Behavioral Health Clinician 1/Healthysteps Specialist

Description GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC)/HealthySteps Specialist is a mental health professional with experience in early child development who will work in collaboration with the pediatric primary care team.

The BHC-HealthySteps Specialist provides interventions, referrals, and follow-up support for families with children ages 0-3. The BHC/HealthySteps Specialist serves as liaison, building strong relationships with families and pediatric providers to increase the efficiency of the medical system while supporting a team-based comprehensive approach to care. As a member of an integrated system of care, the BHC/HealthySteps Specialist is responsible for providing behavior health support for pediatric patients and their families within the primary care setting.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Conducts team-based well-child visits before, during, or following the primary care provider visits. Conducts patient-centered, strengths-based, culturally and linguistically-sensitive mental status exams and diagnostic assessments; administers and monitors evidenced based screenings, Post-Partum Depression Screenings, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment as needed.

Provides support and education to parents and caregivers regarding early childhood development, early relational health/infant early childhood mental health, attachment and trauma-informed practice. Provides brief behavioral health interventions using evidenced-based techniques, problem-solving strategies, motivational interviewing, and other treatment modalities as appropriate Conducts consultations on a short-term basis for needs regarding development and/or behavioral concerns such as sleep, positive parenting, or picky eating, etc. May facilitate parent/caregiver groups.

Collaborates with members of the care team, including primary care providers, care coordinators, and other community-based organizations and service agencies. Engages in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives to ensure the HealthySteps model is delivered with fidelity. Monitors the conduct of all eight Core HealthySteps Components including universal screenings, positive parenting and early learning guidance strategies.

Coordinates workflows for optimal program efficiency Maintains and protects accurate and timely documentation in electronic medical case records according to agency policy and regulatory requirements. Assists with patients’ swift access to care, ensures performance outcomes are met and patients/families experience satisfaction with services (Triple AIM). Facilitates collaboration between primary care and behavioral health; participates in departmental case conference(s) and team huddles across the network of care. Participates in performance improvement/quality assurance activities designed to ensure organizational achievement of metrics/UDS and Value-Based performance.

Participates in individual supervision and; reports all pertinent information to supervisor. Participates in staff meetings and other meetings, as assigned. Utilizes the DSM-V Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in the diagnostic assessment when appropriate.

Completes Continuing Education requirements per licensing requirements and all Healthy Steps required trainings. Abides by all professional licensure Code of ethics and insures that license to practice is maintained. Understands and can 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. Completes other duties as assigned.

Requirements MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master’s degree in a behavioral health related field (social work, counseling, psychology, or human services), or be a clinician (limited permit). Preferred Qualifications: Licensed Mental Health Professional; experience working in a healthcare setting with children and families.

Bi-lingual 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: $56,000 - $68,000 annually