills And Abilities: Minimum: Interpersonal skills necessary to provide counseling and interact effectively with clients, families, and colleagues. Use of evidence-based clinical interventions at the individual, family, and group levels. Analytic skills to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and provide sound advice and guidance. Knowledge of and ability to work with a broad range of cultural diversity. Effective psychotherapy skills; strong report writing/documentation skills; ability to manage a variety of tasks and problems at the same time; high level of initiative and ability to self-direct to solve problems; ability to work collaboratively with peers in a similar role. Position may require bilingual Spanish ability.
Position Summary
We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Behavioral Health Specialist to join our integrated care team. This role is embedded within primary care and specialty settings to deliver high-quality behavioral health services that support patients and their families in managing mental health conditions and related psychosocial concerns. The Behavioral Health Specialist provides assessment, diagnosis support, brief therapeutic interventions, crisis response, care coordination, and consultation services. This role collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to improve access to comprehensive, continuous, and person-centered care. All services are delivered in alignment with the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Key Responsibilities
Assessment & Treatment Planning: Conduct screenings, intake assessments, and review of electronic health records (EHR). Perform comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and contribute to diagnostic formulation using DSM-5 criteria. Develop individualized, evidence-based care plans in collaboration with clients. Establish measurable goals and appropriate interventions aligned with client needs. Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the EHR in accordance with clinical and billing standards.
Intervention & Care Delivery: Provide short-term psychotherapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups. Deliver crisis intervention, triage, and behavioral care management services. Promote a recovery-oriented, client-centered approach to care. Educate patients and families on mental health conditions and self-management strategies. Coordinate services with community providers and support systems to ensure continuity of care.
Collaboration & Evaluation: Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust care plans based on outcomes. Collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams to ensure coordinated delivery of services. Communicate patient progress, recommendations, and care updates through EHR and team discussions. Provide consultation and behavioral health guidance to providers and staff.
Administrative & Professional Responsibilities: Utilize EHRs, registries, and care tools for documentation, communication, and performance tracking. Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements. Maintain licensure and engage in ongoing professional development. Participate in team meetings, committees, and organizational initiatives. Support research, quality improvement, and training initiatives as applicable. Provide supervision to interns as assigned and perform other duties as needed.