Behavioral Health Aide

Position Purpose:

This position will play an important role within our organization, reporting directly to the Deputy Chief of Behavioral Health and collaborating closely with the Behavioral Health Lead Staff to oversee patient/client scheduling and registration processes. We are seeking an individual who not only possesses the necessary skills and experience but also possesses a genuine passion for working with Behavioral Health patients. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in need, while contributing to the overall success of our Behavioral Health department. The Behavioral Health Aide will also support to uphold JWCH's mission to improve the health status and well-being of under-served segments of the population of Los Angeles Area through the direct provision or coordination of health care, health education, services, and research.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Scheduling appointments for all Behavioral Health providers, including LCSWs, ASWs, Psychiatrists, and Psychiatric Med-level professionals.
2. Following up daily on all no-show appointments and promptly rescheduling as necessary.
3. Conducting weekly reviews of no-show lists to ensure all missed appointments are rescheduled, documenting all communication attempts in Next-Gen and maintaining open communication with mental health providers.
4. Demonstrating comprehensive understanding of the registration and scheduling process, including check-in procedures, payer selection, sliding scale and fee policies, and other relevant protocols.
5. Assisting Behavioral Health staff in scheduling patients for initial and follow-up appointments, managing cancellations, and facilitating rescheduling procedures.
6. Proficient in Behavioral Health referrals, encompassing the receipt and processing of referrals, appointment scheduling, and rescheduling activities.
7. Capable of navigating the referral system within the Electronic Medical Record efficiently.
8. Supporting the preparation of check-in paperwork for patients, managing patient check-in and check-out processes, and confirming appointments as required.
9. Conducting pre-checks for all patients 24 hours prior to their visit to ensure completion of all necessary paperwork, consents, and screenings.
10. Coordinating with Behavioral Health and medical providers, as well as clinic staff, to address patient requests, including urgent cases, referrals to the Office of the Day, walk-ins, and other inquiries such as medical records.
11. Participating in meetings and training sessions as needed.
12. Assisting the Director of Behavioral Health Services in ensuring compliance with clinic and departmental policies and procedures.
13. Generating reports from the computer system for the Director of Behavioral Health.
14. Adhering to guidelines for scheduling appointments via email requests.
15. May involve assisting with other departmental check-in duties upon request.
16. Collaborating closely with Medical, Dental, and administrative staff to facilitate smooth patient flow and reduce waiting times.
17. Perform any other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Social Work, or a related social service or health field is preferred.
2. Minimum of one year of experience working with behavioral health patients or in a behavioral health setting is required.
3. Minimum of one year of front office experience, registration, or clerical experience dealing directly with patients is required.
4. Ability to relate to and communicate effectively with a diverse patient population, and to work within a team setting.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong interpersonal skills.
6. Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
7. Ability to perform assigned responsibilities within JWCH's established guidelines in an organized, detailed, and efficient manner.
8. Experience with Excel and Microsoft programs.
9. Excellent computer skills and proficiency in documenting in an electronic medical record system.
10. Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred.

Physical demands and working conditions:

1. Extensive sitting and typing on the keyboard.
2. Constant interactions on the phone.
3. Occasional lifting and carrying items weighing up to 35 pounds.
4. Requires manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Requires corrected vision and hearing to within normal range.
5. Requires working under stressful conditions.