Behavioral Health Clinician

Job Description

This position provides evidence-based culturally relevant outpatient behavioral health treatment for individuals experiencing behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders. Clinical services include individual, group, family, and marital therapy, as well as bio-psychosocial assessments, diagnostic evaluations, care coordination, and crisis intervention. The clinician will be an active member of the multidisciplinary treatment team aimed at supporting individuals and families. Timely documentation of services will be maintained within the patient electronic health record, adhering to established policies and procedures.

Key Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Implement culturally relevant screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapy for clients.
• Utilize Trauma Informed Care in all interactions with patients, employees, and the community.
• Integrate mental health and substance use disorder interventions based on individualized assessments and treatment plans.
• Develop and review individualized treatment plans to address clients’ specific needs.
• Provide care coordination, advocacy, motivational interviewing, and skill development.
• Focus on improving coping strategies, promoting self-care, enhancing self-understanding, and managing symptoms.
• Communicate and collaborate with clinical and paraprofessional team members to achieve individualized treatment goals.
• Provide crisis intervention services during regular clinic hours.
• Offer after-hours crisis and emergency services on a shared rotating basis across various locations.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of all services within the electronic health record as per policy.
• Self-monitor and fulfill licensure requirements as stipulated by the respective licensing board.
• Adhere to patient confidentiality and regulations regarding the sharing and release of information.
• Coordinate care with community social agencies to ensure optimal individualized care.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and multidisciplinary team meetings professionally.
• Meet productivity expectations to support ongoing patient access to care.
• Respond promptly to coding and audit requests with professionalism.
• Complete all required provider enrollment and documentation duties.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Preferred: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Professional Counselor (LPC), or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
• Clinicians not yet licensed will receive clinical supervision focused on core functions of behavioral health service delivery.
• Valid State of Alaska Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Preferred: Alaska State Chemical Dependency Counselor I or MAC certificate or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification to be obtained within 3 months of employment.
• Completion of SEARHC Clinical Competency assessment within 3 months and every 3 years thereafter.

Experience Required

• Experience and expertise in behavioral health assessment and diagnosis.
• Ability to provide assessment and treatment plans for patients of all ages.

Knowledge of

• Behavioral health assessment and diagnostic evaluation criteria.
• Development of treatment plans with patient and family-centered goals.
• Evidence-based methods and techniques for individual, group, and family therapy addressing mental health issues.
• Federal and state mandatory reporting requirements.
• Ethical and legal management practices, patient rights, and relevant regulations.

Skills and Abilities

• Assess patients for risk of self-harm and develop effective safety plans.
• Advocate for patients and coordinate necessary services in crisis situations.
• Analyze and diagnose situations, adopting effective courses of action.
• Document clear and concise reports adhering to professional standards.
• Modify treatment activities as needed to accommodate changes in patients’ needs.
• Stay informed about new developments in behavioral health assessment and counseling.

Shift Information

Full Time position with variable days and after-hours coverage required.

Minimum Years of Experience

Less than 1 year