BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

Primary care teams treating chronic illness and acute psychiatric crises need clinical judgment that sits squarely between medicine and mental health. Brief, evidence-based interventions, not long-term outpatient therapy, define the daily work. The Behavioral Health Specialist holds responsibility for screening, functional assessment, and short-cycle treatment within the Primary Care Medical Home, operating alongside physicians and care managers rather than in a separate mental health silo. HIPAA compliance and DSM-5 diagnostic standards govern every patient encounter and documentation entry.

As the Behavioral Health Specialist, you will deliver integrated behavioral assessments, brief therapeutic interventions, and crisis management for pediatric and adult patient populations across primary and specialty care settings. You will function as the behavioral health authority embedded within an interdisciplinary care team, coordinating referrals to specialty mental health services and maintaining a caseload that spans individual sessions, group visits, and consultations with clinical colleagues.

Career Impact: Mastery of integrated primary care behavioral health, including biopsychosocial assessment and brief CBT or ACT protocols, positions specialists to pursue advanced licensure (LCSW, PsyD) and leadership roles such as Director of Behavioral Health within multi-site healthcare networks.

Business Impact: Patients with unmanaged behavioral health needs generate higher utilization rates and poorer chronic disease outcomes; your screening and intervention work directly reduces those gaps across an entire primary care panel.

Growth Opportunity: Experience coordinating care across medical home, ob/gyn, cardiology, and specialty care populations builds a clinical breadth that opens pathways to integrated care certification programs and national network consulting roles.

• Conduct screenings and biopsychosocial assessments to determine appropriate intervention modalities for patients presenting across the lifespan.
• Deliver brief, evidence-based individual and group interventions targeting mental health concerns, health behavior change, and adjustment to chronic medical conditions.
• Evaluate crises and implement risk management protocols, including suicidal and homicidal ideation assessment using validated instruments such as PHQ-9 and Columbia Risk Assessment.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with supervising physicians, care managers, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Facilitate referrals to specialty mental health services and coordinate transitions back to primary care to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Complete thorough clinical documentation in the electronic health record within required timeframes, meeting billing and compliance standards.
• Provide consultation and education to primary care clinicians on behavioral medicine principles and evidence-based brief intervention techniques.

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related clinical field, or equivalent post-graduate clinical training.
• Two or more years of post-graduate clinical experience, with demonstrated competency in brief therapeutic modalities within an integrated or primary care delivery setting.
• Active, unrestricted state licensure to practice independently (LCSW, LPC, LMHC, LMSW, or equivalent accepted; specific requirements vary by state).
• Working knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic categories, criteria, and their application to treatment planning across a range of mental health presentations.
• Proficiency in crisis assessment and management, including evidence-based suicide risk screening and coordination with emergency or crisis teams.
• Competency in maintaining patient confidentiality and clinical documentation in accordance with HIPAA regulations and organizational policies.
• Ability to deliver patient and family education sensitively, adapt communication style across age groups and cultural backgrounds, and function effectively within a fast-paced, multi-priority clinical environment.

• Doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD) in psychology or a mental health-related field with emphasis in integrated or behavioral medicine.
• Completion of an integrated care certification or training program within the past five years.
• Experience conducting clinical assessments and group facilitation across a lifespan population, including pediatric, adolescent, and geriatric patients.
• Bilingual communication skills, with demonstrated cultural competency in serving diverse patient populations.

• PHQ-9 and Columbia Risk Assessment completion rate, reflecting consistent application of validated screening instruments across the caseload.
• Documentation turnaround time per session, measuring compliance with billing and medical record requirements for integrated care settings.
• Referral-to-specialty connection rate, tracking how reliably patients requiring a higher level of care are successfully linked to appropriate services.
• Crisis response time, measuring speed from initial risk identification to implementation of a safety plan or escalation protocol.
• Group session attendance and retention rate, reflecting participant engagement with psychoeducational and therapeutic programming.
• Typical tools: Electronic health records (commonly Epic or Athenahealth); risk screening instruments (commonly PHQ-9, Columbia Risk Assessment).

• Base Salary Range: $58,000-$82,000 annually, depending on licensure level and setting
• Bonus: Annual performance bonuses of 3-7% where offered; less common in non-profit settings
• Equity: Rarely offered in healthcare; may apply at venture-backed digital health employers
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; many healthcare employers cover premiums substantially
• PTO: 15-22 days annually, plus paid holidays; some systems include CME leave
• Common Perks: Supervision hours toward full licensure, CEU reimbursement, loan forgiveness eligibility under NHSC or PSLF programs

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for this position. Employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check, which may include criminal history review and, where applicable, drug screening consistent with healthcare facility standards. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should notify the recruiting team at any stage.

