Behavioral Health Counselor

About the Position

The Behavioral Health Counselor provides a range of clinical mental health services in a primary care setting. The Behavioral Health Counselor conducts mental health assessment, triage, and direct treatment with brief solution focused and evidenced-based therapeutic interventions.

They regularly provide risk assessment and crisis intervention mental health services to patients experiencing acute behavioral health issues, to include safety planning and facilitation of placement in a higher level of care or referral for urgent psychiatric evaluation.

The Behavioral Health Counselor also provides informal teaching and consultation to other health professionals, families, and campus and community partners.

They may engage in outreach and participate in the training of masters level interns.

This is a 9-11 month cyclic position (40 hours per week, 9-11 months per year).

80% DIRECT SERVICE

• Screens and evaluates patients for common mental health and substance abuse disorders. Facilitates patient engagement in clinically indicated follow-up care.
• Provides brief solution-focused counseling interventions using evidence-based techniques such as the collaborative assessment and management of suicide risk (CAMS), behavioral activation, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate.
• Accepts primary responsibility for risk assessments and brief interventions with patients experiencing mental health crises.

Develops plans with patients, campus partners, natural supports and emergency services to mitigate those risks.

• Supports psychotropic medication management as prescribed by medical providers, focusing on treatment adherence, side effects, and effectiveness of treatment.
• Facilitates referrals for clinically indicated services outside of the organization (e.g., social services, mental health specialty care, substance abuse treatment).
• Works collaboratively and coordinates care with primary care, psychiatric services, emergency services, outpatient services, campus partners, other treatment team members, etc.

10% ADMINISTRATIVE

• Documents delivery of services in the medical record. Completes all paperwork to agency standards and within required timelines.
• Follows agency policies and procedures consistent with state mental health statues, ethical guidelines, best practices, HIPPA and FERPA.
• Attends staff and workgroup meetings.

10% CONSULTATION AND TRAINING

• Educates and consults with other staff, trainees, and campus partners about behavioral health issues. Participates in campus teams and consultation groups.
• Serves on internal and external committees.
• Performs other administrative duties under the direction of the Coordinator of Behavioral Health or Medical Director.
• Position may also include outreach opportunities.

Required Qualifications1) Master’s degree in clinical or counseling psychology, clinical social work, or related mental health field.

2) Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), licensed in Washington State with current registration by the position start date.

3) Experience in diagnosis and treatment of patients with complex mental health conditions.

4) Experience providing risk assessment and crisis response.

5) Working knowledge of evidence-based psychosocial treatments and brief behavioral interventions for common mental health disorders (e.

g., motivational interviewing, problem-solving treatment, behavioral activation).

6) Demonstrated ability to collaborate and communicate effectively in a team setting.

7) Demonstrated competency working with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications1) Experience in college mental health.

2) Relevant clinical experience in primary care or hospital settings.

3) Basic knowledge of psychopharmacology for common mental health disorders that is within appropriate scope of practice for type of provider filling role.

Conditions of EmploymentAll employees must comply with our Immunization policies, including if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations. Salary

Hiring range for position is $72, - $82, / year. Through longevity position tops out at $93, / year.

Benefits Information

Application Instructions

A cover letter and resume are required and should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and specifically address the required and preferred qualifications.

Please include the names and contact information of three professional references.

Closing Date NotesApplication review begins December 4, ; position is open until filled.