Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist

Wfall; Coos Bay (OR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community health center in Coos Bay, Oregon, is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to deliver trauma-informed care and evidence-based support services in a primary care setting. The role involves direct patient interaction, assessment, and crisis intervention, alongside collaboration with medical teams. A Bachelor’s in Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology is essential, with a strong focus on support to diverse patient populations. The candidate should also pursue QMHA certification to excel in this supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required to meet QMHA definition.
• Engaged in pursuing QMHA career ladder.
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention training within 6 months.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-informed and evidence-based support services.
• Engage in brief intervention strategies with patients.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient interactions.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Communication skills

Crisis intervention

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Purpose

Behavioral Health Specialist – Under the supervision and mentorship of the Mental Health Program Manager, the BHS provides trauma-informed and evidence-based care within the Primary Care team. This position is an integral part of the medical team, providing supportive visits to patients to check in regarding navigating current medical stressors. The BHS also reviews and provides appropriate referrals to mental health and psychiatry services. The role focuses on short‑term counseling and consultation to meet the needs of patients with social, behavioral, and emotional factors that influence physical health. In addition, the BHS provides ongoing support to the medical team in the support and intervention during client crisis, implementing de‑escalation techniques and reducing the intensity of potentially high‑stress situations.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Waterfall Community Health Center’s (WCHC) mission while performing assigned duties. Demonstrate the core values of Integrity, Respect, Accountability, Compassion, Partnership, and Collaborative Communication.
• Abide by Mental Health Associate Competencies and Code of Ethics established by the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO).
• Provide trauma‑informed and evidence‑based support services within a Primary Care setting, including performing brief assessments and interventions, providing referrals, attending to social determinants of health, coordinating with community partners, and operating within a fully integrated provider care team.
• Engage in brief intervention strategies and supportive check‑ins with patients attending medical services across WCHC clinics.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with clients to facilitate accurate assessment and ongoing therapeutic alliance.
• Keep accurate and timely records including comprehensive documentation of all patient interactions appropriately in accordance with clinic policies, procedures, and local, state, and federal guidelines.
• Demonstrate ability to work independently, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and deal tactfully and patiently with patients, coworkers, and supervisors.
• Foster a supportive, trauma‑informed, and growth‑centered approach with patients, staff, and the community.
• Build positive rapport with a diverse patient population including those with developmental conditions, psychiatric diagnoses, and patients using substances.
• Engage as an active contributing member of the primary care team.
• Participate in team meetings and daily huddles with members of the care team to review the care of patients, particularly those patients with whom behavioral health needs are contributing to long‑term health conditions.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patient communications including phone calls, MyChart messages, clinical questions, and routing as appropriate.
• Adapt and respond with communication strategies to stabilize, slow, or reduce the intensity of a potentially high‑stress situation(s).
• Provide immediate support and intervention during client crisis, employing de‑escalation techniques and appropriate therapeutic strategies.
• Identify and assess potential risks to client safety, developing and implementing appropriate intervention strategies.
• Engage in skills training and coaching to patients to support behavioral health goals under the established treatment plan of a Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) or other licensed Behavioral Health Provider.
• Maintain an unbiased, safe, and confidential environment for staff and patients while in the clinic including strict adherence to confidentiality as required by Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards.
• Support program goals to reduce cultural and socio‑economic barriers between clients and institutions committed to working with marginalized and diverse community populations.
• Collaborate effectively within an integrated team setting, coordinating care within a variety of services including primary care, social health, dentistry, mental health, and psychiatry.
• Receive supervision and ongoing guidance to meet certification goals and continued professional development as well as to enhance clinical skills and ensure the provision of high‑quality care.
• Perform other duties as needed to help support WCHC’s vision, mission, and organizational values.
• Participate in quality and organizational process improvement activities when requested.
• Support and contribute to effective safety, quality, and risk management efforts by adhering to established policies and procedures, maintaining a safe environment, promoting accident prevention, and identifying and reporting potential liabilities.
• Openly, clearly, and respectfully share and receive information, opinions, concerns, and feedback in a supportive manner.
• Work collaboratively by mentoring new and existing co‑workers, building bridges, and creating rapport with team members across the organization.
• Provide excellent customer service to all internal and external customers, which includes team members, patients, students, visitors, and vendors, by consistently exceeding the customer’s expectations.
• Advance personal knowledge base by pursuing continuing education to enhance professional competence.
• Promote individual and organizational integrity by exhibiting ethical behavior to maintain high standards.
• Represent organization at meetings and conferences as applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Critical attention to detail for accuracy, timeliness, and organization of assigned work.
• Ability to report to work as scheduled, and willingness to work a flexible schedule when needed.
• Proficient in Electronic Health Records (EHR), Microsoft Office Suite, and Windows Operating System (OS).
• Knowledge and understanding of how the position’s responsibilities contribute to the department and company goals and mission.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws including OSHA, HIPAA, Waste Fraud and Abuse.
• Training in, awareness and understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and the equity lens: ability to analyze the unfair benefits and/or burdens within a society or population by understanding the social, political, and environmental contexts of policies, programs, and practices.
• A respectful and friendly demeanor, with a non‑judgmental approach.
• Ability to handle stress and sensitive situations effectively while projecting professionalism.
• Ability to communicate professionally, both conversing and written.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and interact with people of differing personalities and backgrounds.
• Sensitive to economic considerations, human needs and aware of how one’s actions may affect others.
• Poised; maintains composure and sense of purpose.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable attendance and time management strategies.
• Highly self‑motivated and able to function within a team setting.
• Able to actively listen and think critically.
• Contribute to the community learning model by participating in clinical observation and feedback.

Working Conditions (Patient Care)

• Employee generally works within the interior of a healthcare facility.
• Employee may travel locally and be responsible for own transportation; out of area travel may be required on occasion.
• Hours of operations and specific staff scheduling may vary based on operational need.
• The healthcare facility environment is clean with a comfortable temperature and moderate noise level.

Exposed to

• Healthcare facility cold and heat controls.
• Close contact with employees and the public, in a healthcare facility.
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases.
• Potential exposure to escalated or angry patients.

Machines, Equipment, Tools, and Supplies Used

• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as postage machine, fax, copier, calculator, multi‑line telephone system, scanner.
• May use diagnostic or screening medical devices as directed by medical provider, such as blood glucose machine, manual or battery‑operated blood pressure device, thermometer, oximetry.
• May answer a high volume of telephone calls, complete documentation, and use computer programs to either obtain or record information.
• May be required to use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and bodily fluids.

Multiple Duties

Must be able to work under conditions of frequent interruption and be able to stay on task.

Other Information

This job description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of Waterfall Clinic employees. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications, Education, & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field to meet the definition of a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
• Ability to become registered with the Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) as a Qualified Mental Health Associate.
• Actively engaged in pursuing QMHA career ladder (QMHA‑R to QMHA‑I to QMHA‑II).
• Non‑violent Crisis Intervention Comprehensive training class completed within 6 months of hire and recertify prior to the expiration date.
• Preferred – Experience working in a mental health care setting with a low‑income population.
• Preferred – Bilingual preferred, qualified, certified, or willing to obtain.
• Current First Aid or BLS Certification preferred, or willing to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• TB test upon hire.