Counselor at Unity Care NW

Bellingham, Washington, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 May, 26

Salary

99715.0

Posted On

18 Feb, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Caseload Management, Clinical Assessment, Diagnosis, DSM-5, Treatment Planning, Risk Assessment, Crisis Planning, Coordination of Care, Evidence Based Practices, Documentation, DAP Format, Collaboration, Telehealth Software, Electronic Health Record Systems, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word

Industry

Hospitals and Health Care

Description

Description Compensation: Salaried, Exempt The standard wage range for this role is $82,056-$99,715 per year It may be possible to earn more over time up to $117,395 per year Work Schedule: 40 hours/week Monday-Friday Who We Are Unity Care NW is a private, non-profit, federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has been proudly and successfully serving the greater Whatcom County area since 1982. With clinics located in Bellingham & Ferndale, we offer comprehensive primary medical, behavioral health and dental care, as well as pharmacy services to a diverse and often underserved patient population of all ages. Employing almost 300 caring and compassionate employees, our mission is to increase the years of healthy life in the people & communities we serve. What We Value Respect Integrity Accountability Collaboration Innovation We have an inclusive culture and strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a diverse workforce of the very best talent, whose ambitions and values align with ours. Job Summary We believe mental & emotional health is an important part of overall health and wellness. Our behavioral health providers work closely with patients and their Primary Care Providers to help them meet their health care goals. As a Specialty Behavioral Health Counselor, you would provide ongoing/episodic mental health treatment for a caseload of patients engaged in primary care at Unity Care NW. Duties are listed below: 1. Maintains and treats a caseload of patients: a. Collaborates around and completes appropriate scheduling, session length, and session frequency for a full caseload of patients based on clinical assessment and need. b. Utilizes treatment goals and timely discharges to manage cases and maintains flow of referrals to serve the needs of the primary care patient population at UCNW. c. Maintains awareness and tracks patient engagement, providing appropriate outreach and encouraging full participation in clinical treatment. d. Meets productivity requirement. 2. Provides Clinical Therapy: a. Evaluates, assesses, and diagnoses patient with a qualifying mental health diagnosis following current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, Department of Health Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), and existing UCNW template structure. b. Creates measurable treatment plans, with goals towards completing treatment. c. Provides risk assessments, safety/crisis planning, and coordination of care for patients when clinically indicated. d. Utilizes evidence based practices and provides therapeutic interventions in an outpatient treatment setting. 3. Documents all patient contact and coordination of care: a. Completes documentation adhering to UCNW’s policy. b. Writes clear and concise chart notes, utilizing the Data, Assessment, and Plan (DAP) format for individual sessions. 4. Collaborates and communicates effectively with all UCNW treatment teams and community resources/agencies as appropriate in treatment: a. Refers to appropriate resource(s) as clinically indicated. b. Uses established communication methods to coordinate care with full health team at UCNW (e.g., Primary Care, Case Management, Psychiatry, Substance Use). You can learn more about the SBH Counselor role at https://youtu.be/NPYHfSLvIO4. What We Offer A friendly team-based environment Clinical supervision for all therapists Opportunities for group collaboration A competitive compensation package A salaried position without the overhead and cost of running a private practice Outpatient only with no call schedule In-house case management Malpractice insurance with tail coverage through the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Loan Repayment Application Opportunities Employment at UCNW counts towards eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – details can be viewed at Federal Student Aid. Eligible providers may apply for loan repayment through the following programs: the National Health Service Corps (NHSC Loan Repayment Program | NHSC (hrsa.gov)) and/or the Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps | WSAC). While employes at UCNW are eligible to apply for these loan repayment awards, receipt is not guaranteed. Benefits Include: Medical, dental & vision insurance 401(K) retirement plan with employer match after 1 year of eligibility 6 paid holidays Paid Time Off (160 hours Year 1, 208 hours Year 2 & increasing again at Year 5 & Year 10) Other paid leaves including: Bereavement, Jury Duty & Bone Marrow & Organ Transplant Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance Optional insurances including: Supplementary Life/AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability, Critical Illness, Accident, Travel & Identity Theft Protection Flexible spending accounts Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan Employee Assistance Program Alternative Transportation Incentives Healthy Living reimbursements Unique programs including Medical Hardship Payroll Loans, Employee Referral Bonuses & Will preparation services Continuing Education Reimbursement of license renewal fees Requirements Independent license as a Counselor, Clinical Social Worker or Marriage & Family Therapist in Washington State (or be eligible to obtain an independent license in Washington) 2 years’ direct clinical experience, preferably in community health or community mental health Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of state Medicaid mental health system functions, requirements, and changes, or proven ability to gain this knowledge. Knowledge of the assessment and treatment of the full range of behavioral health disorders and familiarity with use of psychotropic medications. Knowledge of the local community and private behavioral health and human services resources. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS issues including prevention, and psychosocial aspects. Knowledge of how chronic medical issues and behavioral health interplay. Must be able to follow all UCNW protocols, including those related to clinic administration, patient care, and completion of timely chart notes. Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word & Excel as well as telehealth software. Ability to learn and use our Electronic Health Record system, payroll system, instant messaging software & online training systems. Candidates who meet the job requirements who have applicable experience or similar qualifications are encouraged to apply! About Bellingham Live in a community consistently rated as one of the most desirable in the USA! Nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains just a short distance from Seattle, Vancouver BC, and the San Juan Islands, Bellingham is home to over 90,000 people and surrounded by several charming small towns. Enjoy all the area has to offer: Recreational & Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Biking, Skiing, Snow Boarding, Fishing, Sailing, Kayaking, & Camping) Excellent Schools (University, Community College, Technical School, & Outstanding K-12 Educational System) Small Town or City Living (Unique Shops, Local Festivals, Farmers Markets, Berry Picking, & Community Events) Cultural Activities (Theater, Music, Independent Films, Museums, Art Studios, & Diverse Local Restaurants) To Apply Visit our Careers Page at www.unitycarenw.org and contact Vicki Curtis, Provider Recruiter, at hr@ucnw.org or 360-788-2661 with questions. For news on our organization & future job postings, please follow us on LinkedIn at https://bit.ly/363mfhv! If you feel this job posting is missing any required compensation or benefit information, please contact HR@ucnw.org. Other questions can be addressed throughout the recruitment process for candidates selected to move forward. Unity Care NW has an Employee Health Program for the safety of our patients and staff. The program requires all new employees to have up to date vaccines for influenza and strongly encourages up to date vaccines for COVID-19. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

The Specialty Behavioral Health Counselor will maintain and treat a caseload of patients engaged in primary care, managing scheduling, session frequency, and treatment goals while meeting productivity requirements. Key duties include evaluating, assessing, and diagnosing patients using DSM-5 criteria, providing clinical therapy with evidence-based practices, and thoroughly documenting all patient contact and care coordination.