Job Abstract

In conjunction with the Behavioral Health Team, the Behavioral Health Linkage Worker will assist the BH Team in implementing program activities for the purpose of integrating behavioral health in primary care.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Under supervision, and in conjunction with the Behavioral Health Team, the behavioral health linkage worker will perform the following integration activities:

• Responsible for accessing behavioral health services and providing a warm handoff for patients with behavioral health conditions, who have been identified and referred by the primary care providers through the Annual Behavioral Health Screening (i.e. Red Flags from ABHS) or from the Doctor’s visit
• Assists patients to schedule appointments with NEMS behavioral health providers, including ACSWs, LCSWs, and other professionals on the team
• Assists patients to schedule medical and other auxiliary services at NEMS such as membership services, health education, DBH, PACE, etc. Assists patients to access behavioral health services from County behavioral health clinics, community-based behavioral health clinics, and substance use treatment programs. Coordinates with County and outside agencies in care coordination and referral follow-ups. Helps patients research about services providers within their insurance networks
• Follows up with patients who did not show up for their initial behavioral health appointments to encourage compliance with the referral orders from the primary care providers
• Provides case management activities as requested by ACSWs, LCSWs, and other professionals on the BH Team
• Documents referrals and case management activities in the patient’s electronic health records, and submits and processes prior authorizations for BH visits as needed.
• Provides outreach or in reach to patients at high risk of co-occurring physical and behavioral health disorders.
• Updates the Behavioral Health Referral Resource Database regularly

• Performs other job duties as required by manager/supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College/University. Major in human service area such as : Health Sciences, Social Work, Psychology, Education Nutrition, preferred
• Knowledge and Experience with outreach, engagement, and one-on-one interview in a community health setting preferred
• Knowledge and Experience in case management and familiarity with community-based resources preferred
• Basic Life Support Certification required.
• Able to demonstrate competency in computer literacy to meet documentation requirements
• Has great interest in the implementation of integrating primary care and behavioral health care, and is excited in pursuing a career in integrated health care
• Excited to be working with a multi-disciplinary team, and a diverse patient population
• Committed to good customer service and patient advocacy, willing to go the extra mile to assist patient.

LANGUAGE:

• Must be fluent in English and Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin)
• Other Chinese dialects or proficiency in other languages an asset

STATUS:

This is an FLSA Non-exempt position.

This is not an OSHA high-risk position.

I acknowledge that I have read, understood and accept this job description and am able to perform these essential job functions without restrictions. I also understand that it may be modified from time to time.

NEMS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer welcoming diversity in our workforce. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

NEMS BENEFITS: Competitive benefits, including free medical, dental and vision insurance for employee, spouse and/or children; and company contribution to 401(k).