CONSULT, BEHAV HEALTH

Kaiser Permanente Northwest; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, OR is seeking a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) to join the Primary Care Medical Home. The role focuses on brief, solution-focused assessments and high-volume, team-based care for pediatric and adult patients.

You'll collaborate with PCPs, provide education on treatment plans and medications, perform risk assessments, and communicate clearly within the electronic health record.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mental health required.
• Licensure in Oregon and/or Washington within 6 months of hire (as applicable).
• Minimum two years of post-graduate experience in integrated care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide integrated behavioral health services in primary or specialty care.
• Consult with physicians and care teams to coordinate treatment.
• Assess and manage suicide/homicide risk using validated tools.
• Educate patients and families about treatment plans and medications.
• Document sessions and billing information accurately in the EHR.
• Collaborate with Crisis and support services when needed.

Skills

Biopsychosocial assessment

Brief intervention

Risk assessment

Team collaboration

EHR documentation

Medication education

Pediatric & adult care

Education

Master's degree in mental health

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides expert integrated care to pediatric and adult patients as a member of the Primary Care Medical Home or Specialty Care treatment team. They specialize in brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions geared toward functional improvement. BHCs are generalists, providing high volume services from a population-based lens that are accessible, team-based, and a routine part of primary care. This is a behavioral health model that is interconnected with patients medical care and medical care team that requires specialized training and experience with a variety of medical and mental health concerns. In addition, this role performs high-level consultation to physicians and other medical care team members and contributes to a clear treatment plan for patient care. The BHC functions effectively in a fast pace, highly productive setting with the ability to successfully pivot from a patient facing to a physician facing role throughout the day. The BHC thrives on being adaptable, flexible, and able to independently function at a consistently high level. The individual in this position must be willing to engage in brief visits (e.g. 15- 30 mins) at a high volume, and adept in working closely with PCPs and other team members. Other required skills and duties are outlined below.

• Apply solid working knowledge of biopsychosocial models of human behavior and development for assessment of patient care to include knowledge of the use of adult and pediatric screening instruments, as well as the ability to screen for and identify substance abuse problems.
• Apply first line interventions in a time-limited setting for a broad spectrum of physical and mental health problems experienced by patients and families throughout the lifespan as presenting in primary care (pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Family medicine populations) or Specialty Care (ob/gyn, dermatology, cardiology, etc.) Targets of treatment may include mental health concerns, substance abuse concerns, adverse health behaviors (including their contribution to chronic medical illnesses), stress-related physical symptoms, ineffective patterns of health care utilization, and adjustment to new and chronic medical conditions.
• Provide patient and family education effectively and sensitively to encourage compliance with medical and behavioral treatment plans. To include the skill and expertise to discuss common psychotropic medications with a patient, including indications, effects and side effects, and demonstrate the ability to appropriately recommend initiating medication to primary care physician.
• Effectively utilize electronic health record and verbal communication to concisely communicate relevant information to medical providers in a timely manner. Ability to concurrently document during patient sessions. To include performance of various clinical, compliance, and administrative duties required to meet various billing and medical documentation requirements.
• Effectively assess for and manage suicidal and homicidal risk, as well as concerns for child or elder abuse and neglect, using effective and evidence-based methods (PHQ-9, Columbia Risk Assessment). When applicable, collaborate and coordinate care with the Crisis team, contact police and/or Child Protective Services and communicate effectively with receiving emergency department.
• A high level of comfort in providing consultation and training to other members of the primary care team in the areas of mental health, chemical dependency, and behavioral medicine.
• Possess skill and expertise to discuss common psychotropic medications with a patient, including indications, effects and side effects, and demonstrate the ability to appropriately recommend initiating medication to primary care physician.
• Provide brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions, with a focus on closing gaps in screening and prevention for chronic medical conditions (i.e. Hypertension, Diabetes).

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) provides expert integrated care to pediatric and adult patients as a member of the Primary Care Medical Home or Specialty Care treatment team. They specialize in brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions geared toward functional improvement. BHCs are generalists, providing high volume services from a population-based lens that are accessible, team-based, and a routine part of primary care. This is a behavioral health model that is interconnected with patients medical care and medical care team that requires specialized training and experience with a variety of medical and mental health concerns. In addition, this role performs high-level consultation to physicians and other medical care team members and contributes to a clear treatment plan for patient care. The BHC functions effectively in a fast pace, highly productive setting with the ability to successfully pivot from a patient facing to a physician facing role throughout the day. The BHC thrives on being adaptable, flexible, and able to independently function at a consistently high level. The individual in this position must be willing to engage in brief visits (e.g. 15- 30 mins) at a high volume, and adept in working closely with PCPs and other team members. Other required skills and duties are outlined below.

