SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Director of Behavioral Health the Behavioral Health Coordinator, will support the Behavioral Health Department. This position is responsible for completing referrals of patients to the Behavioral Health Specialists to ensure follow-up care is provided and is responsible for obtaining prior authorizations needed for testing or services. The Behavioral Health Coordinator supports patient-centered care by ensuring coordination with the primary care provider, specialist(s) and the patient to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Referrals. Respond to in-clinic or outside referrals for behavioral health, psychiatric and substance abuse services as clinically indicated and based on the urgency of the need.
• Screening. Screen and triage patients for common mental health and substance abuse disorders. Facilitate patient engagement and connection with the appropriate level of follow-up care.
• Appointment Scheduling and Confirmation. Schedule and confirm appointments for behavioral health clinicians and group events. Assure full scheduling of behavioral health specialists to provide for maximum productivity.
• Linkage. Facilitate referral linkage for clinically indicated services inside and outside of the organization, including: behavioral health services, primary care, psychiatry, mental health specialty care, substance abuse treatment, housing, financial, food, vocational rehabilitation, and other services.
• Education. Provide patient education about common mental health and substance abuse disorders and the available treatment options. This includes responding to warm handoffs in the clinic setting.
• Behavioral Health Care Coordination. Coordinate the care of the physical, mental and substance abuse needs of patients who are referred for behavioral health services. Closely coordinate patient care with the patient’s medical, dental and mental health providers.
• Patient Tracking and Patient Registry. Systematically track referrals and monitor patient progress (in person or by telephone) for changes in clinical symptoms, treatment side effects or complications. Track patient follow-up and clinical outcomes using referral tracking reports and patient registries. Document in-person and telephone encounters in the registry and use the system to identify and re-engage patients. Registry functions are accomplished by a combination of electronic record tracking, reporting and spreadsheets.
• Intervention. Support the care team with behavioral interventions as needed, including evidence-based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem solving treatment, motivational interviewing, or other treatments as appropriate.
• Documentation. Document patient progress and treatment recommendations in the electronic record and other required systems so that information is communicated to medical, psychiatric, dental and behavioral health providers.
• Substance Abuse Screening and Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) and Registry. Support the process of SBIRT using agreed upon screening tools used in the hospital and primary care setting to identify the risk. Coordinate the care of patients referred through SBIRT based on the level of care defined in the supporting document. Maintain a registry of substance abuse patients, including tracking linkage to services. Maintain contact with patients in the registry at the clinic and by phone, adjusting interventions based on patient’s level of engagement in the “stages of change model”. Assist in communication between Medically Assisted Treatment and pain management team members and patients.
• Case Consultation. Attend weekly internal Behavioral Health case consultations.
• Groups. Support the development and implementation of groups, including outreach, scheduling, tracking and appointment reminders. Assist with co-facilitation of groups as needed.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Demonstrates understanding of and observe all SBNC policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
2. Demonstrates successful work-related behaviors.
3. Attends all required SBNC meetings and trainings.
4. Interacts with patients, physicians, staff, vendors, and visitors in a positive manner that reflects the SBNC mission and philosophy.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by most people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or it is a logical assignment to the position. The employee is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

Education: AA or equivalent experience.

Experience: Prior experience in a medical care setting or equivalent combination of education and experience. Training/experience in scheduling and documenting in Electronic Health Records; Skills in systematically following a daily schedule of tracking, monitoring and following up on patient status.

Knowledge of: Medical terminology; use of standard software such as Windows, Word and Excel.

Ability to: Speak fluent Spanish as well as English; follow verbal and written instructions; communicate effectively; interact diplomatically with staff, patients, and other healthcare providers; Proficient in Word and Excel.

Physical Demands: May be required to lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time. Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction. Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard. Communication skills using the spoken word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Ability to hear within normal range.

The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job unless providing such accommodations would result in undue hardship for the SBNC.

Salary Range: $19 - $21hr