Behavioral Health Coordinator

Job Overview  

The Referrals Coordinator will be responsible for coordination of care for all clinic patients referred for behavioral, and mental health referrals. The coordinator works to ensure the effective management of all incoming referrals. This position will perform a wide variety of task associated with referral tracking to be compliant with Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) requirements to ensure quality patient care and safety. The coordinator works collaboratively with medical providers and mental health clinicians to develop and implement care plans, verify insurance eligibility, and ensure patient follow-through to specialty care appointments, and connect patients to external resources. The coordinator plays an integral role in the mental health team, participating in group meetings and providing logistical support. The Behavioral health coordinator will also assist the referral coordinators with external referrals from the medical team.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Responsibilities: Coordinator ensures that patients referred to therapy and psychiatric services (both internally and externally) are scheduled with the appropriate provider. Processes referrals from providers, ensuring adequate coordination of care, as well as oversees scheduling, cancellations, and rescheduling of patients’ appointments. Coordinator is responsible for ensuring full utilization of mental and behavioral health patient schedules. Manages releases of information for outside entities and follows up with primary care or referring provider team as necessary. Ensures that patients are up to date on their primary care, and connects patients back to primary care, case management, and other services as appropriate. Entry of patient clinical and non-clinical information into assigned electronic registry is the key responsibility of this position (e.g. EPIC, etc). Coordinates with outpatient and residential programs as indicated. If assigned, manages other referrals to outside entities for behavioral and mental health, as well as other primary care referrals. Responsible for the following metrics: 1) schedules 100% filled 5 days in advance; 2) 80% show rate for providers; and 3) reducing missed opportunities by collaborating with the resource center for flips to BH when there is a no-show.
 

Advocacy Responsibilities: Effectively assist patients in problem solving potential issues related to the health care system, financial or social barriers. (e.g., request interpreters as appropriate, transportation services or prescription assistance). Acts as the system navigator and point of contact for patients and providers. May assume advocate role on the patient’s behalf with the carrier to ensure approval of the necessary services for the patient in a timely fashion.  Assists patients with signing up for medical coverage.
 

Quality Improvement Responsibilities: May be assigned to participate in various QI activities. May act as a QI champion in improving processes and work flow. Is responsible for noting any areas of challenge in patient coordination and working with supervisor to make improvements. Works with the Behavioral health team to maximize practice and fully integrate with other healthcare services. May participate in piloting new and innovative practices.
 

And, other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience Required:

• High school diploma combined with medical/clinical experience.
• Experience working as a patient advocate.

Desired:

• Baccalaureate degree in related field.

Background Clearance:

• Must not be on active parole or probation.

Knowledge Required:

• Culturally competent and able to work with a diverse population.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, specifically Word Outlook and internet applications.
• Experience working successfully with issues of substance abuse, criminal background, and other potential barriers to economic self-sufficiency.
• Organized and able to manage competing priorities.
• Resourcefulness in problem solving.

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Ability to enter data into various electronic systems while maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the data.
• Professionalism, punctuality, flexibility and reliability are imperative.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Integrity to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner.
• Action oriented.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organization skills and ability to multitask and juggle multiple priorities.
• Outstanding ability to follow-through with tasks.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively as part of interdisciplinary team and independently assume responsibility.
• Strong initiative and enthusiasm and willingness to pitch in whenever needed.
• Able to communicate well at all levels of the organization including working with organization leadership and high-level representatives of partner organizations.
• Able to work within a frequently changing project scope while maintaining overall direction and structured priorities.

Desired:

• Knowledge of co-occurring disorders and trauma informed treatment.
• Knowledge of Clinical documentation (treatment plans, progress notes etc.).
• Bilingual.