Job Description

Be a part of the mission at Whitney Young Health (WYH) to provide high quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible to our diverse community.

WYH has a robust benefits package including generous time off, affordable health, dental and vision insurance, 401k with safe harbor employer match, tuition reimbursement, term life insurance and more!

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC) Whitney Young Health serves as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing recovery-oriented care to individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), co-occurring mental health conditions and chronic co-morbid health issues in the Office of Addictions Services and Supports (OASAS) licensed treatment program(s). The BHC provides a combination of psycho-education, counseling and targeted interventions to patients across the life span. The BHC plays an integral role in the facilitation of integrated services-identifying, assessing, and making recommendations in the treatment of a substance use disorders. Through the conduct of comprehensive assessments and the delivery of evidenced based interventions and harm reduction strategies the BHC will develop individualized, integrated treatment plans designed to empower patients in their pursuit of optimal physical and behavioral health.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts screenings and face-to-face biopsychosocial assessments for all patients seeking addictions treatment; presents assessments to the multi-disciplinary treatment team; and reassesses patients on an ongoing basis.
• In conjunction with the patient and the clinical team, develops patient-centered, strengths-based, culturally and linguistically sensitive treatment plans to address patient needs.
• Conducts Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Brief Interventions and Referrals to Treatment (SBIRT) as indicated for all patients.
• Collaborates with members of the care team, including primary care providers, care coordination, and other service agencies
• Provides case management services as necessary while ensuring coordination of care among service providers.
• Maintains knowledge and skills specific to substance use disorders (SUD) and harm reduction strategies, motivational interviewing, and evidenced-based practices.
• Conducts psychoeducation, individual and group sessions.
• Assesses patient’s readiness for change, identifying barriers to care; assists patients in the development of recovery skills; facilitates referrals to care coordination and other community based organizations to enhance patient opportunities for success.
• Determine ongoing care based on level of clinical ability, medical and psychosocial complexity. Refer complex cases to alternative/higher levels of care as needed.
• Exhibits knowledge and skill in all functions of the electronic medical record pertinent to successful job performance.
• Maintains and protects accurate and timely documentation in case records according to agency policy and regulatory requirements.
• Assists with patients’ swift access to care, ensuring performance outcomes are met and patients experience satisfaction with services (Triple AIM).
• Facilitates collaboration between primary care and behavioral health; participates in departmental case conference(s) across the network of care as necessary.
• Participates in performance improvement/quality assurance activities designed to ensure organizational achieve of metrics/UDS and Value-Based performance.
• Develops and networks with other community service providers to provide the full continuum of care needs identified by the multidisciplinary treatment team and supervisor.
• Participates in professional growth activities including ongoing education/training.
• Participates in individual and group supervision and reports all pertinent information to supervisor.
• Participates in staff meetings and other meetings, as assigned.
• Maintains the ability to utilize the DSM V Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in the conduct of diagnostic impressions of all patients.
• Maintains a caseload as assigned.
• Completes Continuing Education requirements per credentialing/licensing requirements.
• Abides by all professional licensure Canon of ethics and insures that license to practice is maintained.
• Demonstrates excellence in both internal and external customer service.
• Understands and is able to effectively communicate HIPAA compliance, corporate compliance and client confidentiality.
• Ensures and/or remains in compliance with local, state, and federal regulation, i.e. OASAS, NYS DOH, HRSA, OMH, NYSED, Albany County DSS, CPS and Family Court.
• Adheres to the National Patient Safety Goals as defined by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Services.
• Contributes to the provision of a safe and respectful environment for treatment.
• Demonstrates excellence in both internal and external customer service.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree from an Accredited College or University in Social Work or Mental Health Counseling; possession of New York State Licensure as a LMSW or LMHC; at least one year of work experience providing behavioral health and/or SUD counseling. Strong individual and group skills with patients with substance use, mental health and co-morbid disorders. Strong assessment and diagnostic skills; Knowledge of recovery concepts, self-help groups, and community resources; Provides excellent customer service and demonstrates a high level of cultural competency; Ability to adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines; Working knowledge of computers and electronic health records. Must be cleared by the New York State Central Registry.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working in a community health care setting.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected status.

Salary range: $59,000 - 68,000 annually