BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EDUCATOR

THE POSITION
The Behavioral Health Educator is a mental health professional who works under the supervision of the Licensed Behavioral Health Consultant/Program Manager, as part of the Integrated Behavioral Health Team providing prevention and early intervention services for identified health and behavioral health issues. The two primary focus areas of direct service include screening, prevention and brief education services to health clinic patients and the development of wellness activities and events for the communities we serve. The Behavioral Health Educator works with the SmartCare Team, the Health Care Team and the patient to best identify the brief intervention plan and resources needed for optimum care. The Behavioral Health Educator also collaborates with our community partners to identify community needs, in promoting wellness. The Behavioral Health Educator conducts screenings and assessments, maintains patient charts and documentation, and facilitates Satisfaction Surveys. Sample duties include:

• Receives "warm hand-offs" from Health Care Providers at health care clinic, as first contacts/ patients' first exposure to SmartCare Integrated Behavioral Health.
• Conducts screenings and brief strength-based assessments, including basic needs assessments, within the context of a local health care clinic. Ensures that all patients feel welcome and that all issues, including co-occurring disorders, can be addressed through the clinical team and by supported referrals.
• In collaboration with Behavioral Health Consultants and the patient, develops a brief intervention plan, to include a transition/ discharge plan.
• Collaborates with community partners (teachers, probation officers, social workers, other providers, as appropriate, to insure continuity of care.
• Maintains updates of all community resources and networks of support.
• Assists Primary Health Care staff in understanding the range of alternative healing modalities that may be utilized, especially by Latino and Native American patients, such as the use of complementary medicine and wellness activities.
• Identifies additional needs and services to expand patients' support system, and provides linkage and follow-up.
• Provides follow-up services (clinic based, community based or home based, per patients' needs and comfort).
• Develop a specialized role on the team that includes an expertise in community resources and/or specific population served. Advise the team on all cases within this area of expertise.
• Works with community partners to assess community needs in relation to activities that promote wellness and healthy living choices.
• Develops and implements curricula for activities and classes such as stress management, healthy relationships, teen violence, drug and alcohol use, good nutrition and healthy recreational activities.
• Maintains documentation (screenings, progress notes, wellness activity notes, Satisfaction Surveys, Discharge Notes) in the Care Manager system that complies with Vista Hill and County documentation standards and within required timeframes (within 2 days of service).
• Assists clinics in meeting Outcome goals: screening of all patients, Satisfaction Surveys of all patients receiving an intervention.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Behavioral Sciences or related field.
• Experience with health and wellness issues for both adults and children.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Ability to pass a drug, TB and background check, COVID vaccine requirements.

SALARY
$20.50 per hour
This is a starting rate and may be adjusted up based on education and experience.
Current Vista Hill employees in this job title for 2024 are paid $20.50 - $24 an hour.
HOURS
40 hours per week
BENEFITS
This position receives full benefits, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off (vacation and sick leave), paid holidays, and employer-paid pension.
ABOUT US
Vista Hill is a nonprofit organization that has been helping San Diegans live better lives since 1957! Our programs range from substance abuse, mental and behavioral health, early intervention and preventive work, to long-term special education and training for individuals with developmental disabilities. We can be found assisting families in very difficult situations in many of our communities large and small, rural and suburban. You will see our caring staff working with challenging populations that most other agencies shy away from in areas that are conveniently located to the people we serve.
At Vista Hill we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.