Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist

Who We Are & Purpose of Position

For over 50 years, Covenant House New York (CHNY) has been a leader in providing a full continuum of shelter, transitional and permanent housing and wrap-around support services for vulnerable homeless, runaway and exploited youth. As the largest provider of runaway and homeless youth services in New York City, CHNY serves more than 1,500 youth and young adults ages 16-24 annually. Our doors are open to all young people who need help, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We provide shelter, housing, education, employment, health, mental health, anti-human trafficking, and other services using harm reduction and trauma-informed principles. We also advocate for systemic change through public policy while promoting awareness of critical issues related to youth homelessness. Covenant House New York’s goal is to help each young person find safety and refuge from the dangers of living on the streets and to empower youth now and into the future. We do this through compassion, unconditional love and absolute respect. Reporting to the Director of Mental Health, the Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist who is a CASAC-certified, Social Worker, will focus on the seamless integration of mental health, primary care, and substance use services for clients utilizing our Federally Qualified Health Center. The Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist is responsible for providing evidence based behavioral healthcare assessment and clinical services to patients at the Covenant House NY Health Center for a variety of emotional and psychiatric problems. As part of an integrated behavioral health and primary care practice, they can provide initial patient evaluations, triage assessments, crisis intervention management, brief individual counseling, skills training, care coordination, case management, resource management, advocacy, and follow-up. They participate in interdisciplinary case conferences, work with primary care providers, and assist with program development to ensure high-quality delivery service. The Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist provides psychosocial services using a variety of interventions, including evidence-based models such as SBIRT, CBT, DBT and Motivational Interviewing to clients utilizing our Federally Qualified Health Center. As this is a new position the Integrated Behavioral Health Specialist will need to be comfortable in a rapidly changing environment where processes and protocols are being developed and 05.13.19 refined as the program is operating. Flexibility and excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are critical to successfully fulfilling the requirements of this position. This position includes opportunities to be trained and certified in evidence-based practices (EBPs), as well as continuing education credit opportunities through the InUnity Behavioral Health Coalition which CHNY is a member of. It also provides individual and group supervision by an LCSW for pursuit of LCSW licensure.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Provide initial patient evaluations and triage assessments, utilizing assessment tools such as the PHQ-9 and CRAAFT.
• Provide individual and group counseling, and psychoeducation to clients to address mental health and psychosocial needs. This includes short-term crisis intervention, skills training, care coordination, case management, resource management, advocacy, and follow-up for clients of the Health Center and for their designated caseload.
• Collaborating with our Health Center, Mental Health, AHT, legal and residential teams to provide wrap around services for youth.
• Complete psychosocial assessments. Identify current mental health, social, and emotional needs, making initial recommendations, in-house and outside referrals, and write appropriate summary report.
• Actively link young people who are interested in longer term mental health care and psycho-social supports to internal and/or community-based providers and communicate with providers/social workers at referring agencies as necessary.
• Become trained in and integrate evidence-based programs.
• Provide consultation to Case Managers and program staff—providing assessments, information (regarding issues around trauma, mental health and substance use), and referrals as needed.
• Meet regularly with clinical supervisor to discuss concerns, reflect on practice and client needs, and carry out plans for young people.
• Be vigilant about maintaining a safe and nurturing environment for our youth.
• Document in the required systems of record in a timely and accurate manner

Schedule

• On-Site Weekday Shifts (9:00 AM-5:00 PM as well as 12:00 PM-8:00 PM on Wednesday’s the Health Center’s late day.
• 1 Saturday Weekend Shift per month to start with the potential to increase
• Overall Flexible schedule required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)/CASAC required or working towards CASAC to be considered.
• LMSW must be working towards LCSW Licensure within three (3) years of hire date.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Knowledge/Skills

• One (1) year of experience providing counseling and case work with at risk youth highly preferred; internships in this field to be considered. Knowledge of trauma and mental health issues facing multi-stressed youth and families.
• Experience working in a homeless shelter, residential, or healthcare setting preferred. Knowledge of social service systems.
• Solid assessment, interviewing and crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent verbal, written and problem-solving abilities required.
• Experience working with diverse groups preferred.
• Experience utilizing evidence-based and other social service models preferred
• Dedicated to the mission of Covenant House.

Benefits

• Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to:
• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• Life & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short and Long-term disability insurance 
• Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire
• PTO includes three weeks of vacation in the first year, ten holidays, 13 sick days, five personal days, and birthday days off
• 403b with employer contribution after 12 months

Covenant House New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at deptpeopleandculture@covenanthouse.org