Essential Responsibilities

• Apply solid working knowledge of biopsychosocial models of human behavior and development for assessment of patient care to include knowledge of the use of adult and pediatric screening instruments, as well as the ability to screen for and identify substance abuse problems.
• Apply first line interventions in a time-limited setting for a broad spectrum of physical and mental health problems experienced by patients and families throughout the lifespan as presenting in primary care (pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and Family medicine populations) or Specialty Care (ob/gyn, dermatology, cardiology, etc.) Targets of treatment may include mental health concerns, substance abuse concerns, adverse health behaviors (including their contribution to chronic medical illnesses), stress-related physical symptoms, ineffective patterns of health care utilization, and adjustment to new and chronic medical conditions.
• Provide patient and family education effectively and sensitively to encourage compliance with medical and behavioral treatment plans. To include the skill and expertise to discuss common psychotropic medications with a patient, including indications, effects and side effects, and demonstrate the ability to appropriately recommend initiating medication to primary care physician.
• Effectively utilize electronic health record and verbal communication to concisely communicate relevant information to medical providers in a timely manner. Ability to concurrently document during patient sessions. To include performance of various clinical, compliance, and administrative duties required to meet various billing and medical documentation requirements.
• Effectively assess for and manage suicidal and homicidal risk, as well as concerns for child or elder abuse and neglect, using effective and evidence‑based methods (PHQ‑9, Columbia Risk Assessment). When applicable, collaborate and coordinate care with the Crisis team, contact police and/or Child Protective Services and communicate effectively with receiving emergency department.
• A high level of comfort in providing consultation and training to other members of the primary care team in the areas of mental health, chemical dependency, and behavioral medicine.
• Possess skill and expertise to discuss common psychotropic medications with a patient, including indications, effects and side effects, and demonstrate the ability to appropriately recommend initiating medication to primary care physician.
• Provide brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions, with a focus on closing gaps in screening and prevention for chronic medical conditions (i.e. Hypertension, Diabetes).

Experience

Basic Qualifications

• External Candidates must have a minimum two (2) years of post‑graduate clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system primarily (51% or more of the time spent) providing care as described above. Clinical experience must be within the past five (5) year(s) OR the applicant must have completed an integrated care training/course* within that same time‑period.
• Internal Candidates must have a minimum two (2) years of post‑graduate clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system OR two (2) years of post‑graduate applied psychotherapy clinical experience AND the applicant must have completed an integrated care training/course*. This experience must be within the past five (5) year(s).
• * Integrated care training/course sample list can be provided upon request.
• At least 2 years of experience working in communities disproportionately impacted by health inequities.

Education

• Masters degree in mental health related field.

License, Certification, Registration

• This job requires credentials from multiple states. Credentials from the primary work state are required at hire. Additional Credentials from the secondary work state(s) are required post hire.
• Professional Counselor License (Oregon) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Oregon) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Oregon) within 6 months of hire OR Psychologist License (Oregon) within 6 months of hire
• Psychologist License (Washington) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (Washington) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Washington) within 6 months of hire OR Mental Health Counselor License (Washington) within 6 months of hire
• National Provider Identifier required at hire

Additional Requirements

• Taxonomy code required at time of hire.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a fast‑paced Primary Care or Specialty Care setting requiring the ability to manage multiple competing demands, constantly re‑prioritize, and succinctly communicate relevant information effectively to both patients and medical team members.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an inter‑disciplinary team.
• Demonstrate current knowledge of cultural competency, particularly related to how variables related to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture impact physical and emotional health; demonstrated experience and working understanding of how these variables may impact presentation of various concerns in primary care settings.
• Ability and willingness to teach classes and groups relevant to the integrated behavioral health provider role (e.g., chronic pain management, diabetes and stress, insomnia, etc).
• Experience/training working with a population that ranges across the life span
• Demonstrates the ability to appropriately and professionally present a case for review by the medical home/specialty treatment team, highlighting key clinical considerations, assessment needs, case formulation and treatment plan recommendations.
• Experience supporting populations affected by structural racism or systemic barriers.
• Ability to build trust with diverse client groups.
• Knowledge of culturally responsive and trauma informed practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical experience within an integrated care delivery system.
• Flexible, high energy level, team player, and strong interest in health and fitness, extroverted, self‑starter, interest in larger systems issues in addition to individual patient care.
• Masters or Doctoral degree with emphasis in Integrated Care.

Primary Location:

Oregon,Portland,East Interstate Medical Offices

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

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