Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician

POSITION SUMMARY:

Boston Medical Center Health System (BMCHS) is a leading academic medical center with a deep commitment to health equity and a proud history of serving all who come to us for care. BMC provides high-quality healthcare and support, extending beyond our physical campus into our vibrant and diverse communities. As a core member of the Boston Medical Center Health System, BMC is advancing medicine and training the next generation of healthcare providers and researchers. 

In 2021 BMC launched the “Health Equity Accelerator” with the purpose of ‘transforming healthcare to deliver health justice and well-being’. The Accelerator, in partnership with Population Health, is developing an innovative multi-disciplinary approach that combines clinical operations, community engagement, health-related social needs programs, and research assets to address racial health inequities.  

Under the direction of the Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) leadership team, the Population-based Community Behavioral Health Clinician works closely with patients who have or are at high risk of developing cardiometabolic conditions such as, diabetes, hypertension and or obesity, and associated behavioral health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. In this role, the clinician will work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team to address both the behavioral health needs and self-management goals of patients with cardiometabolic conditions, supporting them in managing co-occurring health conditions that are often exacerbated by mental health challenges. This role requires strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to advancing health equity.

Position: Integrated Behavioral Health Clinician       

Department: MGB Diabetes Initiative

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Clinical responsibilities:

• Act as a central team member in assessing and addressing behavioral health needs for patients with cardiometabolic conditions, emphasizing integrated care approaches that improve self-management and health outcomes.
• Respond to referrals from the program team and proactively reach out to patients who are identified as at high risk for behavioral health conditions impacting diabetes, hypertension, and or obesity, such as depression, anxiety, or high stress.
• Facilitate patient-centered care plans that incorporate both behavioral health and chronic condition management, tailoring support for diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, among others.
• Participate in community-based programming and events, which may take place during off-hours, to enhance outreach and education on diabetes and behavioral health.
• Work in both telemedicine and in-person settings (currently a hybrid of at least 1 telemedicine day and up to 4 in-person days per week) to meet the needs of the program and patients as it evolves.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and crisis interventions when needed, formulate behavioral health diagnoses and case conceptualizations, develop and implement effective short-term (up to 6 months) treatment plans for patients enrolled in the program; partners with other core program team members.
• Adhere to trauma-informed, evidence-based principles in providing clinical care to patients and families.
• Present cases in team meetings with the consulting Psychiatrist and Psychologist and communicate team recommendations back program team
• Monitor patient outcomes using evidence-based tools (e.g. PHQ-9) and adjust treatment as needed.
• Facilitate group didactic sessions for patients in the program in partnership with the Nurse Practitioner.
• Lead the behavioral health group visits for program participants
• Conduct individual therapy sessions with patients who desire or require individual level support.

Other responsibilities:

• Attend IBH and Psychiatry meetings and in-service education program offerings through the Department of Psychiatry.
• Attends program huddles with other clinical team members.
• Partners with the Community Wellness Advocate and Community Equity Manager to develop and facilitate community-based programming around economic mobility and nutrition security.
• Obtain continuing education as necessary to maintain licensure.
• Utilize hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the hospital's mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Maintain patient confidentiality according to hospital policy. Practices professional discretion when determining the inclusion of any patient information into medical record or department clinical record notes.
• Document each patient encounter in the medical record or the Department clinical record concurrently according to Department policies
• Utilize hospital's behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to facilitate the hospital's mission.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

• Requires master's degree from an accredited school of Social Work or Mental Health Counseling

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

• Requires a Massachusetts license as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

EXPERIENCE:

• Previous experience in Integrated Behavioral Health or Medical Setting preferred.
• Requires level of knowledge of Social Work process and community resources and agencies in relation to health, illness, and disability, and social determinants of health

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Multilingual skills in languages appropriate to the patient populations served by the medical center preferred (Spanish or Haitian Creole).
• Advanced interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with various healthcare professionals, to develop and maintain effective therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Cultural sensitivity and comfort with a wide range of racial and ethnic populations. Cultural competence is very important.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Computer literacy with ability to use standard word processing, spreadsheet programs and e-mail (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook) and web browsers.
• Must be comfortable in a fast paced and dynamic work environment (sense of humor is valued).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans