Behavioural Health Consultant

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Behavioural Health Consultant (BHC) provides clinical support to patients from a behavioural adaptation perspective, for those living with mental health concerns and/or chronic disease. The BHC assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates behavioral-based treatment plans for patients referred from within the PCN. This role does not include active psychotherapy.

The primary focus of the role is direct patient care. The BHC works collaboratively with the Practice Lead to maintain professional competence and development and makes referrals to specialized resources within the PCN and the community as required. While the position works closely with the entire interdisciplinary team and community partners, it functions with a great deal of independence in day-to-day duties.

This position is Monday to Friday, in-person, at the EOPCN central office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

• Conduct thorough patient assessments, including a standardized functional assessment and a biopsychosocial assessment, to identify health concerns, current risk, and readiness for behavioral change
• Develop solution focused, goal directed, evidence-based care plans using the Behavioural Health Consultant model of care, and executing them in a timely way
• Provide behavioral based support for chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, chronic pain, addiction) and mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, grief, depression, stress)
• Assess patient knowledge, literacy level, social supports, and learning preferences, using a variety of communication strategies to support better outcomes
• Provide patient education in health literacy and behavioral change concepts
• Make appropriate referrals to PCN and community resources, and follow up or provide additional support as required
• Document assessments, treatment plans, and referrals in the electronic medical record (EMR) to maintain a quality health record
• Participate in weekly case consults, monthly team and staff meetings, and quarterly multidisciplinary team meetings
• Collaborate with the BHC team, Practice Lead, and multidisciplinary team to support best practice in patient care and program delivery
• Contribute to special projects, quality improvement initiatives, and workflow improvements as assigned
• Participate in programs to develop and maintain core competencies and promote professional growth, and in the evaluation process for the role

QUALIFICATIONS:

Please note that all candidates for this position must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and/or Nursing, with current registration with the appropriate professional regulatory college.
• A minimum of three years of experience in primary care, community, mental health, or related not-for-profit settings, including direct experience in mental health and/or chronic disease management. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of community resources related to mental health and chronic disease, standards of practice established by their professional regulatory body
• Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMRs).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Teams.
• A Criminal Record/Police Information Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check.

The following are considered assets:

• Knowledge of the Behavioral Health Consultant model, health behaviour change, and therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), assertive community treatment (ACT), and motivational interviewing.
• Knowledge of addiction, mental health, social determinants of health, trauma-informed care, health education, and chronic disease management, including adult learning principles.
• Understanding of the Social Policy Framework, Primary Health Care Strategies, and Addiction and Mental Health Strategy.
• Relevant training in suicide risk assessment/prevention, Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care, basic life support/CPR, and CBT