Behavioral Health Therapist MSW - Heritage Office; Saginaw

Behavioral Health Therapist MSW - Heritage Office (Saginaw)

Be among the first 25 applicants and receive a $5,000 sign‑on bonus.

As part of the primary care treatment team, the Behavioral Health Therapist (BHT) identifies, assesses, triages, documents and manages primary care patients with medical and behavioral health problems. The BHT utilizes psycho‑education and patient education strategies to develop self‑management, population health programs, and behavioral change plans using evidence‑based brief interventions. The BHT supports and coordinates the mental and physical health care of patients on an assigned caseload, provides crisis intervention and short‑term consultation, and collaborates closely with the medical provider and primary care team.

• Assess the clinical status of patients referred by the primary care provider; detect “at‑risk” patients and intervene to prevent psychological or physical deterioration.
• Assist primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders and psychological problems, consulting with physicians as needed and referring cases to other behavioral health providers for longer‑term care.
• Facilitate patient engagement and follow‑up care; provide brief behavioral interventions using evidence‑based techniques such as behavioral activation, problem‑solving treatment, and motivational interviewing.
• Use brief assessment tools to identify concerns, triage, and measure outcomes; document treatment response and monitor patients for changes in symptoms and side effects.
• Evaluate patient care plans with the primary care team and develop appropriate goals for behavioral health conditions; perform coding and billing in accordance with guidelines.
• Assist in program development related to pain, diabetes, weight loss, insomnia, and stress; maintain and provide patient education materials about common mental health and substance use disorders.
• Track patient follow‑up and clinical outcomes using a registry; document in‑person and telephone encounters and update the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Eliminate barriers to treatment, increase satisfaction, and improve resource utilization; facilitate referrals for clinically indicated services outside the health system.
• Assist in obtaining financial and other resources for patients and families; conduct family meetings and apply crisis intervention, strengths‑based, and solution‑focused techniques.
• Summarize patient and family situations for non‑behavioral health staff; participate in scheduled caseload consultations with psychiatrists or other specialties.
• Utilize evidence‑based scales to screen patients, guide treatment and follow‑up; maintain timely, clear documentation in all required systems.
• Provide education and training to practice staff as requested; build professional relationships with patients, families, and community resources.
• Offer de‑escalation and crisis intervention; identify high‑risk patients and address opportunities for intervention.
• Consistently support peers, communicate teamwork, and sustain productivity expectations established by leadership.
• Deliver excellent customer service to internal and external customers; maintain professional licensure and complete required continuing education.
• Provide for population‑specific needs and comply with all department policies and procedures.
• Assume responsibility for professional development and education requirements for maintenance of professional licensure.
• All other duties as assigned.

• MSW – Master of Social Work (required)
• Preferred Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Licensure as a Licensed Psychologist or Master’s Social Worker in the State of Michigan;
  Limited License employees must be working toward full licensure and obtain it within one year.
• PCSW (Psychologist/Counselor/Social Worker) – required equivalence; limited license employees must be actively working toward full licensure.

• Membership in at least one professional organization (e.g., APA, NASW, CFHA, MPA, SSWLHC‑MI Chapter) is preferred.
• Demonstrated competency in casework principles, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and transition planning.
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