The Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC) – Psychologist position is an Oregon (or Washington for Washington clinics) licensed psychologist trained in a health care setting who works as a member of the clinical team providing integrated care to individuals and their families to address one or more of the following: mental illness, substance use disorders, health behaviors that contribute to chronic illness, life stressors and crises, developmental risk/conditions, stress-related physical symptoms, preventive care, and ineffective patterns of health care utilization within the LMG/RC clinics.
The BHC is an integral member of the clinical team whose role is to help address a broad spectrum of behavioral health needs in the clinic’s patient population. Their goal is to aid in early identification and provide problem focused brief interventions that promote remission of symptoms, wellness and long-term prevention for as many patients as possible.
This position requires advanced level skill in delivering evidence-based interventions targeted to improve overall health for patients with a variety of emotional and behavioral conditions as well as challenging health behaviors.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Must be a graduate of a school accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), or a graduate school of psychology evaluated by an Oregon Board- recognized credentialing body if working in Oregon or a Washington Board-recognized credentialing body if working in Washington. Note: ACA-accredited programs in Canada do not require evaluation.
Experience:
Minimum of two years of clinical experience or healthcare related field.
Licensure/Certification:
Must hold a current valid Oregon and/or Washington License as a Psychologist.
This position requires an active BLS for Healthcare Provider card from the American Heart Association.
Skills:
Ability to screen, diagnosis and treat for common mental health and substance use disorders.
Able to utilize evidence based brief treatment skills including Cognitive-Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and/or solution focused interventions.
Provides treatment plan recommendations for patients regarding behavioral health strategies/interventions to the referring PCP.
Promotes health behavior change through evaluation, brief intervention and education. Works with multidisciplinary team to help support the patient’s health.
Coordinates with LMG providers and community partners when patient is in need of longitudinal mental health and/or substance use treatment.
Demonstrated competencies in assessment and diagnosis of emotional, cognitive and behavioral disorders in child, adolescent patients (depending upon population served by specific position).
Demonstrated competency in assessment cognitive and thinking distortions associated with, and/or exacerbating medical conditions.
Experience using motivational interviewing, skills in conducting group and individual psycho/social education classes desirable.
LEGACY’S VALUES IN ACTION:
Follows guidelines set forth in Legacy’s Values in Action.
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Works with the primary care provider in recognizing, treating and managing mental health and psychosocial issues;
Conducts concise patient diagnostic intakes and assessments, including treatment planning and goals with recommendations for the primary care provider and care team.
Assist with and/or provide:
Developmental screen and anticipatory guidance in Well Child Check and/or Annual Wellness visits where indicated.
Brief ADHD screening (adults and children) with preliminary diagnosis or rule-outs and brief treatment planning
Brief psychological testing and cognitive function assessments, where indicated
Utilizes mental health resources (Applications, handouts, resource connections and education)
Assessment of addiction to pain medicine or tranquilizers and support of the development of pain management contracts utilized by Primary Care Providers;
Ability to address patient behavior management (including de-escalation, patterns of no show or over-utilization);
Provides consultation and training to the primary care providers to enhance their skill and effectiveness in treating mental health and substance use disorders as well as challenging health behaviors;
Provides brief, focused intervention for patients who are in need of mental health services (Anxiety, Depression Bipolar Spectrum, substance use, prescription drug misuse, trauma, parenting skills/behavior management, thought disorders, screenings, cognitive impairment);
Provides timely feedback to the primary care team and providers about the patient’s care, treatment recommendations and progress via documentation in the patient’s record and verbal feedback;
Advises the primary care provider about which patients are better served at the primary care setting, and which should be referred to specialty mental health facilities or elsewhere;
Provides follow-up where indicated to determine if any changes in treatment approaches are indicated;
Develops, where indicated, relapse prevention plans and helps patients maintain stable functioning. Provides crisis support/screening as needed;
Assists in the detection of “at risk” patients and in the development of plans to prevent worsening of their condition;
Monitors and coordinates the delivery of health services for patients as related to behavioral health care, including linkage with other treatment providers not only within the primary care setting but, with the patients’ permission, outside it as well;
Documents the patients’ progress and diagnostic information in the treatment chart;
Works, where indicated, to effect behavioral changes in patients with, or at risk for, physical disorders and helps them make healthier lifestyle choices (e.g. diabetes, asthma, hypertension, risky behavior, risky substance use, chronic pain, med seeking, weight management, headaches, insomnia, smoking cessation):
Provides patients with self-management skills and educational information needed so they can be full participants in their own treatment and recovery, either individually or in a group format;
Assists the patients in complying with any medical treatment initiated by the primary care provider, such as offering strategies to cope with medication side effects.
Participation in performance improvement projects for the clinic.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled. Sorry, no J1 or H-1B visa opportunities.
For additional information please formally apply or contact Erin Pendergraft at EPENDERG@LHS.ORG.
