Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist

Job Purpose

Behavioral Health Specialist – Under the supervision and mentorship of the Mental Health Program Manager, the BHS provides trauma-informed and evidence-based care within the Primary Care team. This position is an integral part of the medical team, providing supportive visits to patients to check in regarding navigating current medical stressors. The BHS also reviews and provides appropriate referrals to mental health and psychiatry services.

The role focuses on short‑term counseling and consultation to meet the needs of patients with social, behavioral, and emotional factors that influence physical health. In addition, the BHS provides ongoing support to the medical team in the support and intervention during client crisis, implementing de‑escalation techniques and reducing the intensity of potentially high‑stress situations.

• Adhere to the Waterfall Community Health Center’s (WCHC) mission while performing assigned duties. Demonstrate the core values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Compassion, Partnership, and Collaborative Communication.
• Abide by Mental Health Associate Competencies and Code of Ethics established by the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).
• Provide trauma‑informed and evidence‑based support services within a Primary Care setting, including performing brief assessments and interventions, providing referrals, attending to social determinants of health, coordinating with community partners, and operating within a fully integrated provider care team.
• Engage in brief intervention strategies and supportive check‑ins with patients attending medical services across WCHC clinics.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients to facilitate accurate assessment and ongoing therapeutic alliance.
• Keep accurate and timely records including comprehensive documentation of all patient interactions appropriately in accordance with clinic policies, procedures, and local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and deal tactfully and patiently with patients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Foster a supportive, trauma‑informed, and growth‑centered approach with patients, staff, and the community.
• Build positive rapport with a diverse patient population including those with developmental conditions, psychiatric diagnoses, and patients using substances.
• Engage as an active contributing member of the primary care team.
• Participate in team meetings and daily huddles with members of the care team to review the care of patients, particularly those patients with whom behavioral health needs are contributing to long‑term health conditions.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patient communications including phone calls, MyChart messages, clinical questions, and routing as appropriate.
• Adapt and respond with communication strategies to stabilize, slow, or reduce the intensity of a potentially high‑stress situation(s).
• Provide immediate support and intervention during client crisis, employing de‑escalation techniques and appropriate therapeutic strategies.
• Identify and assess potential risks to client safety, developing and implementing appropriate intervention strategies.
• Engage in skills training and coaching to patients to support behavioral health goals under the established treatment plan of a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) or other licensed Behavioral Health Provider.
• Maintain an unbiased, safe, and confidential environment for staff and patients while in the clinic including strict adherence to confidentiality as required by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
• Support program goals to reduce cultural and socio‑economic barriers between clients and institutions committed to working with marginalized and diverse community populations.
• Collaborate effectively within an integrated team setting, coordinating care within a variety of services including primary care, social health, dentistry, mental health, and psychiatry.
• Receive supervision and ongoing guidance to meet certification goals and continued…