The Behavioral Health Consultant will work as a member of the primary care team, providing consultation-based behavioral health services to patients in collaboration with their primary care providers in a Clinical Practice Group office. These duties include 1) operating in a consultative role within a primary care team utilizing an integrated behavioral health model of care; 2) providing recommendations regarding behavioral interventions to the referring primary care provider; and 3) conducting focused interventions with referred patients on behalf of the referring primary care provider.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

• Provides access to focused assessment and appropriate collaborative care and treatment in the primary care setting:
  • Maintains visibility to primary care providers during clinic operating hours.
  • Is available for same-day consultation visits with patients (i.e. warm handoffs).
  • Conducts risk assessments as-indicated to support primary care providers managing crisis situations.
• Delivers evidence-based interventions to patients experiencing mental health symptoms, behavioral health issues, chronic disease management, as well as for the promotion of general health.
• Practices collaborative, stepped and measurement-based care, including appropriate follow-up, that reflects a population health-influenced approach for the primary care population.
  • Provides targeted follow-up visits for selected patients.
  • Triages patients with severe or high-risk behavioral problems to other community resources for specialty MH services.
• Collaborates with primary care team members to develop clinical pathways for select priority populations.
  • Assists in development of psychoeducational classes (e.g. behavioral parenting classes for families of patients with ADHD) and group medical visits as appropriate.
  • Contributes to patient education materials used by practice for commonly seen behavioral health conditions and problems.
• Contributes to the optimal functioning of primary care teams through collaborative decision support and interdisciplinary consultation that is mindful of other team members roles and workflows.
  • Is available for curbside consultation to primary care providers (a brief interaction provider-to-provider that involves recommendations).
  • Educates primary care team in the basic principles of brief behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions and reinforce their use in the medical visit.
  • Supports collaboration of primary care providers and psychiatric providers concerning medication protocols.
• Assists with care coordination and access to outside resources for patients as appropriate.
  • Facilitates and oversees referrals to specialty MH/substance use disorder services, and when appropriate, support a smooth transition from specialty MH/SUD services to primary care.
• Participates in any relevant clinical training, quality improvement activities, and staff meetings.
  • Provides assistance in capturing program evaluation and fidelity measures.
• Maintains clinical records and other necessary paperwork in a timely manner to comply with all administrative regulations.
  • Prepares brief consultant notes for the medical chart that explain assessment findings, interventions delivered, and recommendations made to the PCC.

Required qualifications (knowledge, skills, & abilities):

Education:

• Masters degree in Social Work from a CSWE accredited social work program or a Masters degree in Counseling from a CACREP or CORE accredited counseling program required.
• Licensed to practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia (LCSW, LPC) or applicants with an active license from another state must obtain Virginia licensure within 18 months of hire date.
• BLS Certification within 90 days of hire

Experience:

• Experience with providing clinical interventions around broad range of behavioral health conditions
• Exposure to medically-related issues
• Experience with pediatric populations, including working with families. (pediatric practices-only)

Knowledge and skills:

• Interest in working in a fast-paced primary care setting and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Experience utilizing a personal computer and computerized scheduling.

Success factors:

• Willingness to maintain flexibility in the clinic schedule to adapt to the needs of the primary care team.
• Effective interpersonally, both with patients and with primary care team.
• Ability to take a learning and growth mindset towards new topics and challenges.
• Passion for working in primary care and as part of a team.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVAs commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.