Behavioral Health Clinician – Anchorage Out-Patient Program – Anchorage, AK – Full-Time – Exempt

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Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Clinician provides direct services including individual counseling, group counseling, family counseling, develops individualized treatment plans, and conducts clinical assessments for individuals seeking treatment for mental health and substance use for clients seeking outpatient and residential services, and as assigned, crisis intervention services. Assist the Program Manager/Lead Clinician with clinical functions, routine quality assurance, program development and direction, and compliance with accreditation standards.

Competencies:
The Behavioral Health Clinician must be able to demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• Communication skills.
• Clinical expertise.
• Dealing with change.
• Approachability.
• Interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities:

1. Provides behavioral health screenings and assessments for outpatient, residential, and emergency department clients, as assigned.
2. Follows DSM-5-TR criteria in making preliminary diagnosis.
3. Reviews intake information for completeness and follows-up on needed changes or additions.
4. Collaborates with other various community agencies and individuals including social service agencies, adult protective services, child protective services, schools, courts, probation/parole offices, hospitals, doctors, and behavioral health treatment centers.
5. Provides client services in an appropriate, efficient, expeditious, and professional manner.
6. Provides preventive behavioral health and health promotion and disease prevention education activities to individuals, groups and families.
7. Provides excellent communication skills to clients, agency staff, and external personnel to meet departmental and service goals,
8. Proactively seeks resolution to program/service challenges.
9. Documents all client services using Akeela’s designated ‘Electronic Health Record’ (ERH) and maintains accurate and timely client records in accordance with Akeela policy.
10. To maintain confidentiality as required by Akeela policies.
11. Provides support to Akeela clinical staff, as assigned.
12. Conduct chart and/or peer audits, as assigned.
13. Provides peer consultation in case staffing, assuring quality assurance, and as necessary reports to referring agencies on patient progress.
14. Utilizes case staffing to assure that clients receive services in an appropriate, efficient, expeditious, and professional manner.
15. Participates in a variety of available trainings related to professional development.
16. Remains current and completes on time, all assigned Relias trainings.
17. Enhance and promote the agency’s core values and mission.
18. Always exercise utmost discretion, diplomacy, and tact in customer interactions.
19. As assigned, provide mental health consultation to other professionals and agencies.
20. As assigned, provide training to staff and members of the community.
21. As assigned, provides clinical support to interdisciplinary treatment teams of other Akeela programs in compliance with Akeela and other requirements.
22. Successfully complete required training and maintain applicable licensure, certification(s), and/or clinical supervision requirements needed to successfully perform assigned duties.
23. Assist clients in the development of a personalized treatment plan conducting regular reviews, updating as needed, and documenting the client’s progress toward treatment goals. 
24. Follows AK DHSS Division of Behavioral Health information management system (i.e., AKAIMS) core data reporting requirements for clients.
25. Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

1. Knowledge of the cultural, social, and economic backgrounds of the populations served and the ability to work with diverse populations.
2. Courteous, honest, and professional always.
3. Excellent communication skills and relate well with patients, providers, agency staff and service contacts.
4. Ability to accomplish the quality and quantity of work expected within set limits of cost and time.
5. Knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria.
6. Knowledge of ASAM criteria.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of a variety of different mental health and substance use treatment approaches including trauma informed care; brief solution-focused therapy; clinic verses rehabilitation services per Alaska law; specific approaches for targeted diagnostic groups including individuals experiencing a psychiatric emergency/ crisis; adults with severe mental illness (SMI), and children with severe emotional disturbance (SED).
8. Demonstrate the ability to identify and assess mental health and substance use clients.
9. Ability to assess clients for co-occurring issues including substance misuse problems and provide specific diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
10. Knowledge of current crisis intervention, diagnostic, and therapeutic techniques.
11. Ability to work independently.
12. Excellent computer skills with Microsoft Office, Outlook and quick to learn new systems/programs.
13. Ability to provide electronic, written or oral reports and evaluations concerning program activities, accomplishments, goals, and objectives in a timely manner.
14. Knowledge of existing social and behavioral health resources available for patient care.
15. Ability to assess quality of patient care and make improvements as needed.
16. Ability to conduct behavioral telehealth services.
17. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
18. Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse issues of the populations served.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Meets at least one of the following requirements for degree/certification:

• Advanced degree (masters-level or doctoral-level) in psychology, social work, counseling, child guidance, nursing, or similar field; per Alaska regulations for mental health clinician.
• Prefer Alaska license as a LPC, LCSW, or LMFT.  Note: Some positions may require a license.
• Must pass background check.
• Prefer working knowledge of treatment issues with particular emphasis on mental health and co-occurring disorders.
• Prefer three (3) years of experience in mental health, addictions, social services, or related field.