Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate

University of Texas at Austin • Austin, TX

2d • $42,867 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate supports mental health programs and initiatives developed through the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, with a focus on improving the quality and accessibility of mental health care for children and adolescents across Texas. The position is part of the Department of Psychiatry’s External Relations and Education Team and an interdisciplinary referrals team supporting TCHATT, PeriPAN, CPAN, and similar programs. These programs connect children, adolescents, perinatal patients, families, schools, and providers with appropriate behavioral health services and expertise.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Referrals and External Relations, the associate coordinates referrals for Texas Child Mental Health Clinical Programs. The work includes reviewing patient clinical background to identify appropriate referrals, tracking records and referral status, communicating with providers, families, school staff, and program team members, and developing community provider resources. The position may also support referral process improvement, outreach, training, educational materials, and quality assurance activities.

This is a state-funded position sponsored by TCMHCC. The stated position duration is expected to continue until August 31, 2027; it may be renewable depending on funding, performance, and progress toward goals. A flexible working arrangement may be accommodated with supervisor approval and program needs. Occasional on-site work may be required; remote work requires reliable internet access and a suitable private workspace. The position is based in Austin, Texas, and is scheduled for 40 hours per week.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, with at least three years of related work experience; relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Ability to communicate clearly, understandably, and professionally by phone and in person.

Nice To Haves

• One year of professional experience in care coordination or case management.
• Proficient PC skills, especially Excel.
• Health plan or provider order entry experience.
• Knowledge of medical and mental health terminology and/or medical coding.
• Spanish fluency.

Responsibilities

• Review assembled patient clinical background information and determine appropriate referral options.
• Manage and track patient referrals, ensuring records are provided promptly and accurately.
• Maintain accurate, updated referral records and contribute to lists of needed referrals.
• Collaborate with pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, other licensed mental health professionals, and administrative staff as part of an interprofessional referrals team.
• Use the Electronic Medical Record to communicate referral information to team members, patients, families, and school staff, and maintain assigned records accurately.
• Respond to provider inquiries about referral processes and provide information and support.
• Follow up with providers and care coordinators to help patients and families resolve referral issues or delays.
• Conduct community outreach and expand and enhance a database of community providers accepting referrals from TCMH programs.
• Search for referral resources.
• Assist with referral process improvement projects.
• Participate in community events or health fairs to promote referral programs and resources.
• Support the team lead with training or orientation for new staff on referral workflows and systems.
• Support development of educational materials for providers, patients, and families about referral processes.
• Participate in periodic audits and quality assurance initiatives.
• Adhere to internal controls and reporting structure and perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Retirement plan eligibility through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position meeting the stated hours-per-week and duration conditions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior