GENERAL POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Qualified Professional (QP) plays a critical role in the outpatient behavioral health team by conducting substance use and mental health intake assessments and gathering comprehensive biosocial information prior to a licensed therapist performing the formal clinical assessment and diagnosis. The QP also develops Person-Centered Plans (PCPs) and Comprehensive Crisis Plans (CCPs), ensuring that services are tailored to the unique needs, strengths, and goals of each client. Additionally, this position coordinates with inpatient facilities, referral sources, and other providers to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care across all service settings.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR POSITION:

• Strong interviewing and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of local mental health, substance use, and referral resources.
• Excellent organizational and timemanagement skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
• Proficiency in using electronic health record (EHR) systems and other standard office technology.

PREFERRED AND MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related human services field (Master’s preferred).
• Must meet state requirements for Qualified Professional (QP) designation in behavioral health.
• Experience:
• At least one year of experience in mental health or substance use services required; prior intake, referral coordination, or care transition experience preferred.
• Familiarity with behavioral health assessments, treatment planning, and crisis intervention strategies.

1. Intake & Assessment Support

• Conduct thorough intake interviews for new clients seeking behavioral health services, including substance use and mental health support.
• Collect, document, and maintain accurate biosocial and psychosocial histories, ensuring information is comprehensive and relevant for clinical decisionmaking.
• Identify immediate client needs or potential crisis situations and communicate promptly to appropriate clinical staff.
• Ability to travel to other sites as needed

The duties of the QP include, but are not limited to:

1. Intake & Assessment Support

• Conduct thorough intake interviews for new clients seeking behavioral health services, including substance use and mental health support.
• Collect, document, and maintain accurate biosocial and psychosocial histories, ensuring information is comprehensive and relevant for clinical decisionmaking.
• Identify immediate client needs or potential crisis situations and communicate promptly to appropriate clinical staff.
• Ability to travel to other sites as needed.

1. Treatment Planning

• Develop PersonCentered Plans (PCPs) in collaboration with the client, family, and interdisciplinary team members, ensuring plans reflect client goals, preferences, and cultural considerations.
• Create Comprehensive Crisis Plans (CCPs) to address potential mental health or substance use crises, ensuring appropriate supports and interventions are in place.
• Review and update treatment plans regularly in alignment with agency policy, clinical standards, and state regulations.

1. Care Coordination & Communication

• Act as a liaison between inpatient facilities, referral sources, outpatient providers, and the client to support seamless transitions in care.
• Coordinate with therapists, case managers, and other team members to ensure timely communication and continuity of care following hospitalizations or inpatient treatment stays.
• Collaborate closely with referral sources to share updates, ensure smooth handoffs, and maintain alignment on client needs and services.
• Support clients in navigating available community resources, outpatient programs, and supportive services as needed.

1. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) system.
• Ensure compliance with all agency policies, ethical standards, state licensure rules, and confidentiality regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
• Prepare reports or summaries as requested by leadership or regulatory bodies.

1. Collaboration & Professional Development

• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultations, and training sessions.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients, families, referral sources, and colleagues across departments.
• Maintain QP qualifications as required by state regulations, including ongoing training and continuing education.
• Stay current on best practices in behavioral health care, substance use treatment, crisis planning, and care coordination.