Behavioral Health Specialist

Ascension DePaul Services•New Orleans, LA

25d

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) provides population-based behavioral health services for adults with behavioral health issues. The role collaborates in planning and leading initiatives and programs that integrate mental health services into the holistic care provided through the Medical Home Model. The BHS supports collaboration among professional disciplines, coordinates care, and helps solve problems with sensitivity to patients’ beliefs and capacities. The organization has a foundational commitment to people who are poor and vulnerable and to addressing related health disparities and barriers to care. The BHS also provides leadership and consultation to Integrated Team members, including instruction in basic behavioral health intervention skills.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work or counseling from an accredited school of social work or counseling program.
Registration with the Louisiana Board of Social Work Examiners and Professional Counselors as an LCSW or LPC.
At least 3 years of work experience in behavioral health or mental health services with adults, children, adolescents, or youth.
Understanding of holistic health care.
Authentically welcome diversity.
Skill in facilitating groups and adult learning.
Excellent communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish.
5 years of work experience in behavioral health or mental health services with adults, children, adolescents, or youth.

Responsibilities

Understand and manifest the Philosophy and Mission of DCSNO.
Comply with standards of conduct and corporate responsibility.
Conduct psychosocial assessments of patients’ mental health status and the emotional, social, and environmental strengths of patients and their families.
Develop plans of care based on psychosocial assessment findings.
Use brief individual interventions or group sessions to help patients manage episodic emotional, social, or spiritual needs and chronic health disorders.
Serve as a member of the Integrated Team to improve coordination between physical and behavioral health services.
Work closely with primary care providers and other clinical staff in patient treatment and management.
Counsel patients about adapting to diagnoses, illness, treatment, and life situations.
Prepare and support patients and families dealing with stressful circumstances and crises.
Arrange, access, and coordinate patient and family care before and after crises.
Maintain working knowledge of and liaison with community agencies and resources.
Teach and train students, staff, and providers in basic behavioral health assessment and interventions.
Lead the team in crisis management while providing appropriate interventions.
Document in the EMR in accordance with NCQA and behavioral health practice standards.
Maintain working knowledge of medical and legal issues relevant to patient care, such as advance directives and child and elder abuse.
Participate in regular supervisory conferences; keep current with social work and health care developments; and enhance professional practice and knowledge.
Provide clinical orientation to the Behavioral Health or Substance Abuse Specialist role for newly hired providers and staff and Integrated Team members.
Participate in meetings related to the Behavioral Health Department, Medical Home Model, NCQA, and Behavioral Health Specialists.
Participate in clinical and programmatic outcome evaluations.
Perform other duties as assigned.