Behavioral Health Assistant

Job Description:

SUMMARY:

The Behavioral Health (BH) Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of behavioral health services at Three Rivers Health Center (TRHC). As a key member of the care team, the BH Assistant assists Behavioral Health Providers (Therapists and Psychiatric Providers) in clinical care, coordination, and resource linkage.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical duties:

• Performs intake triage, gathers patient vitals, and assists with behavioral health paperwork, screenings, and questionnaires.
• Records and maintains accurate patient information, including vitals and screening results.
• Provides support to BH Providers and coordinates psychotropic medications requests for refill.
• Handles prior authorization requests for psychotropic medications.
• Coordinates with the Lab Assistant for drug screens, blood draws, and injections.
• Provides phone follow ups with patients as directed by Behavioral Health Providers.
• Participates in team meetings and huddles to review complex cases, improve service access, and enhance care delivery.
• Collaborates with the Care Concierge to identify patients’ social health needs and connect them with community resources.

Administrative duties:

• Coordinates scheduling for new, same-day and returning behavioral health patients.
• Advocates for patients by coordinating care with primary providers and specialists.
• Maintains BH provider schedules to optimize departmental efficiency.
• Assists with billing, credentialing, and coordination of referrals with the finance and HR departments.
• Processes and manages internal and self-referrals for behavioral health services.
• Communicates with the Referral Coordinator to manage external referrals.
• Arranges translation services for patient care as needed.
• Assists with processing medical records and completing necessary forms (e.g., release of information).
• Follows up with patients on missed appointments, cancellations, and sends reminder letters.
• Assists with faxing, copying, and organizing patient-related documents.
• Coordinates logistical support for the department, including managing supplies and equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to walk, talk, hear, use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• May be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 40 pounds.
• Must be willing and able to work long hours, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Must be willing and able to travel both locally and within the CTCLUSI service delivery area.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT

• Varied activities including standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting.
• Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patient’s manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Requires standing and walking for extensive periods of time.
• May be required to work in locations other than Three Rivers Health Center, such as schools or at an outreach work location.
• May be required to attend meetings, conferences and Tribal events.

Experience and Skills:

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Certified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) or Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) with behavioral health experience.
• Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers.
• Ability to take patient vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiration, temperature); phlebotomy certification preferred.
• Knowledge of medical and behavioral health practices and terminology.
• Proficiency in medical record documentation and screening test results.
• Strong communication skills, including face-to-face, phone, and written communication.
• Ability to work effectively with patients, medical staff, and the public, ensuring a professional, courteous, and culturally sensitive approach.
• Capacity to react calmly and effectively in mental health emergencies.
• Proficiency in using computer systems, including MC Office Suite and patient care software (ability to type 30 WPM).
• Demonstrates sound judgement, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Must maintain HIPAA standards and confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt to changes in workload, assignments, and work pace.
• Must be able to interact with Tribal members and the general public in a courteous, professional, and efficient manner.
• Ability to work with culturally diverse families and communities with the ability to be culturally sensitive, appropriate and non-judgmental.
• Willing to work beyond normal working hours when necessary.
• Must possess reasonable ability to communicate in English.
• This is a safety sensitive position and will be subject to pre-employment drug testing and criminal history background check, which will include fingerprinting.
• Must have employment eligibility in the U.S.
• Indian preference will be observed in the hiring process.