JOB SUMMARY: Behavioral Health Clinician I’s act as an extension of the psychiatric provider. Regardless of acute psychiatric treatment setting, the BHC, working in collaboration with the behavioral health team, medical team, and community stakeholders, is responsible for completing: Psychosocial assessments, developing treatment plans, monitoring patient progress towards treatment goals, and crisis de-escalation. With clinical supervision, works independently to apply knowledge of diagnostic criteria to evaluate and recommend appropriate level of care for behavioral health patients.

One goal of all services facilitated by the BHC is to give psychiatric providers necessary information to finalize dispositions, as relevant to patient needs. BHC I’s work with diverse populations, age groups, and diagnoses. Serves as primary educator on topics of mental illness/mental health to patients and/or family members. Responsible for facilitating patient-centered, trauma-informed brief individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy within the acute care setting, when indicated. Initiates coordination of discharge and aftercare services, as needed.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Education & Training: Master’s Degree in Human Services (i.e., Social Work, Professional Counseling, etc.) required. Licensed as a LGPC or LMSW in the state of Maryland required.  

Work Orientation & Experience: Previous experience working with individuals with acute and chronic mental illness in an acute care psychiatric setting preferred.

Skills & Abilities: Demonstrate knowledge/skills of behavioral health clinical practice in a variety of settings: a.) Completing psychosocial assessments; b) provision of trauma-informed individual, group, and family therapy services; c.) developing and implementing discharge and aftercare plans; d) coordinating services for patient/family with community providers including knowledge of community resources, Medicare/Medicaid and commercial insurances; e.) knowledge of state and federal regulations as it pertains to scope of clinical practice in multiple settings;  f.) effective critical thinking; g.) professional and effective written and verbal communication; h.) prioritize work assignments and manage time effectively to complete duties; and  i.) work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Ability to a) communicate and collaborate effectively with both internal and external partners (i.e., behavioral health team, medical team, community stakeholders and patients/families); b) assess, adapt, and calmly respond to changing and/or crisis environment; c) make independent decisions consistent with current policies, procedures, health care and ethical standards; and d) be available to adapt hours to meet the needs of partners. 

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