Behavioral Health Specialist

Organization: Vecinos, Inc.

Address: 19 Smoky Mountain Drive, Franklin, NC, 28734

Phone: (828) 293-2274

Website: www.vecinos.org

Position: Bilingual Behavioral Health Specialist

Location: Franklin, NC (with time in Cullowhee and outreach in surrounding counties)

Compensation: $18-20/hour

Classification: Non-Exempt, Permanent, Full-Time

Organization Description:  Vecinos is a non-profit, 501(c)3 Free Clinic that provides bilingual integrated primary and mental health care, mobile clinic services, health education, and case management to uninsured, low-income adults in the far-western NC counties. We offer a positive, supportive, and team-oriented atmosphere. We work in a non-traditional environment with limited resources. Schedules and hours vary throughout the year.

Purpose:  The Bilingual Behavioral Health Specialist works under the supervision of the Behavioral Health Director and directly with the Integrated Care team to provide behavioral health services to Vecinos clients and may include providing brief consultations with patients and medical providers, intersecting with the entire integrated care team. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Clinical

• Provide case management as needed, helping patients access needed resources either within Vecinos or within the community
• Document encounters and communications with patients in Vecinos’ electronic health record, Athenanet
• Complete patient health questionnaires and screenings prior to appointments
• Depending on experience: Provide 15-minute behavioral health consultations with patients to assess their wellbeing, including education regarding mental health in general and awareness of  Vecinos’ programs and other resources

1. Administrative

• Assist the Behavioral Health Director in administrative tasks as needed, including office management, internal and external communications, resource management, etc.
• Assist patients with appointment scheduling and confirmations
• Participate in weekly behavioral health team meetings
• Conduct patient feedback and community assessment surveys as needed
• Research, develop and/or improve behavioral health education resources based on evidence-based practices. Present to and train the integrated care team on these materials

3)   Team Collaboration 

• Collaborate across Vecinos’ departments to promote behavioral health promotion and services throughout the organizational activities
• Serve as a liaison between Vecinos’ departments and patients, keeping medical providers informed of patients’ mental health needs and voicing the needs and concerns of patients

Required Qualifications

• Native or near-native English/Spanish fluency, including a strong command of medical and mental health vocabulary and excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Associates Degree in a relevant field
• At least two year’s experience in behavioral health services
• Demonstrated interest and experience in a mental health setting
• Able to work effectively both independently and as a team member in an integrated care setting with therapists, nurses, physicians, outreach staff, and other partner agencies
• Cultural sensitivity and a caring and confident demeanor
• Flexible and dependable with a professional attitude
• Desire to serve uninsured/underserved populations

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors in a human services field (e.g. social work, psychology, counseling, integrated health care) or four years’ relevant experience
• Working towards becoming a licensed clinical social worker, counselor, or other relevant licensure
• Five year’s experience in relevant behavioral health services
• Five year’s experience in relevant farmworker health services
• Five year’s experience in relevant crisis intervention, assessing for safety and safety planning, and health education

Submit Resume through www.vecinos.org