Behavioral Health Therapist MSW - Clare

This position will be assigned to Dr. Khan’s practice – Clare.

As part of the primary care treatment team, the Behavioral Health Therapist (BHT) identifies, assesses, triages, documents and manages primary care patients with medical and behavioral health problems. The BHT utilizes psycho‑education and patient education strategies to develop self‑management skills, population health programs, and specific behavioral change plans using best practice brief evidence‑based treatment interventions. The BHT is a core member of the collaborative team, providing crisis intervention and short‑term consultation for patients in urgent need of same‑day contact.

• Clinical Assessment (30%) – Assess the clinical status of patients referred by the primary care provider; detect “at risk” patients; intervene to attenuate deterioration; assist primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders; consult with the physician; refer cases for longer‑term care; ensure patient engagement and follow‑up; work with the team to manage chronic emotional or physical health problems; provide brief behavioral interventions (behavioral activation, problem‑solving, motivational interviewing, etc.);
  
  assist in preventing relapse.
• Brief Assessment & Documentation (30%) – Use brief assessment tools to identify concerns, triage, and measure outcomes; systematically document treatment response; monitor patients (in person or by telephone) for clinical symptom changes or side effects; improve outcomes for high‑prevalence medical and mental health conditions; connect patients to the integrated care model; evaluate care plans with the primary care team; code and bill per guidelines.
• Program Development (20%) – Assist in creating programs such as pain, diabetes, weight loss, insomnia, stess; obtain and maintain patient education materials on mental health and substance use disorders; provide local treatment options and resources for patients and families.
• Clinical Outcomes Tracking (20%) – Track patient follow‑up and outcomes using a registry; document in‑person and telephone encounters; identify and re‑engage patients; record progress and recommendations in the Electronic Health Record for sharing with medical providers and other treating professionals.

• Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase patient/family satisfaction, and improve appropriate utilization of resources.
• Facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside the health system (housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, specialty care, substance abuse treatment).
• Assist in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need.
• Identify the need for and conduct family meetings to support understanding, comfort, and decision‑making.
• Integrate family dynamics, crisis intervention, strengths‑based, solution‑focused, and illness meaning theories into casework.
• Summarize patient and family situations concisely with guidance for non‑behavioral health staff.
• Participate in caseload consultations with psychiatrists or other specialties; communicate recommendations to the patient’s medical provider or primary care team.
• Focus on patients new to the caseload or not improving as expected.
• Accept accountability for clinical outcomes.
• Use evidence‑based scales to screen patients and guide treatment and follow‑up.
• Maintain timely, clear, concise documentation in all required systems.
• Provide clinical data to outside agencies to assure compliance with their requirements.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and act as liaison regarding Integrated Care Professional activities.
• Attend practice provider meetings, team huddles, and quality assurance activities as scheduled; provide education/training to staff when requested.
• Build professional relationships to address conflict and achieve positive outcomes.
• Complete formal outreach and training to other providers, including community education.
• Provide de‑escalation and crisis intervention; identify high‑risk patients.
• Offer support to peers as needed; communicate teamwork, caring, and compassion.
• Sustain productivity expectations established by the leadership…