Behavioral Health Therapist MSW - Clare

MyMichigan Health; Clare (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

MyMichigan Health is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist in Clare, Michigan. The role involves assessing and managing patients’ behavioral and medical issues, providing crisis interventions, and collaborating with primary care providers. Ideal candidates will hold a Masters Degree in Social Work and have experience in behavioral health practices.

Responsibilities include clinical assessments, program development, and outcomes tracking, ensuring efficient care delivery. A supportive environment aims to enhance patient satisfaction and treatment efficacy.

Qualifications

• Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in Michigan required.
• Must have experience in casework principles, including crisis intervention and individual therapy.
• Knowledge of Integrated Behavioral Health practices is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assess clinical status and intervene for patients.
• Document treatment response and monitor patients for symptom changes.
• Assist in program development for various health issues.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Clinical assessment

Patient engagement

Interpersonal communication skills

Education

Masters Degree in Social Work or Psychology

Tools

Electronic Health Record

Job description

This position will be assigned to Dr. Khan’s practice – Clare.

Job Overview

As part of the primary care treatment team, the Behavioral Health Therapist (BHT) identifies, assesses, triages, documents and manages primary care patients with medical and behavioral health problems. The BHT utilizes psycho‑education and patient education strategies to develop self‑management skills, population health programs, and specific behavioral change plans using best practice brief evidence‑based treatment interventions. The BHT is a core member of the collaborative team, providing crisis intervention and short‑term consultation for patients in urgent need of same‑day contact.

Responsibilities

• Clinical Assessment (30%) – Assess the clinical status of patients referred by the primary care provider; detect “at risk” patients; intervene to attenuate deterioration; assist primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders; consult with the physician; refer cases for longer‑term care; ensure patient engagement and follow‑up; work with the team to manage chronic emotional or physical health problems; provide brief behavioral interventions (behavioral activation, problem‑solving, motivational interviewing, etc.); assist in preventing relapse.
• Brief Assessment & Documentation (30%) – Use brief assessment tools to identify concerns, triage, and measure outcomes; systematically document treatment response; monitor patients (in person or by telephone) for clinical symptom changes or side effects; improve outcomes for high‑prevalence medical and mental health conditions; connect patients to the integrated care model; evaluate care plans with the primary care team; code and bill per guidelines.
• Program Development (20%) – Assist in creating programs such as pain, diabetes, weight loss, insomnia, stess; obtain and maintain patient education materials on mental health and substance use disorders; provide local treatment options and resources for patients and families.
• Clinical Outcomes Tracking (20%) – Track patient follow‑up and outcomes using a registry; document in‑person and telephone encounters; identify and re‑engage patients; record progress and recommendations in the Electronic Health Record for sharing with medical providers and other treating professionals.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase patient/family satisfaction, and improve appropriate utilization of resources.
• Facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside the health system (housing assistance, vocational rehabilitation, specialty care, substance abuse treatment).
• Assist in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families in need.
• Identify the need for and conduct family meetings to support understanding, comfort, and decision‑making.
• Integrate family dynamics, crisis intervention, strengths‑based, solution‑focused, and illness meaning theories into casework.
• Summarize patient and family situations concisely with guidance for non‑behavioral health staff.
• Participate in caseload consultations with psychiatrists or other specialties; communicate recommendations to the patient’s medical provider or primary care team.
• Focus on patients new to the caseload or not improving as expected.
• Accept accountability for clinical outcomes.
• Use evidence‑based scales to screen patients and guide treatment and follow‑up.
• Maintain timely, clear, concise documentation in all required systems.
• Provide clinical data to outside agencies to assure compliance with their requirements.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and act as liaison regarding Integrated Care Professional activities.
• Attend practice provider meetings, team huddles, and quality assurance activities as scheduled; provide education/training to staff when requested.
• Build professional relationships to address conflict and achieve positive outcomes.
• Complete formal outreach and training to other providers, including community education.
• Provide de‑escalation and crisis intervention; identify high‑risk patients.
• Offer support to peers as needed; communicate teamwork, caring, and compassion.
• Sustain productivity expectations established by the leadership team.
• Deliver excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
• Assume responsibility for professional development and education requirements for licensure maintenance.
• Provide for age‑specific needs of the population served per department standards and policies.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

• MSW – Master of Social Work
• Preferred Equivalent Experience: Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in Michigan; limited license employees must be actively working to obtain full licensure within one year.
• PCSW – Psychologist/Counselor/Social Worker
• Required Equivalent Experience: Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in Michigan; limited license employees must be actively working.

Education

• Masters Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge of psychology or social work program normally acquired through completion of an MA or Ph.D./Psy.D. in psychology or master's degree in social work.

Experience, Training and Skills

• Membership in at least one professional organization (APA, NASW, CFHA, MPA, SSWLHC‑MI chapter, national SSWLHC, etc.) is preferred.
• Training and experience or demonstrated competency in casework principles, including diagnosis, assessment, crisis intervention, treatment, transition planning, individual, family and group therapy; awareness of community resources; public assistance; entitlement programs; ensuring appropriate level of care; addressing age, developmental, special needs and cultural patterns.
• Knowledge of Integrated Behavioral Health practices, processes, and procedures normally acquired in primary care, hospital, social agency or community organization dealing with physical and/or mental health and/or welfare.
• Interpersonal communication skills to engage individuals and groups at all levels.
• Adherence to the American Psychological Association or National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics.
• Must complete MyMichigan Health blood‑borne pathogen and TB testing; demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows; may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Exposure to stressful situations, public contact, trauma, grief and death.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (latex or substitutes) if required.
• Move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device.
• Perform job functions as outlined in the job description.
• Normal vision and hearing, with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequent sitting/standing/walking for long periods.
• Frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Possible exposure to blood‑borne pathogens and other infectious materials.
• Handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, and remain alert.