Behavioral Health Patient Services Caseworker

Goodneighborcommunityhealthcenter; Columbus (NE); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health service provider in Columbus, Nebraska is seeking a qualified individual to assess patient needs and bridge healthcare and social services. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and strong communication skills. Responsibilities include screening, assessments, and paperwork assistance, while ensuring patient confidentiality. This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in community health.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; human services or related field preferred.
• Proficiency in EHR and Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive assessments including psychosocial evaluations.
• Collaborate with departments to gather required patient information.
• Assist patients with intake paperwork and ensure confidentiality.

Skills

Knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Strong critical thinking skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work effectively with diverse backgrounds

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field

Associate’s degree with comparable experience

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR) software

Patient engagement applications

Job description

Position Summary

• Member of the integrated health care team

• Acts as a bridge between health care services and social support services

• Helps patients identify needs related to:

  • Medical

  • Behavioral health

  • Dental

  • Eligibility/financial support

• Screens patients for psychosocial needs and Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)

• Assesses screening results to identify needed resources

• Develops and implements referral and resource lists

• Navigates community resources

• Coordinates care and monitors referral follow-through

Essential Job Functions

• Complete screening tools and comprehensive assessments, including:

  • Psychosocial assessments

  • Social Determinants of Health screenings

• Collaborate with departments and staff to gather required patient documents and information

• Help patients obtain documents needed for:

  • Financial support

  • Continuity of care

  • HIPAA-compliant releases of information

• Work with patients to identify programs and services within the organization and community

• Make timely referrals to appropriate services to improve patient quality of life

• Assist patients with completing intake paperwork and ensure documentation is added to the chart

• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality at all times

• For behavioral health patients:

  • Assist with transportation needs

  • Help reduce no-show rates through reminders and confirmations

  • Conduct comprehensive initial screenings for new behavioral health patients

  • Ensure urgent needs are addressed quickly

• Use the current EHR system to:

  • Document patient information accurately

  • Track referrals and follow-up

  • Ensure action is taken within appropriate time frames

• Perform other duties as assigned

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in:

  • Human Services

  • Social Work

  • Psychology

  • Related field

• Associate’s degree in a related field may be considered with comparable experience

Required Skills

• Knowledge of or ability to learn:

  • Electronic Health Records (EHR)

  • Patient engagement applications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software

• Strong critical thinking skills

• Ability to analyze complex information

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse:

  • Socioeconomic backgrounds

  • Cultural backgrounds

  • Intellectual backgrounds

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Preferred Skills

• Previous experience in:

  • Social services

  • Behavioral health

• 2–3 years of related experience preferred

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred

Supervision

• No direct reports

Physical Requirements

• May require prolonged sitting

• Some bending, lifting, stooping, and stretching

• Normal hearing and vision required

• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity needed for office equipment

• May lift up to 35 pounds

Additional Notes

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work associated with this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Duties and responsibilities may be modified or adjusted, as needed, to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities and to meet the changing needs of the organization. Employees may also be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Employment with Good Neighbor Community Health Center (GNCHC) is at-will, which means that either the employee or GNCHC may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice or cause, as permitted by law. FTCA liability protection applies only to covered individuals performing covered activities on behalf of GNCHC, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.