Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate

The University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate supports mental health programs developed through the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, with a focus on improving access to mental health care for children and adolescents across Texas. The position is part of an interdisciplinary team coordinating referrals for Texas Child Mental Health Clinical Programs, including TCHATT, PeriPAN, and CPAN, and similar programs. The associate works with peers, patients’ families, providers, and other program partners and reports to the Supervisor, Referrals and External Relations. This state-funded position is sponsored by the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium and 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 based on program needs. The position may require occasional onsite work; remote work requires reliable internet access and a suitable private workspace.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, with at least 3 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.
Ability to manage multiple referrals, maintain accurate records, and prioritize urgent referrals.
Ability to troubleshoot referral delays and coordinate with internal and external parties to resolve barriers.
Ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with providers, families, school personnel, and colleagues, including in sensitive situations.
Ability to navigate EMR systems and maintain compliance with privacy and data security standards.
Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work may be required to meet deadlines.

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

Use patient clinical background information to determine appropriate referrals.
Manage and track patient referrals and ensure records are provided promptly and accurately.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date referral records and contribute to a list 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, ensuring assigned records are accurate.
Answer provider inquiries about the referral process 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 maintain a database of community providers who accept referrals from TCMH programs.
Search for referral resources.
Assist with referral process improvement projects and participate in community events or health fairs promoting referral programs and resources.
Support the team lead in training or orienting new staff on referral workflows and systems.
Help develop educational materials about referral processes for providers, patients, and families.
Participate in periodic audits or quality assurance initiatives.
Adhere to internal controls and reporting structures, and perform related duties as required.