The Behavioral Health Specialist owns the co-management of psychiatric concerns, psychosocial issues, and health behavior change through brief, focused assessment and treatment within an integrated primary care practice. Reporting to the Medical Director and collaborating with the Clinical Team Manager and Director of Behavioral Health, this role expands population health outcomes by ensuring patients and care team members have consistent access to behavioral health expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Co-manage the assessment and treatment of psychiatric concerns, psychosocial issues, and health behavior change through consultation and brief, focused assessment and treatment.
• Provide education and consultation to health coaches and clinicians on the basic principles of brief behavioral interventions and reinforce their use in medical visits.
• Evaluate crises and employ appropriate interventions.
• Facilitate group-based visits and workshops to holistically address medical and behavioral health needs.
• Improve population health outcomes by ensuring all patients and primary care team members have access to behavioral health expertise.
• Facilitate and oversee referrals to specialty mental health services and support a smooth transition from specialty mental health services to primary care.
• Collaborate with other Behavioral Health Specialists across our national network to improve behavioral health skills company-wide.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or a related field required, with PhD or PsyD preferred.
• Current licensure or license eligibility to practice independently in New Hampshire, with PSY, LCSW, LMHC, LCPC, or MFT licensure accepted.
• Previous experience in an integrated care setting highly desired.
• Excellent working knowledge of behavioral medicine and evidence-based treatments for medical and mental health conditions.
• Highly skilled in cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing.
• Exceptional capacity to multitask, remain flexible, and work comfortably with ambiguity.
• Strong communication and teaching skills.

Embedded within the Intensive Mobile Treatment team, the Behavioral Health Specialist performs social work assessments and engages clients in natural settings to build trusting relationships and individualized treatment plans. Working closely with the multidisciplinary IMT team and community service providers, this role builds a sustainable network of community-based supports that reduces the impact of crises and ensures continuity of care for clients.

Core Functions

• Perform social work assessments of clients and open cases as appropriate.
• Engage clients in natural settings to develop trustful relationships and support networks in collaboration with the multidisciplinary Intensive Mobile Treatment team.
• Collaborate with clients and the IMT team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Assist clients in building a sustainable network of community-based supports to prevent or reduce the impact of future crises.
• Prepare case presentations and maintain case records, including progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations, in accordance with program record-keeping procedures.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other service providers on treatment plans and follow up on client linkages to ensure continuity of care.
• Understand and use community resources and referral procedures to link families to needed services.
• Contribute to the formulation of clinical and administrative policies and participate in after-hours on-call coverage.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field required.
• CASAC or other related certifications preferred.
• Minimum one year of social service provider experience with clients in a mental health setting required.
• Experience in substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, or the criminal justice system required.
• Bilingual skills may be required based on operational needs.
• Valid NY State driver's license required as operationally determined.

Reporting to the supervising physician, the Behavioral Health Specialist delivers screening, symptom assessments, and evidence-based brief interventions within a primary care setting to improve patients' mental and physical health. Partnering with the integrated care team, including care managers and support staff, this role shapes access to timely, coordinated behavioral health services that reduce barriers and support lasting improvements in patient well-being.

Primary Duties

• Provide screening and symptom assessments of patients to determine appropriate modalities and interventions for use in a therapeutic setting.
• Counsel patients individually or with family members and caregivers, ensuring all members of the care team are properly informed of the patient's state.
• Guide patients, family members, and caregivers in developing skills and strategies to overcome barriers, trauma, and emotional stressors.
• Assist with navigating community referrals for patients appropriate for a different level of care.
• Coordinate mental health care with the integrated care team, including the supervising physician, care manager, and other support staff.
• Complete thorough documentation about patients through interviews, observations, assessments, and other interventions in the EMR.
• Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge, and act as a client advocate in crises.
• Serve as a subject matter expert to the entire care team regarding behavioral health topics and trends.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in psychology, counseling, or a related field required.
• LPC, LMSW, or LMHC licensure and appropriate state credentials required.
• Experience working with patients across all age groups, from adolescent to geriatric, highly preferred.
• Primary care setting experience preferred.
• Knowledge of human behavior, psychological research methods, assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders, and group dynamics.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and culturally competent service delivery across diverse populations.
• Experience using electronic health records for documentation.

