The Behavioral Health Counselor (BHC) provides therapeutic services, social support, and case management to patients of Southwest Utah Community Health Center/Family Healthcare (SWUCHC/FHC). This role includes delivering counseling, facilitating referrals, supporting medical staff, and connecting patients with community resources. As an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team, the counselor contributes to the goals of the Behavioral Health program and actively participates in staff, provider, and quality improvement (QI) meetings to enhance patient care and organizational outcomes. The BHC is required to perform duties as outlined in this job description.

Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• • Champion the integration of behavioral health into the primary care setting.
  • Collaborate closely with medical providers to develop care plans and provide feedback on patient progress.
  • Conduct brief patient encounters (e.g., 15- and 30-minute sessions) and introductory visits as alternatives to traditional 50-minute therapy sessions.
  • Develop and facilitate therapy and educational group sessions.
  • Provide short-term counseling (8–12 sessions) for patients with mild to moderate psychosocial needs.
  • Refer patients requiring long-term therapy to Southwest Behavioral Health Center (SBHC) or private providers.
  • Assist in identifying at-risk patients and create intervention plans to prevent further psychological or physical decline.
  • Deliver social services to patients, including connecting them with appropriate community resources.
  • Design and implement programs to address patient needs, such as social histories, support groups, and specialized classes.
  • Maintain strong partnerships with SBHC for patients with serious emotional disturbances (SED) and Medicaid recipients.
  • Maintain open communication with internal teams and external community resources to enhance patient care.
  • Support the development and implementation of ongoing SWUCHC/FHC programs and initiatives.
  • Document all patient interactions and data confidentially within the mental health section of the electronic health record (EHR).
  • Uphold professional and ethical standards in all patient interactions, in accordance with the applicable Code of Ethics or other approved professional codes.
  • Treat all patients with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

Physical Demands: Duties are generally performed in an office environment where hazards and discomforts are controlled and modifiable. This position requires the ability to stand, bend at the waist, kneel, reach over the head, talk, hear, and see. Must be able to move or lift documents and materials weighing up to 30 pounds. Position requires knowledge and use of typical office equipment including telephones, copiers, fax machines, and personal computers. Position requires frequent contact with fellow employees, patients and community. Position may require travel to other sites for work assignments, meetings or training.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision (Medical premiums are partially paid for by Family Healthcare)
• Family Healthcare partners with Nonstop Wellness to help cover a portion of employees' healthcare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
• 401K available on the 1st day of hire for all employees, Family Healthcare will match dollar for dollar up to 3% and .50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% up to 5% of yearly earnings
• Profit Sharing: All employees are eligible for up to 5% of yearly earnings after working with Family Healthcare for 6 months consecutively
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays (13 including a floating Holiday)
• Gym Membership Discount
• Employee Assistance Program for counseling

Qualifications - Education/Experience:

• Master’s degree in a behavioral health field from an accredited university
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Clinical Mental Health Counselor, (CMHC), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) preferred
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a clinical, hospital, community service, or private practice setting
• Must hold or be eligible for clinical licensure in the state of Utah
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
• Ability to work well as a team, exhibit integrity, use good judgment and keep confidential information.
• Strong knowledge of behavioral medicine and evidence-based treatments for medical and mental health conditions
• Solid understanding of psychopharmacology
• Skilled in making quick, accurate clinical assessments of mental and behavioral conditions
• Comfortable working in a consultative role with primary care medical providers
• Proficient in conducting brief patient interactions, including via phone and telehealth
• Capable of designing and implementing clinical pathways and treatment protocols
• Experienced in training medical and behavioral health staff in effective interventions and integrated care models
• Sound judgment and ability to manage challenging situations calmly and equitably
• Strong community engagement skills and ability to represent the organization professionally
• Able to interpret professional literature, technical procedures, and regulations
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality consistently
•  Influenza, Tdap, Hep B, MMR, Varicella, TB test, and Negative Drug Test results. Additional Vaccines may be required.