Counselor

Compensation:

• Salaried Exempt
• The standard wage range for this role is $82056 to $99715 per year
• It may be possible to earn more over time up to $117395 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 more than 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 strive to demonstrate our Values in Action in all that we do. We value each individual on our team and aim to onboard a 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 Dual Specialty Behavioral Health (SBH) Counselor/Behavioral Health (BH) Consultant you would provide ongoing/episodic mental health treatment for a caseload of patients engaged in primary care at Unity Care NW under UCNWs Specialty BH (SBH) program as well as provide brief consults and behavioral health interventions in the medical clinic under UCNWs Primary Care BH (PCBH) program. Duties are listed below:

SBH Counselor Primary Duties:

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 UCNWs 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).

BH Consultant Duties:

1. Practices Clinical and Clinical Care Management Skills:

a. Uses a generalist approach to care that encourages high volumes of patient contact.

b. Uses appropriate assessment tools for Primary Care to assist with diagnostic clarification.

c. Limits assessment focus to one referral problem to promote small changes in many patients.

d. Conducts brief life context interview and functional analysis of target problem combining information to create effective self-management and home-based practices interventions.

e. Assesses patient confidence and motivation in behavior change plan.

f. Ensures follow-up appointments are focused on behavior change plan.

g. Provides groups or classes for a variety of problems.

h. Uses 30-minute visits efficiently.

i. Completes treatment episode when improvements noted and plan is clear.

j. Engages in flexible patient contact strategies.

k. Appropriately triages and refers patients to groups classes or specialty BH services within and outside of UCNW.

l. Refers appropriately to case management.

2. Performs Consultation:

a. Focuses on and responds to referral questions from providers.

b. Conducts brief and effective curbside consultation to the work pace of primary care.

c. Describes interventions in transparent language to encourage primary care team support.

d. Provides education and presentations to care team members.

e. Assertively follows-up with Primary Care Providers (PCPs) as needed.

f. Participates in development and implementation of workflows in collaboration with medical care teams.

3. Clearly documents chart notes:

a. Writes clear concise chart notes in a timely manner.

b. Gives feedback to PCP/RN within UCNW requirements and patient need.

c. Ensures chart notes are consistent with treatment plan and supports medical and BH treatment.

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

Watch our video at UCNW Loan Repayment Program - YouTube to learn more about loan repayment opportunities at UCNW!

• 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 National Health Service Corps (NHSC Loan Repayment Program NHSC ()) and/or the Washington Student Achievement Council (Washington Health Corps WSAC)

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/AD&D insurance
• Optional insurances including: Supplementary Life/AD&D Short Term and Long Term Disability Critical Illness Accident Travel & Identity Theft Protection
• Self-funded Health Savings Account on Base Medical Insurance Plan
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Transportation Incentives
• Healthy Living reimbursements
• Medical Hardship payroll loans Employee Referral Bonuses and Will preparation services
• Continuing Education
• Reimbursement of license renewal fees

• Washington State Associate Qualification or Washington State Licensed in one of the following: Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) or Psychologist
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (can be obtained upon hire)
• Possesses advanced general skills including written and verbal communications skills computational and computer skills and mathematical knowledge at a level typically acquired through completion of a general bachelors degree program
• Possesses the equivalent of extensive formal training in Clinical Social Work Mental Health Counseling Marriage and Family Therapy or Psychology including an understanding of the application of the theory and practices of the profession to the operations of the organization usually acquired via a masters degree (or other applicable extended training program)
• Possesses a full understanding of all aspects of the profession or trade that are used within UCNW

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years direct clinical experience
• Knowledge of state Medicaid mental health system functions requirements and changes or proven ability to gain this knowledge.
• Specialized training and/or experience in the principles of integrating behavioral health assessment and treatment in the primary care setting.
• Demonstrated competency and experience in providing clinical services using behavioral medicine techniques (e.g. chronic disease management weight management tobacco cessation stress management etc.)
• Experience working with screening tools evidence-based counseling techniques brief treatment (e.g. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing (MI) crisis intervention complex and chronic mental illness and substance abuse in a multi-disciplinary team setting.
• Possesses BH clinical skills including but not limited to: mental health assessments and referrals; direct individual therapy/crisis intervention; organization and facilitation of psycho-educational and support groups; case management; outreach; and documentation of assessments and progress notes.
• Skilled with formulating behavioral health interventions appropriate to primary care setting and assisting with implementation of primary care treatment plans.
• Experience working with patients who have co-occurring mental health substance abuse and physical health problems.
• 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 medications and psychosocial aspects.
• Knowledge of how chronic medical issues and behavioral health interplay.
• Knowledge of general medical practice models and processes such as office procedures medical records health insurance etc.
• Knowledge of clinical data collection and analysis strategies.
• Skilled in contextual assessments consultation with primary care team/behavioral health team and report writing.
• Skilled in treatment group organization and facilitation as well as teaching/facilitating psycho-educational groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in crisis situations as well as collaborate effectively in a team setting.
• Must be able to follow all UCNW protocols including those related to clinic administration patient care and completion of timely chart notes.
• Keyboarding speed of 30 wpm and data entry skills; accuracy is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook Word Excel & PowerPoint 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 Ferndale

Set amidst lush farmland on the Nooksack River with a commanding view of Mount Baker Ferndales 15000 residents pride themselves on their relaxed small-town friendliness and affordable quality of life. Ferndales convenient location in Whatcom County on the I-5 corridor is just 15 minutes away from our main site in beautiful downtown Bellingham a popular university & retirement community of 90000 nestled on Bellingham Bay at the foot of the Cascade Mountains. Just a short distance from Seattle Vancouver BC and the San Juan Islands Whatcom County houses 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 Unity Care NW - Job Opportunities () or contact Vicki Curtis Provider Recruiter at or . For news on our organization & future job postings please follow us on LinkedIn at you feel this job posting is missing any required compensation or benefit information please contact . 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 Covid-19 and influenza. More information about this program is provided throughout the recruitment process.