Sitting at the intersection of clinical care and patient education, the Behavioral Health Specialist facilitates individual and group therapy sessions held virtually, at the facility, or at a physician's office to help patients manage disease and achieve lasting improvements in quality of life. Operating across clinic staff, insurance providers, and referral sources, this role enables coordinated, documented, and compliant delivery of behavioral health services to individuals confronting chronic illness and psychosocial challenges.

Duties

• Facilitate individual or group therapy sessions, held virtually, at the facility, or at a physician's office.
• Obtain and interpret all relevant screening, assessment, and initial treatment planning information, and confirm the client's continued readiness for change.
• Assure accurate and timely documentation of all individual and group sessions.
• Provide psychoeducational sessions as needed and educational in-service to team members.
• Coordinate with insurance companies regarding reimbursement rates.
• Maintain responsive service to referral sources while preserving appropriate professional boundaries.
• Comply with HIPAA privacy and patient confidentiality policies and procedures.

Requirements

• State licensure or approval as a psychologist, psychiatrist, LCSW, licensed clinical nurse, or nurse practitioner required.
• Current BLS or CPR certification required.
• Experience working with groups and individuals, including those confronting chronic illness or psychosocial challenges related to lifestyle changes.
• Knowledge of adult education, coaching principles, and public speaking, with the ability to facilitate self-expression and active listening in group settings.
• Experience with electronic health records and basic computer literacy required.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.
• Sensitivity to participant needs and a commitment to holistic health and wellness.

A key member of the community recovery support network, the Behavioral Health Peer Specialist delivers ongoing recovery coaching to high-risk patients struggling with mental health issues by sharing lived experience and modeling recovery principles. Collaborating across clients, family members, supervisory personnel, and agency representatives, this role builds the self-directed recovery skills and community connections that reduce crisis recurrence and support long-term stability.

Functions

• Model competency and recovery principles in providing support to clients.
• Utilize Critical Time Intervention and Sequential Intercept Model principles in client engagement.
• Assist clients, family members, and others in recognizing warning signs and connecting to appropriate resources and community supports.
• Provide outreach to clients recently discharged from inpatient facilities, incarceration, or other programs.
• Teach recovery-oriented problem-solving techniques and assist consumers in developing social, vocational, and self-maintenance skills.
• Provide opportunities for clients to direct their own recovery and complete all required documentation per agency policy.
• Meet with supervisory personnel and agency representatives as required.

Experience & Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, with self-identification as a current or former mental health consumer required for this position.
• Successful completion of the Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Specialist Training program required.
• Twelve months of successful work or post-secondary education experience within the last three years required.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft products required.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to work nontraditional hours, and demonstrated sensitivity to cultural diversity.
• Committed to client choice, empowerment, and the ability to establish trusting peer relationships.
• Valid PA driver's license required.

As the Behavioral Health Integrated Care Specialist, this role delivers expert, brief, evidence-based, solution-focused assessments and interventions across pediatric and adult populations within the Primary Care Medical Home or Specialty Care treatment team. The treatment team relies on this work to assess and manage suicidal and homicidal risk, coordinate with crisis services, and communicate clinical information through the electronic health record, enabling interconnected medical and behavioral care at the point of contact.

Activities

• Apply biopsychosocial models to assess patient care and screen for substance abuse problems using adult and pediatric screening instruments.
• Deliver first-line, time-limited interventions for a broad spectrum of physical and mental health concerns across primary and specialty care populations.
• Provide patient and family education on medical and behavioral treatment plans, including discussion of psychotropic medication indications and side effects.
• Communicate relevant clinical information to medical providers through the electronic health record and verbal reporting, meeting billing and documentation requirements.
• Assess and manage suicidal and homicidal risk using evidence-based methods and coordinate with crisis teams, law enforcement, or child protective services as applicable.
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Position Requirements

• Doctorate in psychology or a mental health-related field required, with emphasis in integrated care preferred.
• Current state licensure as a psychologist required, with National Provider Identifier and Taxonomy code required at time of hire.
• Minimum 2 years of post-graduate clinical experience in an integrated care delivery system or applied psychotherapy, completed within the past 5 years, required.
• Completion of an integrated care certification or course within the past 5 years required.
• Knowledge of cultural competency related to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and culture and their impact on physical and emotional health required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced primary or specialty care setting, manage multiple competing demands, and present cases clearly to interdisciplinary teams.
• Comfort providing consultation and training to primary care team members on mental health, chemical dependency, and behavioral medicine topics.