Job Title: Behavioral Health Specialist

Location:  Brazoria County

FLSA Status: Exempt

Working Status: Full-time w/benefits

Summary:

Provide Case Management (CM) and therapeutic Skills Training for patients of Gulf Coast Center (GCC).  Primary responsibility will be coordinating and implementing Texas Resiliency and Recovery (TRR) as part of an interdisciplinary team.  As part of an interdisciplinary team, and within the scope of the team, the Behavioral Health Specialist will be responsible for targeted services i.e., Therapeutic Rehab services utilizing the Illness Management and Recovery curriculum, initial screenings and assessments to potential GCC clients, completion of Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS), Person Centered Recovery Plans (PCRP), & therapeutic skills training or rehab to individuals presenting for behavioral health services.  The Behavioral Health Specialist may also provide brief interventions such as crisis resolution and liaison between other programs and organizations.

Gulf Coast Center is committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Gulf Coast Center defines diversity broadly including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, and age. The Gulf Coast Center embraces trauma sensitive and informed practices, provides suicide safer care, and fosters a safe and compassionate environment that promotes racial and health equity.

Job Duties: (To be performed with or without accommodation as based on ADA requirements)

The Behavioral Health Specialist will be responsible for the following:

Essential Job Duties:

• Provides therapeutic management strategies and clinical coordination to individuals, groups, and family members as defined by GCC using evidence-based strategies within the TRR model of care. 
• Identifies a current and discreet caseload as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Serve as a member of the treatment team coordinating and providing services as needed.
• Actively participate in team meetings as evidenced by discussion that is not only specific to assigned caseload.
• Display professionalism and team membership when representing program.
• Personnel vacancies may result in a temporary increase of caseload.
• Maintain contact with designated staff daily regarding current work area and retrieval of messages.
• Provide initial screening in person, over the telephone, or tele video.
• Conduct an intake interview and appropriate assessments to gather required information.
• Completes referrals to internal/external resources as clinically indicated.
• Develops person-centered recovery plans based on patient's needs and preferences.
• Provides crisis services to patients and walk-ins to the clinic as needed.
• Provides monthly documented face to face hours of direct service per month to GCC consumers and/or family members as indicated in the current Direct Service Agreement for this position. 
• Monitors patients' requirements within the TRR model to ensure required services are offered and meets targeted monthly service provision standard for identified caseload.
• Assure treatment provided to patient relates to the individualized goals of treatment plan.
• Utilizes a variety of skills training methods to include areas such as introduction, role play, behavioral reversal, in-vivo practice, and coaching.
• Enters accurate and appropriate RCM billing and documentation into SmartCare EHR within 2 business days of service provision as appropriate to patients' treatment plan and assignment in SmartCare. 
• Maintains compliance with all documentation for patients as assigned and as required by the GCC policies and procedures within caseload.
• Conducts the Child & Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) every 3 months, respectively or as clinically indicated for individuals as required & assigned. 
• Responsible for ensuring staff completion of initial & annual CANS recertification pursuant to the Praed Foundation & HHSC performance contract. A lapse/expiration in certification will result in termination of employment. Exception:  If certification lapse/expiration is reported to supervisor within 24 hours of expiration date, employee will be granted opportunity to recertify by close of following business day.  Any lapse/expiration greater than 24 hours will result in termination of employment. 
• Additionally, all certified practitioners are responsible for participating in semi-annual quality assurance training activity conducted by the identified CANS Super User
• Participate in Medicaid Administrative Claiming (Random Moment in Time) process. 
• Through a system of care, helps to establish baseline data & assists with tracking vital health indicators as a part of CCBHC & all grant outcome measure requirements.
• Treat all individuals with the utmost courtesy, decency, and respect.
• Provide responsive, and efficient services.
• Interact with staff, consumers, local entities, and advocacy groups to provide a service that meets local needs.
• Provide highest level of Customer Service for both internal and external customers.
• Required to report personnel leave; flex time and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.
• Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC's Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.
• Consistent adherence to the Center's Dress Code.
• Consistent adherence to Center safety guidelines and expectations.
• May be required to travel within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
• Out-of-region travels may be required to attend training.
• Must maintain a clear driving record and driver's license in accordance with our Driver Policy.
• Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation and must maintain current auto liability insurance.

Non-Essential Job Duties:

• N/A

Supervision:

• Receives direct supervision from the Clinic Program Manager.

Required Education:

• Requires a master's degree in the behavioral sciences field of study from an accredited college or university pursuing licensure.

Preferred Education/Licensure/Certifications:

• NA

Required Licensure/Certifications:

• LPC Associate or LMSW pursuing LCSW.

Required Experience:

• One to two years full-time experience in human services is required. 

Preferred Experience:

• Two years full-time experience in human services preferred.

Abilities/Traits:

• General knowledge of mental disorders.
• Self-motivated with good time management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Must have a demonstrated ability to operate video/virtual format of communication.
• Needs to establish cooperative relationships and work with individuals seeking services, other professionals, and organizations. 
• Ability to establish cooperative relationships with consumers and their families.
• Mature problem-solving approach to daily work.
• Ability to anticipate and react calmly in emergency situations.
• Knowledge of local social service network.
• Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
• Requires ability to work within a team approach.
• Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs, and email.

Working Conditions:

• Work will be performed in the Office, Field and/or remotely setting(s).
• May require varied work hours depending on the need of clients.
• Out-of-region travels may be required to attend training.
• May require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston Counties. Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state requirements, and liability insurance.

Special Projects:

• Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties as assigned by supervisor as it relates to the program and position.

Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

Physical:

• Ability to transport, adjust and/or move items up to 55 lbs.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Ability to handle objects.
• Ability to operate office equipment.
• Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may include ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop and/or reach for items.
• Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to SAMA requirements; may be required to perform SAMA restraints as it relates to program requirements.
• Ability to detect and write effectively.
• Ability to hear (with or without aid).
• Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within work setting.

Mental:

• Ability to accept constructive criticism.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance.
• Ability to understand, communicate and comprehend accurate information with others in English.
• Ability to reason and analyze effectively.
• Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.
• Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.

Work Site/Environmental Conditions:

• Ability to work alone.
• Ability to work closely with others.
• Ability to work closely with clients and/or family members with poor hygiene.
• Ability to work long and/or irregular hours.
• May be subjected to hostile environment.
• May be subjected to high crime environment.
• Potential exposure to tobacco products.
• May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• Subject to standard noise levels within the working environment.
• Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus, or plane may be required.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodation based on ADA requirements.