Behavioral Health Specialist - LMSW

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Day Shift

Description:

Serves as a professional behavioral health provider embedded in primary care and specialty settings. Is responsible for providing

behavioral health services to assist patient and their support systems in managing mental health conditions and related psychosocial

problems more effectively. Services include assessment, screening, treatment planning, crisis intervention, provision of short-term,

brief therapy, referral, consultation, behavioral care management and advocacy. Collaborates with other members of the health care

team or community-based services as needed to improve client access and provide continuous, comprehensive, and affordable health

care. Practices following the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Minimum: Accredited Master's level program in clinical social work, counseling or psychology.

Credentials/Licensure

Minimum: Limited Licensed by the Michigan Board of Social Work as a Limited Licensed Master's Social Worker with clinical

designation or Licensed Professional Counselor or Limited Licensed Psychologist.

Preferred: Fully Licensed by the Michigan Board of Social Work as a Licensed Mater's Social Worker with clinical designation or

fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or or Limited Licensed Psychologist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug

Counselor certification.

Related Experience

Minimum: Two years of experience in health care social work and/or counseling/psychotherapy.

Preferred: Two years of experience in health care social work and/or counseling/psychotherapy in an ambulatory setting.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Minimum: Interpersonal skills necessary to provide counseling and interact effectively with clients, families, and colleagues. Use of

evidence-based clinical interventions at the individual, family, and group levels. Analytic skills to assess client needs, develop

treatment plans, and provide sound advice and guidance. Knowledge of and ability to work with a broad range of cultural diversity.

Effective psychotherapy skills; strong report writing/documentation skills; ability to manage a variety of tasks and problems at the

same time; high level of initiative and ability to self-direct to solve problems; ability to work collaboratively with peers in a similar

role.

Position may require bilingual Spanish ability.

Preferred: Strong knowledge of community resources for patients and their families

Computer Competency

Familiarity with standard desktop and windows based computer system, including email, e-learning, intranet and computer navigation.

Ability to use other software required to perform essential functions.

Physical/Mental

Minimum: Ability to work with a high level of activity, distractions, and numerous interruptions. Multiple assignments often need to

be prioritized daily. Sitting for long periods of time. Ability to walk requests/reports around to other locations in or near the hospital

complex. Some travel required for work-related meetings. Ability to bend, stoop and reach above head, lift, and carry. Requires fine

motor skills. Extensive use of keyboard, repetitive tasks of typing and phone use. Long periods of listening to phone calls. Ability to

coordinate work so deadlines are met. Requires flexibility in work hours. Ability to troubleshoot variety of problems. Ability to lift up

to a maximum of 35lbs. and perform push/pull tasks requiring a maximum force of 35 lbs. Ability to physically operate safe patient

movement equipment in compliance with the Safe Patient Movement Policy.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Exposed to a variety of attitudes, personalities, and health-related reactions from colleagues, clients, families, and visitors. Possible

exposure to a variety of infectious diseases.

Position Summary

We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Behavioral Health Specialist to join our integrated care team. This role is embedded within primary care and specialty settings to deliver high-quality behavioral health services that support patients and their families in managing mental health conditions and related psychosocial concerns.

The Behavioral Health Specialist provides assessment, diagnosis support, brief therapeutic interventions, crisis response, care coordination, and consultation services. This role collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to improve access to comprehensive, continuous, and person-centered care.

All services are delivered in alignment with the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Key Responsibilities

Assessment & Treatment Planning

• Conduct screenings, intake assessments, and review of electronic health records (EHR).
• Perform comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and contribute to diagnostic formulation using DSM-5 criteria.
• Develop individualized, evidence-based care plans in collaboration with clients.
• Establish measurable goals and appropriate interventions aligned with client needs.

Intervention & Care Delivery

• Provide short-term psychotherapy and counseling to individuals, families, and groups.
• Deliver crisis intervention, triage, and behavioral care management services.
• Promote a recovery-oriented, client-centered approach to care.
• Educate patients and families on mental health conditions and self-management strategies.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the EHR in accordance with clinical and billing standards.
• Coordinate services with community providers and support systems to ensure continuity of care.

Collaboration & Evaluation

• Monitor treatment effectiveness and adjust care plans based on outcomes.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary care teams to ensure coordinated delivery of services.
• Communicate patient progress, recommendations, and care updates through EHR and team discussions.
• Provide consultation and behavioral health guidance to providers and staff.

Administrative & Professional Responsibilities

• Utilize EHRs, registries, and care tools for documentation, communication, and performance tracking.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain licensure and engage in ongoing professional development.
• Participate in team meetings, committees, and organizational initiatives.
• Support research, quality improvement, and training initiatives as applicable.
• Provide supervision to interns as assigned and perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from an accredited program.

Licensure & Certifications

• Required: Limited Licensed Master's Social Worker (LLMSW) with clinical designation (Michigan).
• Preferred:
• Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) with clinical designation (Michigan)
• Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC)

Experience

• Required: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in healthcare social work and/or counseling/psychotherapy.
• Preferred: Experience in an ambulatory or integrated care setting.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong assessment and clinical reasoning skills
• Knowledge of evidence-based behavioral health interventions
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-based environment
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Commitment to patient-centered, recovery-focused care

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.