Behavioral Health Specialist

Position Summary:

Full-Time Behavioral Health Specialist position available for our Bellingham Behavioral Health Clinic. The Specialist provides primary community support/case management to clients of all ages. This person participates actively as a team member in the delivery of client services, and the coordination of community support services. The BH Specialist must be able to travel to local schools and client homes for work as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following.

• Conducts intake screenings to determine client’s need for case management. Interviews client, (either in home or at clinic) performing systematic social services assessment to determine current status and needs in a variety of areas. Makes a Client Service Plan with each client for each activity that will be done with the client.
• Makes referrals, based on identified need, to appropriate agencies/services or provides information and assists client for self-referral.
• Maintains regular contact with client, including home visits, and provides advocacy as needed to encourage cooperation in implementing the Service Plan or to resolve problems which are interfering with active participation in plan (such as transportation or language barrier).
• Maintains files that document case management activities as required by the State and the clinic.
• Assists client in accomplishing necessary tasks in accessing services such as filling out appropriate forms, obtaining necessary documentation or authorization and finding transportation.
• Participates in regular interdisciplinary team case reviews.
• Will promote a positive team approach. Team member will collaborate with all staff members to provide comprehensive services that are individualized to best serve each client and will welcome and orient all new staff and visitors in a positive manner.
• Maintains professional standards and follows the treatment policies and procedures of the agency, as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Completes daily record keeping as directed by the Program Manager. Reports any unusual incidents to the Program Manager. As the Behavioral Health Specialist is a State mandated reporter, he/she will report to the State any suspected case of child/elder abuse or neglect as mandated by WAC.
• Observes and assesses clients’ basic needs, strengths and weaknesses, and refers client to appropriate department as needed.
• Participates in supervision as directed and provided.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience:

• The person in this position must be of good character and able to maintain the understanding, physical health, emotional stability and personality suited to meet the physical, mental, emotional, and social needs of the population served.
• The Behavioral Health Specialist must have demonstrated experience with, and the ability to form and maintain effective relationships with clients, team members, and community providers.
• This person must pass a background check.
• Must have an Associate’s degree in Behavioral Health, Health Sciences, or related field, and two years of closely related work experience is required. Appropriate work experience may be substituted for the degree.
• Must be eligible for Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration from the State Department of Health. Must have an active Agency Affiliated license within 90 days of hire.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred, but not required

What We Offer:

Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Prescription coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• Paid-time-off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid Holidays.

We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment.