Behavioural Health Consultant (RN, RPN or RSW)

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Clinical Manager, or designate, the Behavioural Health Consultant (BHC) supports the delivery of Primary Care Services in the Family Physicians office and/or PCN central office setting. The BHC uses clinical processes as a member of, and in collaboration with, the interdisciplinary team, in the delivery of evidence based high quality primary health care services that meet the needs of the patient. The BHC will assess, develop, implement and evaluate behavioral health treatment plans for patients of all ages working to full scope of practice.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Include, but are not limited to the following:

Clinical

• Assist primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental health disorders and psychosocial struggles

• Assess the behavioural health status of patients referred by primary care providers through brief functional assessment

• Provide brief, short-term consultation for patients to assist with the management of psychosocial and behavioural aspects of chronic or acute mental or behavioural health concerns

• Develop behavioural change plans with patients promoting patient self-management using a goal directed, solution focused approach

• Apply a population health focus and evidence based practice within a brief consultation model

• Work with the interdisciplinary team to treat patients with chronic emotional and/or health problems effectively

• Maintain an up to date awareness of community resources to assist with patients mental, behavioural, and psychosocial needs

• Work with the primary care provider to refer patients to community resources and/or mental health specialists as appropriate and assist patients and care team members in navigating mental health resources and support

• Facilitate psychoeducational classes or programs and primary care level treatment groups

• Provide appropriate and timely documentation to referring physicians and to other care providers about interventions, referrals and other activity with patients

Administrative

• Act as a resource to other interdisciplinary team members and community partners

• Maintain a high level of current knowledge and trends in the relevant discipline specific skills and practices and participate in activities to develop and maintain clinical competency and promote professional growth

• Contribute to the development of the PCN’s mental health program and participate in quality improvement activities

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree or Masters in Social Work, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Registered Nurse, Registered Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, or equivalent

• Three to five years’ experience in a mental health setting preferred

• Active Registration as a member in good standing of an Affiliated Registered College.

• Direct experience providing brief, short-term mental health support

• Experience working in a primary care setting and with health behaviour change methods.

• Experience in an interdisciplinary team environment

• Experience in using electronic medical records is an asset

• Experience with all ages preferred

• Experience facilitating classes and treatment groups considered an asset

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of goal directed, solution focused behaviour change interventions with an emphasis on interdisciplinary team approach

• Ability to deal effectively with patients with mental health concerns who are experiencing crises

• Knowledge of psycho-pharmacology preferred

• Working knowledge of local and provincial mental health resources

• Strong, effective written and oral communication skills, coupled with a high level of perceptiveness and good listening skills

• Attention to detail for all communications

• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with physicians, coworkers, community agency representatives, patients and families

• Ability to work proactively, effectively, and independently in a complex ever evolving environment, with a willingness to be an  early adopter of change

• Ability to organize time, multi-task and set priorities to meet various deadlines and maintain a flexible schedule.

• High level of integrity and professional conduct

• Understanding of privacy laws in Alberta and acts in accordance with those laws

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES AND COMPETENCIES

• Enthusiastic and positive, can-do attitude

• Able and willing, in an unstructured environment, to be flexible, creative and juggle numerous competing priorities

• Ethical, responsible and accountable

• Respect other views/opinions

• Ability to have difficult conversations and be comfortable asking questions.

• Exceptional understanding of and appreciation for confidentiality and privacy

• Ability to identify sensitive information

OTHER OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• A current and clear Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Check is required

• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle for travel to various stakeholder locations

• This position will be located at the SPPCN offices in Sherwood Park and/or Fort Saskatchewan, as well as in family physician offices in Edmonton, Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan as required

DISCLAIMER
This job description indicates representative responsibilities and specifications of the position only and should not be considered to necessarily represent all responsibilities and specifications of the position. The incumbent may perform other duties as assigned, which are not specified in this description. A review and update of this job description will take place at the yearly performance review.