Counselor

Unity Care NW•Bellingham, WA

just now•$82,056 - $99,715

About The Position

We believe mental & emotional health is an important part of overall health and wellness. Our behavioral health providers work closely with patients and their Primary Care Providers to help them meet their health care goals. As a Specialty Behavioral Health Counselor, you would provide ongoing/episodic mental health treatment for a caseload of patients engaged in primary care at Unity Care NW. Duties are listed below:

Requirements

Independent license as a Counselor, Clinical Social Worker or Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington State (or be eligible to obtain an independent license in Washington)
2 years’ direct clinical experience, preferably in community health or community mental health

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of state Medicaid mental health system functions, requirements, and changes, or proven ability to gain this knowledge.
Knowledge of the assessment and treatment of the full range of behavioral health disorders and familiarity with use of psychotropic medications.
Knowledge of the local community and private behavioral health and human services resources.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues including prevention, and psychosocial aspects.
Knowledge of how chronic medical issues and behavioral health interplay.
Must be able to follow all UCNW protocols, including those related to clinic administration, patient care, and completion of timely chart notes.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word & Excel as well as telehealth software.
Ability to learn and use our Electronic Health Record system, payroll system, instant messaging software & online training systems.
Candidates who meet the job requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply!

Responsibilities

Maintains and treats a caseload of patients:
Collaborates around and completes appropriate scheduling, session length, and session frequency for a full caseload of patients based on clinical assessment and need.
Utilizes treatment goals and timely discharges to manage cases and maintains flow of referrals to serve the needs of the primary care patient population at UCNW.
Maintains awareness and tracks patient engagement, providing appropriate outreach and encouraging full participation in clinical treatment.
Meets productivity requirement.
Provides Clinical Therapy:
Evaluates, assesses, and diagnoses patient with a qualifying mental health diagnosis following current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, Department of Health Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), and existing UCNW template structure.
Creates measurable treatment plans, with goals towards completing treatment.
Provides risk assessments, safety/crisis planning, and coordination of care for patients when clinically indicated.
Utilizes evidence based practices and provides therapeutic interventions in an outpatient treatment setting.
Documents all patient contact and coordination of care:
Completes documentation adhering to UCNW’s policy.
Writes clear and concise chart notes, utilizing the Data, Assessment, and Plan (DAP) format for individual sessions.
Collaborates and communicates effectively with all UCNW treatment teams and community resources/agencies as appropriate in treatment:
Refers to appropriate resource(s) as clinically indicated.
Uses established communication methods to coordinate care with full health team at UCNW (e.g., Primary Care, Case Management, Psychiatry, Substance Use).

Benefits

A friendly team-based environment
Clinical supervision for all therapists
Opportunities for group collaboration
A competitive compensation package
A salaried position without the overhead and cost of running a private practice
Outpatient only with no call schedule
In-house case management
Malpractice insurance with tail coverage through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA)
Medical, dental & vision insurance
401(K) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility
6 paid holidays
Paid Time Off (160 hours Year 1, 208 hours Year 2 & increasing again at Year 5 & Year 10)
Other paid leaves including: Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow & Organ Transplant
Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
Optional insurances including: Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Travel & Identity Theft Protection
Flexible spending accounts
Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
Employee Assistance Program
Alternative Transportation Incentives
Healthy Living reimbursements
Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services
Continuing Education
Reimbursement of license renewal fees