Description:

We are seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to work primarily in area schools. This person will be providing assessments, crisis intervention, referrals, and counseling to patients of HealthFirst who are referred for the school-based counseling program. This is a position in the field, where the employee reports to the school in which the patient is enrolled to conduct services.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide individual counseling services as a Behavioral Health Specialist for individual therapy in a school-based setting.
• Follow the protocols for school-based referrals.
• Follow the protocols for the school in which services are being provided.
• Ensure new patient information is processed and new intakes are scheduled for services.
• Keep up on all required HIPAA documents and consent forms.
• Ensure that the Memorandums of Understanding are signed on an annual basis, at the start of each school year, and present any changes to the Behavioral Health Manager.
• Engage as an active team member in an integrated behavioral health and primary care model.
• Assessment and treatment of clients with behavioral health issues, including mental health assessments and development of treatment plans.
• Ability to communicate positively and appropriately with patients and their family members as appropriate.
• Follow all ethical standards set forth by appropriate professional associations (ACA, NASW, AMFT, etc.)
• To function as an initial consultation resource for other providers of the HFFCC team including primary care providers, nurses, etc.
• Work with community cross-agency treatment and prevention teams.
• Maintain a minimum of 32 clinical hours/week and 8 administrative hours, for a total of 40 hours weekly.
• Complete pre-selected monthly trainings assigned by BH Manager.
• Always maintain HIPPA compliance.
• Manage assigned caseload of patients.
• Record patient case information in the EMR and other software no later than 72 hours after patient contact.
• If not licensed, work towards licensure for the State of NH.
• Maintain all licensure requirements, including CEU completion, per the OPLC for the State of NH.
• Adhere to school policy and obtain fingerprinting if required by the school district.
• Attendance and participation in BH meetings and any other scheduled meetings as necessary.
• Be aware and understand the variety of resources in the community.
• Complete chart reviews on a quarterly basis.
• Understand and be aware of mandated reporting for the State of NH.
• Be trained in crisis management and navigating crisis, including understanding NH State laws for involuntary admittance.
• Attendance to BH meetings and any other scheduled meetings as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in clinical psychology, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Counseling. NH State Licensure is preferred but not required upon hiring. Obtaining a license within a three-year period is a condition of being hired at HealthFirst.

Skill Requirement:

• Interpersonal: Recognizes the need for confidentiality, respects the rights of clients, and utilizes appropriate problem-solving and listening techniques. Must be empathic and assertive in arranging continuing support for clients when required. Must be flexible in approach and able to work with internal and external mental health teams.
• Technical: Knowledge of various testing tools, Microsoft products, and other computerized programs used to log clinical assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Special Requirements: Ability to function very integrally as part of an interdisciplinary team.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Move from one worksite to another as required.
• Communicate with others to exchange information.
• Repeat motions that include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Operate a motor vehicle (Occasionally)
• Must be always done safely.
• Analyze the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.