The Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) position is a behavioral health provider who operates in a consultative role within Family Medicine at Richmond clinic, working to support a smooth interface between primary care and specialty services, and provides point of care behavioral interventions to the primary care patient population.

 

The BHC role is to detect and address a broad spectrum of behavioral health needs in the primary care patient population with the aim of early identification, quick resolution, long-term prevention and wellness for as many patients as possible. The BHC functions as a core member of the primary care team, providing consultative services for behavioral health issues related to physical health conditions. The BHC performs assessment, management, and triage of psychological and social problems in clinic patient population.

 

This position involves a high degree of clinical complexity and advanced level skill in delivering evidence-based interventions targeted to improve wellbeing health for a large variety of patients with emotional and behavioral problems commonly seen in a primary care setting. The work includes the BHC meeting with patients for a single visit, providing recommendations to the primary care team to enhance the patient's care plan, and working with patients for a longer period of time to provide on-going skills training and coaching to improve health and functioning. The BHC also seeks to support a smooth coordination of care with community partners and completes short-term case management for patients during their episodes of care.

 

The BHC will work within established practices and procedures with opportunities to participate in the planning, design and implementation of programs. The BHC performs duties with minimal supervision. Work is reviewed for adherence to procedures, regulations, standards and for overall effectiveness. The BHC position is expected to serve as an advocate for integrated behavioral health within the primary care setting. 

The BHC position performs the following:

• Maintains a visible presence in the clinic and attends clinic meetings.
• Provides consultation and same day feedback to primary care providers and care team.

• Is available for same day and scheduled consultations with patients.

• Performs follow-up visits and conducts supportive counseling and brief therapy for selected patients.

• Provides a range of services including screening for common conditions, assessments and therapeutic interventions related to chronic disease management.

• Conducts risk assessments and crisis intervention as indicated.

• Provides psycho-education for patients during individual or group visits.

• Provides brief behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions for patients.

• Triages patients with severe or high-risk behavioral health problems and refers such patients to community resources or specialty behavioral health services.

• Educates the primary care team in the basic principles of brief behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions and reinforces their use in the medical visit.

• Documents consultative notes for the health record outlining assessment findings, interventions delivered and recommendations made to the primary care provider.

• Assists in the development of clinical pathways, groups, and classes.

• Maintains clinical records and other necessary paperwork in a timely manner to comply with all administrative regulations.

• Provides assistance in capturing program evaluation and fidelity measures.

OHSU Family Medicine at Richmond is designated as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and cares for over 16,000 community members as part of the community safety net. Some applicants may qualify to apply for loan repayment due to FQHC at this designation.

• Master’s Social Work (MSW) required
• Experience in behavioral health counseling and brief short-term therapy strategies and case management is required
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity, equity and inclusion in the clinic and learning environment
• Ability to contribute to the success of the organization through support of and seeking out diversified ideas and perspectives
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma informed and patient centered care
• Ability to work independently utilizing critical thinking, problem solving, and time management skills
• Skill in developing and maintaining professional relationships quickly
• Capacity to manage technology supportive of in-person and telehealth including but not limited to electronic health record, virtual meeting platforms, and pager
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of primary care behavioral health consultation, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, cognitive-behavioral counseling strategies and their application to population-based care for preventive and chronic care issues
• Demonstrated ability to practice with minimal supervision using sound clinical judgement
• Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)
• Code of conduct, respect in the workplace, applicable trainings, policies, procedures, and agreements related to position department or OHSU as a whole
• Attendance at applicable team, clinic, and department meetings
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

• Training in Primary Care Behavioral Health
• Experience as a Behavioral Health Consultant in a Primary Care setting.
• Experience as a clinician in primary care or health care setting.
• Experience in clinical teaching as a field instructor with social work students
• Understanding of patient-centered medical home and trauma informed care principles.
• Interest and experience in program development improvement, and assessment.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Language: Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Russian, Arabic, Korean

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.


As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.