988 Behavioral Intake Counselor - San Diego, United States - Optum

Optum

Verified Company

San Diego, United States

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start
Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The 988 Behavioral Intake Counselor (BIC) is a master's level, clinical position for the County of San Diego's 24/7 Access and Crisis Line (ACL) which provides free, confidential access to behavioral health services and crisis intervention for the 3.3 million San Diegans.

As the clinical work is done strictly on the telephone and computer (chat), this position requires a very unique set of clinical skills more astute than those required for face-to
- face interactions as there are no visual cues from which to draw upon in order to help paint a comprehensive clinical picture. Clinicians need to rely on their graduate education in psychology/sociology or related field, formal clinical training, and experience to exercise discretion and clinical judgment when providing access to appropriate behavior health services and crisis work. Clinicians need to quickly triage calls/chats in the queue to ensure safety and meet contractual performance standards. Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with the high precision and intensity similar to that of an emergency department
- everyone has a crucial, time sensitive task to complete which is integral to the success of the entire operations. This is a fast paced, clinically heavy position not for the faint of heart but it's equally rewarding as one can play a pivotal role in someone's journey to recovery and literally save lives.

Behavioral Health Access:

Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services within the system of care.

ACL clinician needs to quickly establish an emotional connection with the individual seeking help, identify their need(s), conduct a behavioral health screening which includes an adapted ASAM screening, recognize and properly follow up on any risk factors, and help provide linkage to the most appropriate type and level of care based on the collective screenings and preferences of the caller/chatter.

Crisis Work - Mental or Emotional Distress; Intimate Partner Abuse; Child/Elder Abuse; Suicide prevention, intervention and postvention etc. This service meets National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (NSPL) standards for risk assessment and engagement of individuals at imminent risk of suicide. ACL clinician needs to quickly establish a therapeutic alliance, seek to help de-escalate the individual using brief solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing skills and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to ensure safety using the least invasive intervention up to and including initializing active rescue services. Once de-escalated, clinician will collaboratively work with the individual to explore next steps and treatment options.

If you are located in San Diego, CA, you will have the flexibility to work remotely* as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

Uphold and model Our Cultural Values
Adhere to all applicable laws and ethics (HIPAA, Exceptions to confidentiality, Reporting Abuse, Duty to Warn etc.)
Answer calls/chats within standard service levels
Triage calls/chats based on presenting mental health and/or substance use disorder symptoms
Conduct appropriate behavioral health screenings, including suicide, homicide (when indicated) and adapted ASAM
Provide customized, behavioral health referrals
Conduct crisis work and ensure safety
Document all interaction in a succinct, clinical manner in the designated database; documentation must adhere to Dept. of Health Clinical Service (DHCS) requirements
Access and enter accurate relevant clinical information into Medi-Cal beneficiary electronic health record (EHR)
Meet individualized performance goals
Participate in the monthly self and peer monitoring process
Complete mandatory ongoing continuing education and cultural trainings
Problem solve technical issues
Elevate operational issues/ concerns to supervisor or manager

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree or doctorate within human services such as psychology, sociology or equivalent
2+ years, post graduate degree providing direct clinical services: psychosocial assessments, individual therapy, substance use disorder drug/alcohol treatment, case consultation with multidisciplinary team; case management; develop treatment plans with short/longterm goals; maintain confidential files; inservice trainings and discharge planning.
If registered with a licensing entity such as the Board of Behavioral Science, must have a "cleared" status