Behavior Health Coach (Emergency Medicine)

I. Major Responsibilities: 

1. Conducts screening for a variety of behavioral health behaviors, conducts brief interventions, motivational interviewing, and refers patients to appropriate resources for education and or treatment within Emergency Department. 

2. Documents all information obtained in patient evaluation, assessment, consultation, referral and disposition to comply with regulatory requirements, as well as ensuring best possible patient outcome.

3. Participates in the evaluation of health and education programs including wellness, nutrition, physical fitness, tobacco and unintentional injuries.

4. Engages patients as appropriate in support activities relating to behavioral and necessary primary care.

5. Works collaboratively with providers including, but not limited to, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other health care professionals.

6. Recommends and assists in the implementation of goals and objectives; develops logical scope and sequence plans for providing health education programs.

7. Acts as a resource person in health education; applies appropriate research principles in health education.

8. Assists in the evaluation of utilization and impact of the BHS.

9. Assists in identifying additional resources for referrals and patient educational resources when necessary.

10. Adheres to UMass Memorial compliance policy, departmental guidelines/policies and all applicable laws and regulations.

II. Position Qualifications:

License/Certification/Education:

Required:

1. Equivalent to a high school plus two years of college, technical training school, or related healthcare experience.   

2. Knowledge of the human services field 

Preferred:

1. Bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work or medicine.

2. Licensed mental health, substance abuse or addiction counselor.  

Experience/Skills:

Required:

1. Knowledge and experience using the current DSM and/or ICD codes.

2. Data compilation and analysis skills. 

3. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with patients, hospital staff and co-workers from diverse backgrounds.

4. Ability to work with people in a demanding environment with high patient flow.    

5. Must be able to work independently, communicate medical information and perform health interventions in a clinical setting.  

6. Experience using electronic health record, Microsoft Office products, and computers. 

7. Excellent written and communication skills.

Preferred:

1. Experience within a substance abuse treatment environment.   

2. Experience in a healthcare or related field.  

3. Knowledge of basic medical terminology.  

4. Knowledge of HIPAA regulations.