LICENSED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST- RURAL COMMUNITIES

JOB SUMMARY

The Licensed Behavioral Health Therapist provides comprehensive behavioral health services to patients of Franklin Primary Health Center, Inc. The position is responsible for conducting behavioral health assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, coordinating care, and supporting patients experiencing mental health, behavioral, emotional, and psychosocial concerns.

The Therapist works collaboratively with behavioral health providers, primary care providers, care coordination staff, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to support integrated, patient-centered care. The position may provide services at FPHC clinic locations and designated rural service areas, including Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh, Monroe, and Choctaw Counties, based on organizational and patient-care needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts comprehensive behavioral health assessments to evaluate patients' mental health, emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial needs.
2. Develops, implements, monitors, and updates individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, clinical findings, established goals, and applicable standards of care.
3. Provides individual, family, and/or group counseling and psychotherapy within the scope of the Therapist's professional license and clinical competency.
4. Utilizes appropriate evidence-based therapeutic interventions and treatment modalities based on patient diagnosis, needs, age, condition, and treatment goals.
5. Evaluates patients for behavioral health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, behavioral disorders, and other mental health conditions within the scope of practice.
6. Performs crisis assessment and intervention and appropriately responds to patients presenting with suicidal ideation, self-harm concerns, threats of harm to others, or other behavioral health emergencies in accordance with established protocols.
7. Completes timely, accurate, and clinically appropriate documentation of assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, interventions, patient responses, referrals, and other required information in the electronic health record (EHR).
8. Collaborates with physicians, behavioral health providers, nursing staff, social services, care coordinators, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to promote continuity and coordination of care.
9. Provides patient and family education regarding diagnoses, treatment options, coping strategies, behavioral health resources, and strategies to support treatment goals.
10. Identifies barriers to treatment and assists patients with accessing appropriate behavioral health, medical, social service, substance use, and community resources.
11. Makes appropriate referrals to psychiatrists, psychologists, substance use treatment providers, hospitals, community agencies, and other services when a patient's needs exceed the scope of available services.
12. Monitors patient progress toward established treatment goals and modifies treatment interventions and plans as clinically appropriate.
13. Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and protects patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, organizational policies, professional ethics, and applicable state and federal requirements.
14. Participates in behavioral health team meetings, case conferences, quality improvement initiatives, clinical reviews, staff meetings, and other organizational activities as required.
15. Maintains professional knowledge and clinical competency through continuing education and remains current regarding evidence-based behavioral health practices and applicable professional standards.
16. Maintains all licenses, credentials, continuing education requirements, and other qualifications necessary to practice in the State of Alabama.
17. Provides behavioral health services at assigned FPHC locations and may travel to rural clinic locations or other designated service areas based on organizational needs.
18. Performs other related duties and special assignments as directed by the Director of Behavioral Health or other authorized leadership.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION REQUIREMENTS

Must provide the highest level of customer satisfaction to patients, families, visitors, coworkers, and community partners in a professional, compassionate, and courteous manner. Demonstrates respect for each patient, protects privacy and confidentiality, responds appropriately to patient concerns, communicates effectively, and promotes a welcoming and supportive environment. Provides culturally responsive and patient-centered services while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Performance will be evaluated annually by the Director of Behavioral Health and/or designee. An overall satisfactory rating is considered the minimum acceptable level of performance. Performance will be evaluated based on clinical competency, quality and timeliness of documentation, patient care, productivity, compliance, teamwork, professionalism, and adherence to organizational policies and established standards of care.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1. Must adhere to FPHC safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
2. Must complete required Safety and Hazard Communication training and other mandatory organizational training.
3. Must comply with applicable infection prevention, emergency preparedness, workplace safety, and OSHA requirements.
4. Must follow established procedures for responding to behavioral health emergencies and situations that may present a risk to the patient, staff, or others.

PRIVACY RULE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Adheres to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy and Security Rule policies and procedures.
2. Successfully completes required privacy and confidentiality training annually and as organizational policies or regulatory requirements are revised.
3. Protects the confidentiality and security of patient information in all verbal, written, and electronic communications.
4. Accesses, uses, and discloses patient information only as necessary to perform assigned job responsibilities and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
5. Maintains appropriate safeguards for behavioral health records and other sensitive patient informatio