License Behavioral Health Clinicians

• Utilizes approved assessments to identify clients/members needs and family needs; develops initial and ongoing clinical plan of care. Updates plan at specified intervals, and as needed based on changes in client/member condition or circumstances.
• Performs and maintains effective care management for assigned caseload of clients/members. Leads the care coordination for complex psychiatric clinical cases. Tracks and monitors progress; maintains detailed, accurate and timely progress notes and other documentation.
• Provides supportive counseling and/or supportive therapy as well as ongoing mental health services. Collaborates and refers to appropriate agencies as required. Addresses any client/member concerns to ensure satisfaction with overall services provided and uses motivational interviewing techniques to foster behavioral changes.
• Develops inventory of resources that meet the clients/members needs as identified in the assessment.
• Provides linkage, coordination with, referral to and follow-up with appropriate service providers and managed care plans. Facilitates periodic case record reviews and case conferences with all providers serving the clients/members.
• Provides information and assistance through advocacy and education to clients/members and family on availability and eligibility of entitlements and community services. Arranges transportation and accompanies clients/members to appointments as necessary.
• Assists clients/members and/or families in the development of a sustainable network of community-based supports, utilizing identified strengths and tools designed to prevent future participant crises and/or reduce the negative impact if a crisis does occur.
• Participates in initial and ongoing trainings as necessary to maintain and enhance clinical and professional skills.
• Maintains updated case records in program EMR. Maintains case records in accordance with program policies/procedures, VNS Health standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participates and consults with team supervisor in case conferences, staff meetings, utilization review and discharge planning meetings to determine if client/member requires an alternate level of care or is appropriate for discharge.
• Participates in 24/7 on-call coverage schedule and performs on-call duties, as required.
• Acts as liaison with other community agencies.
• Provides short term counseling (coping skills, trauma informed, decision making) and Risk Health Assessment/Safety Planning.
• Collects and reports data, as required while adhering to productivity standards.
• Leads and participates in "Network Meetings" with client, client/ member's personal support network and other team members using the Open Dialogue Model.
• For Wellness WeCare Program Only:
• Clinical Assessments: Conducts biopsychosocial assessments and reassessments using approved tools.
• SSA Disability Evaluation: Performs Social Security Administration sequential evaluation process for determining disabilities.
• Document Review: Reviews medical and health-related documents and prior records.
• Functional Capacity Determination: Identifies limitations and determines employability or vocational rehabilitation needs.
• Coordination for Assessments: Works with physicians and evaluating clinicians for additional medical or mental health assessments.
• Reporting: Prepares clinical assessment reports as required by HRA.
• Motivational Interviewing: Uses techniques to gather complete information during assessments.
• Compliance: Adheres to HRA policies and procedures; participates in team meetings to improve assessment processes.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid NYS ID or NYS driver's license may be required as determined by operational needs. License and current registration to practice as a Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Social Worker, Clinical Social Worker or related license in New York State required For Wellness WeCare Program Only: Licensed or certified health professional (LMSW, LCSW, LMHC, CRC, RN) required

Education:
Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health Counseling, Family Therapy or related degree required

Work Experience:
Minimum of two years of mental health work experience providing direct services to clients/members with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and/or chronic medical conditions required Effective oral/written/interpersonal communication skills required Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs. Basic computer skills required