Behavioral Health Integration Social Worker

LaSante Health Center; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

LaSante Health Center in Brooklyn is seeking a warm, personable Behavioral Health Integration Social Worker to serve as the bridge between our Pediatric and Primary Care teams and our Mental Health Department.

This is a relationship‑first role: you will engage directly with patients and families, help them understand how therapy can help, and support them in deciding whether to begin mental health services.

Qualifications

• LMSW or LCSW preferred; strong candidates with relevant behavioral health experience will be considered.
• Experience working with children, families, or mental health services preferred.
• Haitian Creole speaker strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of underserved populations in a community health setting.

Responsibilities

• Meet with patients and families to explain the value of therapy and support informed care decisions.
• Coordinate timely referrals to the Mental Health Department and ensure warm handoffs.
• Collaborate with medical and mental health teams for integrated, whole-person care.
• Maintain compliant, timely documentation in the EHR and support program tracking.
• Engage in supervision and ongoing professional development related to behavioral health integration.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Motivational interviewing

Teamwork

Care coordination

Education

LMSW or LCSW

Tools

EHR

Job description

Behavioral Health Integration Social Worker

LaSante Health Center — East Flatbush, Brooklyn Full-Time | On-Site | Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

About the Role

LaSante Health Center is seeking a warm, personable Social Worker to serve as the bridge between our Pediatric and Primary Care teams and our Mental Health Department. This is a relationship‑first role: you will engage directly with patients and families, help them understand how therapy can help, answer their questions, and support them in deciding whether to begin mental health services.

Working as an integrated member of the care team, you'll increase the reach and efficiency of our behavioral health services by making the connection between a medical visit and mental health care feel natural, trusted, and easy. The ideal candidate is compassionate, approachable, and skilled at building trust with patients who may be unsure or hesitant about behavioral health support.

Key Responsibilities

Patient and Family Engagement

• Meet with patients and families referred by pediatric and primary care providers to explain the value of therapy and support them in making informed decisions about their care.
• Build trusting relationships that reduce stigma and increase comfort with behavioral health services.
• Explain mental health concepts and services in clear, simple, supportive language that meets families where they are.

Care Coordination and Referrals

• Coordinate timely referrals to the Mental Health Department and ensure a smooth, warm connection to therapists.
• Conduct follow‑ups with patients to encourage participation and troubleshoot barriers to care.
• Track referrals and follow‑up outcomes to help families make successful connections to care and to community resources when appropriate.

Team-Based, Whole‑Person Care

• Collaborate closely with medical providers and the mental health team to support integrated, whole‑person care.
• Participate in warm handoffs and maintain open communication with all members of the care team.
• Contribute to continuous quality improvement efforts that strengthen how behavioral health is delivered across the health center.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain clear, compliant, and timely documentation of clinical activity and care coordination in the EHR, in accordance with health center standards.
• Support program tracking, evaluation, and reporting as needed.

Professional Growth

• Participate in supervision and reflective practice.
• Engage in ongoing professional development related to behavioral health integration and the communities we serve.

Qualifications

• LMSW or LCSW preferred; strong candidates with relevant behavioral health or care coordination experience will be considered.
• Experience working with children, families, or mental health services preferred.
• Haitian Creole speaker strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and comfort with working alongside underserved populations in a community health setting.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Warm, personable demeanor with excellent engagement and motivational skills.
• Ability to connect easily with patients and explain concepts in a simple, supportive way.
• Strong motivational interviewing skills and the ability to build trust quickly.
• Ability to work with people of many backgrounds and cultures.
• Comfort with an open‑door approach, frequent interruptions, and warm handoffs.
• A professional backbone: confidence and assertiveness in shaping appropriate referrals with providers and colleagues.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work well both independently and as part of a care team.
• Empathy, patience, and genuine curiosity about the families we serve.

Schedule and Details

• Full‑time, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• On‑site role at LaSante Health Center
• Salary 65,000-75,000+ and benefits package
• An opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our diverse Medicaid and Haitian community