Behavioral Health Navigator

The University of Kansas Health System•Overland Park, KS

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Navigator is a clinically licensed, master's-level clinician who provides intensive mental and behavioral health therapy and case management services for patients of all ages and their families. The role helps patients and caregivers locate, access, and connect with mental and behavioral health services, providing post-crisis support and continuing stabilization as patients work toward improved well-being on an outpatient basis. Therapy services are time-limited and bridge the gap while patients access community therapy services. The Behavioral Health Navigator focuses on therapy, access to care, psychoeducation, patient advocacy, coordination with community providers, and connecting patients and families with higher levels of care. These may include Intensive Outpatient Programs, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and assessment for acute hospitalization.

Requirements

Master of Social Work or a master's degree eligible for a Kansas BSRB license.
One of the following licenses or credentials: Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker (LSCSW), Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist (LCP), or Licensed Master's Level Psychologist (LMLP), as specified in the posting.
Ability to perform the professional, clinical, and technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a health care setting.

Responsibilities

Complete intake assessments to identify patient needs and goals and develop treatment plans for patients and families.
Identify community resources and connect patients and families with outpatient medication management, therapy and case management, higher levels of behavioral health care, medical and dental providers, and assistance programs for housing, food, transportation, employment, and education.
Monitor care coordination by scheduling appointments, conducting outreach, coordinating with community providers, and updating patient goals.
Provide supportive and evidence-based counseling services to help patients meet their goals.
Schedule, facilitate, and document therapy sessions.
Provide post-crisis support, identify resources, and update safety plans.
Support the Intensive Outpatient Program as needed.
Serve as a liaison between health-system and community resources for patients and families.
Manage assigned work independently and seek opportunities to improve work quality and patient care.
Adapt to changing situations through planning, teamwork, and flexibility.
Engage patients and colleagues professionally and respectfully, and make positive changes when personal conduct affects others.
Bridge communication across care departments to support seamless, patient-centered care.
Use problem-solving skills, escalate issues appropriately, and uphold professional integrity.
Use time, equipment, supplies, and other resources appropriately.
Remain accountable for outcomes within scope of practice; follow policies, procedures, standards, and the Corporate Compliance program; and address risk and safety issues associated with the position.
Maintain knowledge and competence, practice within scope, maintain current licensure, and bring ideas and concerns to the supervisor.
Use relevant medical, nursing, social-work, disease-process, and community-resource information to assess patients' psychosocial situations.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings as needed.
Advocate for patients and caregivers to identify and access services and protect patient health, safety, and rights while supporting patient choice.
Communicate clearly, use understandable terminology, and practice active listening.
Document appropriate information in the medical record, including the initial assessment and discharge or follow-up action plan.
Work in partnership with inpatient case managers.
Participate in professional development, identify learning needs, and pursue educational opportunities.
Complete objectives identified in the most recent performance appraisal.
Precept and assist in training new team members.
Seek clinical supervision when needed.
Perform the professional, clinical, and technical competencies required by the assigned unit or department; perform other duties as assigned.