Behavioral Health Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

The Behavioral Health Clinician will provide counseling support services to IDNG Service Members and their families. This position supports the administration and delivery of a Behavioral Health Counseling Program designed to identify Service Members and family members who may be eligible for assistance, educate them on available benefits and resources, and connect them with appropriate support services. The clinician will lead and support initiatives to identify, engage, and serve eligible individuals; provide information and outreach regarding programs available at the national, state, and local levels; and develop recommendations to enhance program effectiveness, accessibility, and service offerings.

• Provide clinical services, including assessment, intervention, care coordination, referral, discharge planning, and ongoing monitoring of client progress. Assess Service Members and/or family members to identify presenting concerns, develop and implement appropriate intervention plans, coordinate with collateral contacts and service providers as needed, and conduct follow-up activities to support treatment goals and continuity of care. Consult with supervisors, commanders, and other relevant stakeholders regarding duty-related reintegration or return-to-duty considerations, when appropriate.
• Clinicians are expected to maintain an average caseload of 28 to 30 direct clinical service hours per week. In addition, each clinician is expected to complete at least two new client intake assessments per week to ensure timely access to behavioral health services for Service Members and their family members.
• A treatment plan will be established within the first three visits. Progress will be monitored using approved screening tools. If long-term therapy is needed, the Service Member and/or family member will be referred to appropriate community behavioral health resources.
• Clinicians will provide evidence-based treatments (EBTs). At a minimum, each clinician will be trained in and able to provide at least one of the following EBTs: CPT, DBT, or EMDR. Additional EBTs may be utilized with DPH approval.
• Participate in the IDNG Crisis Line on-call rotation and share queue coverage responsibilities with members of the Integrated Behavioral Health Team. Coverage duties include business hours and after-hours support as assigned through the established rotation schedule
• Maintain follow-up and coordination with the IBHT for high-risk patients to ensure continuity of care and comprehensive support services.
• Assist the DPH in developing and implementing outreach initiatives that promote behavioral health, wellness, and access to counseling and treatment services.
• Provide outreach, education, and behavioral health support services at events and activities, including welcome-home events, unit briefings, crisis-response activities, and post-incident debriefings. Collaborate with behavioral health and substance abuse personnel to deliver training, education, and resource awareness to Service Members and their families.
• Maintain accurate and complete clinical records, including assessments, treatment plans, risk assessments, diagnoses, care plans, and progress notes documenting services provided and evidence-based interventions.
• Maintain records and conduct audits of at least 20% of case files to ensure compliance with documentation requirements and standards of care.
• Coordinate with the DPH to provide 24/7 behavioral health support, including crisis response, intake, assessment, screening, referral, and care coordination services. Services may be provided in person or telephonically. Time spent providing support or services to Service Members will be considered hours worked.
• Attend required training, seminars, and meetings to maintain current knowledge of behavioral health resources, best practices, and support services available to Service Members and their families.
• Ensure treatment plans and referrals are coordinated through the DPH, including consultations and referrals involving the VA, TRICARE network providers, and other community-based providers.
• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and community resources available to Service Members, veterans, and their families, and provide appropriate referrals to support identified needs.
• Each clinician will provide the DPH and Behavioral Health Case Manager with a monthly schedule outlining clinical hours, crisis line coverage, and travel plans to support care coordination and scheduling.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in a related field and demonstrated practical experience in behavioral health or a closely related discipline. Experience in program or project coordination is required, along with a minimum of one (1) year of professional experience in a behavioral health setting.
  
• Licensure and Clinical Knowledge: Must possess, or be eligible to obtain, an independent-level clinical license, including but not limited to Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or an equivalent behavioral health licensure. Knowledge of behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment protocols for mental health disorders is required. Experience or training in trauma-informed care and trauma treatment is preferred. Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure to practice at the independent level and be capable of supporting complex programs with multiple responsibilities.
  
• Military and Family Experience: Experience working with military Service Members, veterans, and military families is highly desirable. Knowledge of military culture and the unique challenges faced by military families is preferred. Experience serving diverse age groups, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, is also preferred.