Behavioral Health Specialist

Summary of Job Duties

Schedule will be determined at hire based on team needs. Some evening and weekend hours may be required, depending on coverage.

Major responsibilities include providing assessment, brief intervention, treatment plan development, individual/group therapy, psychoeducational groups, crisis intervention, referral coordination, and administrative support as assigned. The incumbent will also maintain timely and meticulous documentation in all clinical and/or research roles. Assigned duties may occur in-person and virtually at the UAMS campus and/or at various locations in the community, including within jails and prisons. Exact assignments may change over time depending on funding and team needs; flexibility, willingness to continue to learn, and a team-focused attitude to assignments are requirements of the position.

For all assignments, the incumbent must have an understanding of mental health diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, especially posttraumatic stress disorder and trauma sequelae more broadly, and substance use disorder. The incumbent must be willing to be trained in and administer structured assessments in addition to therapeutic services. Our team commonly uses manualized interventions, and we adhere to best practice guidelines for intervention, so an appreciation for evidence-based practice is required. Prior experience with Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and other manualized evidence-based interventions is valued.

This position requires the ability to interact and develop strong positive working relationships with a diverse group of professionals at all levels within the organization and the outside community. The incumbent will represent UAMS and HEALS Lab in a positive and professional manner and adhere to all best practices, guidelines, policies, and procedures as established. Willingness to undertake in-state travel to community sites is a requirement of the position.

Responsibilities

• Provide assessment, brief intervention, treatment plan development, individual/group therapy, psychoeducational groups, crisis intervention, and referral coordination as assigned.
• Maintain timely and meticulous documentation in all clinical and/or research roles.
• Learn and adhere to HEALS' standards/protocols for all assigned activities.
• Complete required paperwork, logs, reports, and data entry within the required timeframe outlined in project/contract protocol or as directed by the incumbent's supervisor and/or Laboratory director.
• Performs other responsibilities as required to support the needs of the HEALS team.

Qualifications

Master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or other mental health-related field. Must have a valid driver's license. Must be licensed in a Mental Health field or eligible in the State of Arkansas.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong attention to detail; ability to work on multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent PC skills with demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office Package (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook); internet.
• Training and public speaking skills.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Willingness to engage in statewide travel as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge, experience, and expertise in the intersection of mental health and the legal system.
• 2-3 years of experience in the areas of posttraumatic stress and/or substance use disorder.
• Experience providing evidence-based therapy for PTSD, including Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and/or Written Exposure Therapy.
• Experience providing psychoeducational training and offering public speaking.
• Expertise in any of the following: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Crisis Intervention; Engagement, Relationship Building, and Collaboration with Community Partners; Observation, Screening, and Data Collection; Action Planning, Strategy Development, Implementation/Technical Assistance; Community Systems Partnerships and Resources; Professionalism, and Ethics.

Additional Information

The incumbent may travel to locations within the state for work on assigned projects and will maintain flexible hours to meet the needs of assigned programs, clients, study participants, and stakeholders.