Behavioral Health Coordinator (DOC)

Job Description

Job DescriptionINTRODUCTION

Under the supervision of the Director of Behavioral Health, the Behavioral Health Coordinator is responsible for assuring patients with chronic and or acute behavioral health needs are connected with appropriate health care and social services upon returning to the community. This position is co-located within DC Department of Corrections, as well as in one or more of Unity’s Health Care Clinics within the Community.

MAJOR DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Liaises with the Psychiatric, Mental Health and OTP/SUD teams within DC Corrections to identify patients with chronic or acute behavioral health needs requiring intensive discharge planning services.
• Conducts a discharge planning interview with each patient prior to release based on the patient release list generated daily.
• Liaises with Unity Health Care clinics to admit patients for services including medical-psychiatric-social services following release from DC Corrections.
• Conducts a needs interview of each patient referred and establishes a brief action plan.
• Assists and applies for Identification cards, health insurance, ADAP (when appropriate), and other emergency assistance programs for the patient at the time of release.
• In collaboration with the DBH liaisons at DOC, links patients in need of Psychiatric services with one of the Core Services Agencies operating under DC Department of Behavioral Health.
• Links patients in need of Substance Abuse Services with a Unity MAT clinic or other Provider within the DBH provider network.
• Maintains electronic copy of services when provided.
• Tracks and maintains statistical data on the population served as required.
• Participates in monthly team meetings and supervision as required.
• Liaises with DBH liaisons co-located within the Department of Corrections (CDF and CTF) as well as staff at the READY Center, and interagency resource center hosted by DOC.
• Performs full range of MHC duties at DOC approximately 20% of the time, including covering intakes, assessing suicide risk, conducting safe cell follow-ups, and responding to sick call requests.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 3-5 years of prior experience in Case Management.
• Minimum of 3-5 years staff in a mental health, shelter, or supportive housing work environment
• Minimum of 3-5 years of work experience within the DBH provider network (i.e., either at DBH itself in the forensic or crisis services division, at a DBH-certified Core Services Agency, or at one of the contract MH Crisis Residential Programs operated for DBH), work environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Extensive knowledge of the District of Columbia’s public behavioral health system
• General knowledge of interviewing skills and needs assessment.
• General knowledge of data keeping & tracking.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Expert knowledge of Cultural Competency practices.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

This position reports to Director of Behavioral Health within the DC Corrections Health Care Delivery System.

GUIDELINES

The BH Coordinator abides by all rules and regulations set forth by applicable licensing and regulatory bodies; and the UHC policies and procedures.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

The position of BH Coordinator requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organizational relationships that may be part of the work of this individual.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items such as books and paper is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Behavioral Health Coordinator works involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meetings, training room, and other UHC Health Care and DOC Sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated.

• Must be physically able to sit, stand, and walk for long periods of time. Must be able to bend, lift, and carry files from one location to another.
• Must have visual acuity and the ability to differentiate colors, and sustain long periods of computer usage.
• May sit for prolonged periods of time at a desk or in an automobile and/or may use the telephone for long periods of time.
• The office environment may be stressful with multiple, time-sensitive tasks to be accomplished within a short period of time.
• Must be able to work any time of the day, independently with minimal supervision, be capable of making sound business and decisions, be detail oriented, alert and self-motivated.
• Must be able to effectively manage difficult situations, staff, and customers.

OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

Although the position is assigned to a specific shift, this position may be assigned alternate shifts to address the needs of Unity Health Care.

RISKS

The position involves everyday risk and discomforts, which require normal safety precautions typical of such placesas offices, meetings, training rooms, and other UHC health Care and DOC Sites. The work area is adequately lit, heated, and ventilated. The position requires contact with staff at all levels throughout the organization. There are also external organization relationships that may be a part of the work of this individual. All medical services shall be provided according to medically accepted community standards of care. The employee shall provide evidence of a recent (within the past twelve (12) months) health assessment that includes a MMR, PPD and/or chest x-ray results.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.