Bx Health Therapist

JOHNSON HEALTH CENTER•Lynchburg, VA

59d

About The Position

The BHT provides comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments/evaluations, behavioral health consults, and therapeutic interventions in individual and group formats for JHC patients as referred by JHC medical providers. The BHT is responsible for the development and implementation of behavioral health treatment plans as well as routine documentation as required by insurance and other licensing bodies. The BHT also staffs cases with Behavioral Health Department staff and other associated providers, coordinates care as needed and assists in de-escalating behavioral health crises when they occur.

Requirements

Minimum: master’s degree in counseling or social work with appropriate licensure and at least two years of experience in behavioral health field.
Knowledge of, and ability to apply, a wide range of psychological theories, evidence- based practice, and targeted assessment methods to a variety of patient concerns required.
Knowledge of evidence-based treatment for general behavioral health problems (e.g., depression and anxiety) and areas of behavioral medicine (e.g., chronic pain, obesity, and sleep problems) required.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with population-based interventions, as well as consultation and liaison skills, and familiarity with evidence-based brief interventions such as cognitive-behavioral techniques preferred.
Medical Literacy, as demonstrated by familiarity with common medical terms, front-line psychiatric medications, understanding of medical culture, and previous experience as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicates with patients, family members, co-workers, and community professionals in a courteous and professional manner in face-to-face and telephone encounters as well as written communication.
Obtains and reviews complete behavioral health history from patient, and/or family, and/or previous behavioral health record, etc.
Collaborates with the rest of the treatment team to devise a treatment plan and explains treatment to patients and families (as appropriate).
Educates and counsels patients and families in a culturally sensitive manner within the scope of knowledge and authority.
Engages patients in the counseling process, as indicated by patient return rate, progress, and satisfaction surveys.
Expands clinical knowledge, stays up to date with current theories and evidence-based practices, and meets licensing requirements by obtaining required continuing education credits.
Demonstrates extensive knowledge of diagnostic criteria and is able to formulate a comprehensive mental health diagnosis utilizing the current DSM.
Completes a standard mental status exam, review of symptoms, and safety assessment with each session.
Works with patients to develop a client-centered, solution-focused treatment plan with specific goals and action steps designed to improve behavioral health outcomes and successfully meet treatment goals.
Educates patients regarding symptoms and strategies for behavior management related to their specific diagnoses.
Provides counseling and/or psychotherapy in individual and group formats using evidence-based and solution-focused interventions. Other interventions and modalities (e.g. yoga) incorporated and used as licensed, certified, and/or trained and as pre- approved by JHC.
Works closely with JHC providers and behavioral health staff to develop a behavioral health treatment plan that promotes a holistic approach to health and provides continuity of care between departments.
Integrates, collaborates, and communicates diagnostic and treatment recommendations on an ongoing basis within the interdisciplinary team.
Assists in de-escalating patients who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis as needed, whether in person or as telephone triage. Resolves patients’ concerns whenever possible, consulting the supervising provider for assistance as needed.
Provides behavioral health consultations to JHC providers and/or psychiatric providers regarding patient progress and compliance with psychotropic medications as requested and as available.
Facilitates referrals for clinically indicated services outside of the organization (e.g., social services such as housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, mental health specialty care, substance abuse treatment).
Documents patient progress and treatment recommendations as trained in EHR and other required systems to be shared with medical providers and other associated providers.
Utilizes computer software, including Excel, Microsoft Word, and EHR utilized by JHC.
Utilizes EHR to make appointments and document all clinical tasks as trained.
Completes clinical documentation, including but not limited to assessments and progress notes, within 72 hours of patient encounters.
Responds to phone calls within 48 hours, urgent ones within 24 hours.
Keeps behavioral health records updated with required documentation for Medicaid and other insurance providers.
Assists the billing and administrative departments with behavioral health concerns as they arise.
Collaborates and communicates effectively and professionally in a team setting with patients and other members of the care team, as well as community partners (including but not limited to CSB staff, DSS workers, etc.).
Provides and receives constructive feedback and communicates information in a timely, accurate manner.
Consults routinely with supervisor to discuss any clinical or administrative concerns. Meets with other staff to discuss clinical/administrative concerns as they apply to the behavioral health department.
Participates in monthly Behavioral Health Department meetings as well as other meetings as outlined by the supervisor.
Attends all mandatory OSHA infection control trainings and follows general OSHA guidelines for infection control, including “Universal Precautions.”
Abides by all JHC infection control policies, including acute response measures in the setting of a public health concern or outbreak.
Attends all behavioral health staff meetings, collaborative care consultation meetings, routine medical huddles, and weekly supervision as outlined by supervisor.
Participates in the Johnson Health Center QI program.
Staff will abide by the Code of Conduct as documented in the Corporate Compliance Manual.
Must demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to Johnson Health Center and its mission.
Treats all patients and staff with dignity and respect, mindful of the cultural differences of the diverse population we serve.
Assure that any job functions that are added or changed as organizational needs require by Management are performed accurately, completely, and efficiently.
Keep professional licenses required for the position current and up to date. Obtain all continuing education required for license renewal.