SOCIAL WORKER (BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CONSULTANT), Cannon AFB, NM

Working for the Department of Defense comes with an abundance of benefits and perks to include competitive compensation packages, paid-time off, medical benefits, student loan repayments, and retirement package with Thrift Savings Plan to include matching employer contributions. For more information, please visit the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Patient Care and Documentation 

Functions as a full-time integrated team member in the primary care clinic using the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model of service delivery. Screens and assesses patients, and performs PCBH model appropriate biopsychosocial evaluations using expert knowledge of general and specific concepts, principles, procedures, and practices relating to clinical, clinical health, and primary care psychology. Provides targeted assessment and evaluation of functional status focused in the context of the presenting problem. Conducts brief assessments and formulates evidence-based interventions appropriate to a primary care setting for a wide range of behavioral health conditions, chronic medical conditions, and health behaviors affecting medical conditions. Provides evaluation, intervention and relapse prevention services in appointments lasting no more than 30 minutes for initial and follow-up visits. Uses a stepped-care approach to maximize delivery of care within the PCMH. Triage and refers patients to Specialty Behavioral Health Care when services required exceed the BHC scope of practice. Assists with implementation and monitoring of treatment plans with Primary Care Managers (PCMs) and other primary care team members. Use objective and measurable outcomes to evaluate treatment effectiveness and make adjustments if appropriate for increased adherence and efficacy. Provide high level expertise in human behavior as a primary care team member to develop and support specific clinical pathways or best practice programs for targeted patient groups (e.g., patients with acute stress symptoms, chronic medical conditions, insomnia). Provides concise documentation of care and recommendations in patient’s medical record beginning in the appointment and completed in no more than 72 hours after the patient is seen.

2. Consultation and Team Based Care 

Provides timely and succinct feedback to PCMs regarding consultation findings and recommendations as directed by the current DHA PCBH Administrative Instruction and DHA Procedures Manual. Determines if patient is appropriate to receive PCBH model services in the primary care setting. Provides ongoing consultation services for a subset of patients who would benefit from periodic, regular behavioral health monitoring and intervention for sustaining improvement and preventing relapse (i.e., continuity consultation). Participates in all PCMH activities to include huddles, provider meetings, peer review, and trainings. Actively works with PCMH team to identify patients who are appropriate for BHC services and facilitates processes to increase same-day “warm handoff” of patients from PCMs to BHC. Works to increase overall penetration into the enrolled clinic population by targeting common conditions with behavioral components that are amenable to BHC intervention. Performs daily activities to increase BHC clinical productivity (e.g. scrubbing PCM appointment lists, circulating in the clinic and interacting with staff, being vocal in morning huddles etc.)

3. Educational Activities 

Develops, teaches, and provides oversight for classes that promote education and skill-building to enhance psychological and physical health, and promote behavioral change related to improved health status. Conducts trainings for the primary care clinic to increase referrals and promote understanding of the role of the BHC.

PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience/education requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Basic Requirement for Social Worker (Behavioral Health Consultant):

Degree: Master's degree (or higher degree) in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Licensure: Current, active, valid, and unrestricted clinical license to practice Social Work independently offered by a U.S. State, District of Columbia, Commonwealth, territory, or jurisdiction.

In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:

Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes conducting behavioral health assessments; providing individual and group treatment; and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-12).

Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.