LOCATION:
Othello Family Clinic

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:   

The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS), located in Support Services Department, is a member of the Maternity Support Services team, which includes public health nurses, nutritionist, commu­nity health workers, and infant case manager.  This position’s role is to provide brief, culturally relevant counseling interventions for First Steps clients.  This role is vital in improving birth outcomes and responding to client’s individual risks and needs.  The BHS’ primary role is that of assessment and counseling/intervention.  Secondary roles include resource provision and advocacy work – case management.  The BHS must have working knowledge of the First Steps Program in order to provide the required services.  

FUNCTIONAL DUTIES:

The BHS is involved in the following duties: 

• Assure that a comprehensive assessment is made.
• Develop and implement an intervention plan based on client’s needs.
• Provide brief counseling and/or transition services to ongoing counseling services.
• Consultation to the MSS/First Steps Team regarding the psychosocial needs of pregnant women and their families and the provision of social services.
• Provide resource and referral interventions through effective outreach activities to assist clients in accessing community resources for basic needs, health care and social services.

SPECIFIC DUTIES:

CLINICAL:

• Assessment Function – Assure that a thorough, culturally sensitive, assessment is completed as defined in the First Steps Program guidelines.
• Intervention – Provide brief, culturally relevant counseling to clients on areas identified in the assessment.  Counseling issues may include: crisis intervention, pregnancy and birth options, grief issues, stress, parenting, coping skills, problem solving, abuse/neglect, drug/alcohol issues, family violence, and family planning methods.  Also educate client toward informed choices regarding personal, child and family health/mental health treatment.
• Documentation – maintain records that contain comprehensive assessments, clear and concise intervention plan that includes treatment and follow up care and progress toward outcomes.
• Provide consultation in writing or verbal reports to medical providers and/or other members of the First Steps Team. 

CASE MANAGEMENT::

• Provide resource and referral interventions to assist clients in accessing community resources for basic needs, health care, and social services. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with community agencies relevant to program functions or referral needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

1. Ability to sit, use hands and fingers, reach with arms, talk or hear frequently
2. Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, taste or smell infrequently throughout the day.

VISION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
2. Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)
3. Peripheral vision (ability to observe an area that can be seen up and down or to the left and right while eyes are fixed on a given point)
4. Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)
5. Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Masters Degree in social work, behavioral sciences, or related field, with one year’s experience in community social services or public health services.
2. Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field and 2 years of supervised experience in direct counseling services.
3. Ability to form and sustain effective relationships with patients, medical providers, team members, and community providers
4. Ability to manage time and resources effectively 
5. Excellent verbal and written communications as well as computer skills
6. Familiarity with community and issues that affect immigrant/migrant populations
7. Bilingual in English/Spanish
8. Community outreach experience
9. Possess a valid Washington State driver’s license.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

SUPERVISOR:                            Support Services Coordinator

CO-WORKERS:                          Works closely with the majority of CBHA staff, especially medical providers and the
                                                   Support Services team.

EMPLOYEES SUPERVISED:        None