Behavioral Health Consultant

Introduction  Seldovia Village Tribe provides health care to all patients as a Community Health Center in the State of Alaska,  Additionally, Seldovia Village Tribe serves the Alaska Native/American Indian beneficiaries living in the Seldovia and Homer area. 

Position Overview

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) will provide brief assessment, intervention and onsite consultation to the SVTHW Primary Care Team regarding the psychiatric/psychosocial concerns of primary care patients.  Provide integrated behavioral health services primary case management and follow up counseling of limited duration to referred patients/partners.   Triage and refer patient/partners to specialty mental health care as appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The BHC is a mental health practitioner who assists the care teams in the identification of and management of a wide range of behavioral or mental health related issues which impact their patient population. In addition to providing individual and group coaching and crisis care support, the BHC educates and assists with skill development to other team members in the areas of behavioral health screening, change management, and intervention.
• Assess and provide brief, solution-focused therapy, and coordinate services to primary care patients in crisis or to those with behavioral health and Co-Occuring Mental Health & Substance Use needs.
• On a limited basis, provide on going supportive counseling.
• Be available throughout shift, in-person and/or by phone, for Warm Hand-Off with primary care patients.
• Provide targeted assessment and evaluation including diagnostic impressions and communicate diagnostic impressions and functional status to primary care providers.
• Participate in complex case management and daily huddles to assist with anticipated patient behavioral health needs.  Work with all health and wellness staff to provide integrated and quality patient partner care.
• Establish and follow referral processes and MOA/MOU for provider services to promote the provision of continuity of care for patients needing services beyond the Behavioral Health Consultant's scope of practice. Coordinates services with API, South Central Foundation, and South Peninsula Behavioral Health Services to ensure patient needs to inpatient, intensive or long-term therapy are addressed.
• Evaluate crisis situations and apply appropriate interventions and treatment planning.
• Function as a patient advocate by providing follow-up counseling and coordination with primary health-care providers.
• Maintain a professional and supportive presence with patients and colleagues to facilitate treatment effectiveness.
• Provide services that are culturally appropriate.
• Assist with outcome measures and data collection.
• Develop/maintain integrated Behavioral Health Manual and Policies and Procedures under the guidance of the SVTHW Medical Director.
• Orient new employees regarding integrative BHPC model and Disruptive Patient Pathway policy and procedure.
• Assist and support team with Disruptive Patient Pathway’s Referral and DPP Behavioral Contract.
• Participate in outreach and prevention services in coordination with other departments or Seldovia Village Tribe programs for planned health outreach events at various schools, agencies, or businesses.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely patient documentation as defined in SVTHW policy.
• Maintain strict confidentiality for all patient/partners and their families and SVTHW information.
• Abide by the policies and procedures, clinical guidelines and protocols established by SVT Health & Wellness, and state and federal regulations for practice as a licensed/certified practitioner.
• Follow federal, state, local, and funding guidelines and requirements (to include but not limited to HIPAA, CLIA, OSHA AND ICWA)
• Maintain active license(s) and certification(s) required to practice in State of Alaska.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specifications (Certifications, licensure, prerequisites, special considerations)

• Successful completion of SVTHW credentialing and privileging process, with successful approval by the Tribal Council.
• Recredentialing will be completed every two (2) years.
• Must have proficient knowledge in the following areas: causes and symptoms of behavioral health issues, prevention strategies, needs and risk assessment, substance abuse, family dynamics, impact of trauma, understanding of crisis management and ability to deal with life threatening situations including prevention of suicide, individual and group crisis counseling methods, culture and traditions of Alaska Native/American Indian peoples, relevant legislation, policies and procedures, program management and delivery, program evaluation, ability to speak English.
• Must demonstrate the following skills: analytical/problem solving skills, good decision making, mediation and negotiation skills, conflict resolution skills, effective counseling skills, effective verbal and listening communication skills, computer skills, effective written communication skills, effective public relations and public speaking skills, research and program development skills, stress management skills, time management skills, ability to work cooperatively as a team member.
• Must demonstrate the following personal attributes: honest and trustworthy, respectful, cultural awareness and sensitivity, flexibility, sound work ethics, maintain standards of conduct.

Education Requirements Master's Degree Required - Field of Study: Social Services or Behavioral Health

Experience Requirements 2+ Years of Counseling Experience, prior experience in Tribal Health or Community Health Center setting a plus

Certification/Licensure Requirements One of the following required:  Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  CPR/BLS Required (renewals provided by SVT.)

BHA certification preferred.

Travel Requirements Day travel from Homer to Anchor Point and/or Seldovia as often as once a week.  Travel occurs by vehicle, small aircraft, and/or small to large watercraft.  Travel is subject to weather conditions and unplanned overnights may be required.  Travel in and around Kenai Peninsula required for presentations, education, etc. several times a quarter or less.

Computer Requirements Proficiency in Mac and PC systems.  Operational knowledge of keyboards, office equip. such as copiers, fax machines, and multiline phones.  Must be familiar with Microsoft Excel and Word Processing and database programs.  Practice Management Software and Electronic Health Record experience preferred.  

Screening Requirements FBI Fingerprinting, Pre-Employment Drug Testing, Pre-Employment Background Screening

Physical Requirements Tuberculosis Testing at hire or proof of testing in the last year required/provided by SVT.  Fitting for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) respirator is required.  Protective gloves may be required.  BHC is required to travel within community and beyond so must be comfortable driving in all weather.  Must be comfortable as a passenger in an aircraft and watercraft.  The BHC may experience stress and stress-related symptoms due to interacting with patient/partners in crisis or from day-to-day activities.  This position requires prolonged sitting, prolonged computer use, and prolonged listening/speaking.  Full physical requirements available by email.

Work Environment  Seldovia Village Tribe is a drug-free, alcohol-free, and tobacco-free work environment.  An individual in this position may be exposed to communicable diseases or hazards common to a healthcare setting, including but not limited to needle stick wounds, chemicals, and tuberculosis.  SVTHW is busy with both scheduled and unscheduled patient/partners.  The BHC may experience professional community isolation.  The BHC must be prepared to monitor and manage their own stress.