Behavioral Health Associate

Indiana University Health System; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana University Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Associate at Riley Hospital. The role collaborates with primary care and licensed clinicians to support patients needing behavioral health services, and to engage patients in treatment and education.

Under supervision, you will conduct mental health triage, assess psychosocial factors, and deliver individual, family, and group interventions using evidence-based approaches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related mental health field.
• LBSW or equivalent license aligned with Indiana state code IC 25-23.6-4-1.
• Crisis intervention certification may be required; BLS certification may also be required.
• Knowledge of therapeutic interventions and psycho-educational groups.
• Familiarity with child and adult protective services mandates.

Responsibilities

• Care for patients needing behavioral health support in collaboration with healthcare teams.
• Facilitate patient engagement in treatment and educational activities.
• Serve as a liaison between medical staff, patients, families, and external agencies.
• Perform mental health triage for patients upon provider referral.
• Identify psychosocial risk factors through evaluation of functioning, support systems, and coping skills.
• Deliver individual, family, and group behavioral health interventions based on evidence-based practices.
• Communicate with team to ensure safe, effective, and timely services.
• Support discharge planning alongside licensed clinicians.
• Coordinate with protective services in cases of abuse or neglect.
• Maintain accurate documentation in electronic medical records.
• Develop relationships with community partners, law enforcement, and schools.

Skills

Crisis intervention

De-escalation techniques

Psycho-educational groups

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Relationship building with community

Electronic Medical Records

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work / Psychology / Human Services

LBSW license or equivalent

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Position Title: Behavioral Health Associate

Location: Riley Hospital

Shift: Full-Time Days - Four 10-hour shifts, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Onsite)

Position Overview:

The Behavioral Health Associate collaborates with primary care and licensed behavioral health clinicians to care for patients requiring behavioral health support. The role involves facilitating patient involvement in treatment and education, serving as a liaison among medical staff, patients, families, and outside agencies. Under supervision and review by licensed professionals, the Associate conducts mental health triage, evaluates psychosocial risk factors, and performs behavioral health interventions—including individual, family, and group therapies-using evidence-based models. The position emphasizes safe, timely, and resourceful care delivery, discharge planning, and crisis management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Care for patients needing behavioral health support in collaboration with healthcare teams.
• Facilitate patient engagement in treatment and educational activities.
• Serve as a liaison between medical staff, patients, families, and external agencies.
• Perform mental health triage for patients upon provider referral.
• Identify psychosocial risk factors through evaluation of prior functioning, support systems, reactions to illness, and coping skills under clinical supervision.
• Deliver individual, family, and group behavioral health interventions based on evidence-based practices.
• Communicate and collaborate with all team members to ensure safe, effective, and timely services.
• Support utilization review and discharge planning alongside licensed clinicians.
• Serve as a point person for cases involving abuse, neglect, institutional abuse, and domestic violence, coordinating with protective services.
• Maintain accurate documentation in electronic medical records.
• Develop and nurture relationships with community partners, law enforcement, schools, and other agencies.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related mental health field.
• 0-3 years of relevant health care, mental health, or community-based experience.
• License aligned with Indiana state code IC 25-23.6-4-1; LBSW required for BSW holders.
• Certification in crisis intervention may be required; BLS certification may also be required.
• Knowledge of therapeutic interventions based on multidisciplinary collaboration, individual therapy, and psycho-educational groups.
• Knowledge of legal mandates related to child and adult protective services.
• Understanding of growth and development principles across the lifespan.
• Proficiency in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to maintain a safe, therapeutic environment and instruct on daily activities and programming.
• Basic proficiency in Electronic Medical Records and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong ability to develop and sustain relationships with community, healthcare, law enforcement, and social agencies.

About IU Health:

IU Health is Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, with nearly 40,000 team members, 16 hospitals, and $8.64 billion in operating revenue. Our programs in cancer, cardiovascular, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics, and transplants are nationally recognized. In partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Health combines research, education, and clinical excellence to improve health outcomes for Indiana communities.

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