Behavioral Health Aide

Job Summary

The Behavioral Health Aide (BHA) under direct supervision of a licensed behavioral health clinician or a behavioral health professional, provides access to and delivers behavioral health services, within a defined scope of practice, to patients. This includes but not limited to: prevention, early intervention, case management, aftercare, and follow-up for individuals and families impacted by a variety of behavioral health (addiction/substance abuse and mental health) issues.

Works as a liaison for patients from Behavioral Health to other KIC departments for recommended KIC service: Tribal Health Clinic, Social Services, Education & Training, and Housing. Assist with external support offered in the local area. Perform other related duties as directed by supervisor.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide basic information and support to patients on behavioral health challenges identified;
• Act as a liaison for patients in the community and advocate for patient’s rights and services;
• Engage patients and the community in behavioral health initiatives and activities;
• Assist patients in understanding their treatment plan and making the necessary referral contacts with them;
• Provide the appropriate level of counseling within their purview and as requested by clinical supervisor;
• Assist with crisis management;
• Work under direct clinical supervision for all services, training and development; Under the direct supervision of a clinical supervisor, the employee shall arrange to complete specific training, practicum, and job duties that support the advancement of BHA certification. Such requirements are detailed in the CHAPCB Standards and Procedures.
• Ability to recognize behavioral health challenges and provide information and support to patients;
• An understanding of the Behavioral Health Aide Code of Ethics and demonstrate an understanding of professional standards, agency policies and the law;
• Document all contacts, engagements and education;
• May be requested to serve as an on-call team;
• Maintain records of required program data, complete reports and submit such data and reports in a timely manner according to KIC policy and upon supervisor requests;
• Keep all confidential material/records/correspondence is secure and that individual client confidentiality is maintained according with HIPPA and 42 CFR requirements.
• Other related duties as assigned

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of BHA Code of Ethics and ethical considerations of helping professions;
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Tribal law, regulations, rules, policies and processes. Including substantial knowledge of relevant specialized fields such as 42 CFR.
• Knowledge of policies and procedures for client care;
• Knowledge in foundational methods to educate clients as part of primary prevention or to fortify treatment strategies;
• Skill in strategies for improving health;
• Skill in responding and adapting to different cultural context and circumstances;
• Skill in maintaining and updating office and client schedules and appointments;
• Skill in gathering client’s contact information and initial screening;
• Skill in maintaining personal and professional boundaries and applying them in a small community setting;
• Skill in obtaining client consent and applying rules of consent to minors, guardianship and vulnerable populations;
• Skill in analyzing safety issues and preparing recommendations based on findings;
• Skill in providing case management and referrals to services;
• Skill in providing and maintaining accurate documentation in the client health record and appropriate use of different documentation format;
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share.
• Strong understanding and sensitivity to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) Tribal culture and lifestyle, working effectively with AI/AN populations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with sensitivity to the lifestyles of targeted participants.
• Skills in operating personal computers using a variety of computer software.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with management, coworkers, and outside contacts.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with all applicable federal and tribal privacy laws and KIC policy (HIPAA, HITECH, etc.).
• Ability to learn and apply program/agency operating policies and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

KIC Competencies

Cultural Competency: To be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.

Commitment: To serve Tribal Members and set a high standard for yourself in your performance; strive for results and success; convey a sense of urgency and bring issues to closure; and stay persistent despite obstacles and opposition.

Customer Service: Meet/exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; identify, understand, and monitor the needs of both internal and external customers; always talk and act with customers in mind; and recognize working colleagues as customers.

Effective Communication: Ensure important information is passed to those who need to know; convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing

Responsiveness and Accountability: Demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for one's own work; and do the required fair share of work.

Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb, or balance. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. The noise level in the work environment is usually average.

Work is performed in a small office with limited storage, filing and workspace. People asking questions/directions frequently interrupt incumbent. Some work is performed in conference rooms and at photocopy/fax machine

Conditions of Hire

• May be required to possess and maintain a valid driver's license or capable of obtaining one, as well as be insurable by KIC’s company insurance.
• KIC is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employees must adhere to KIC drug and alcohol policies and procedures to ensure a safe workplace. Employees must pass a pre-employment and subsequent random and/or for cause drug and alcohol screening to be eligible for and maintain employment.
• KIC has several positions that must comply with the P.L. 101-630 Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Protection Act (ICPA); all employment offers in the "covered" classification are conditional until KIC has received a Federal criminal background check verifying eligibility to work in these programs.

BHA I Minimum Education & Experience Required

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to obtain Behavioral Health Aide I certification within 18 months of hire date.
• Proof of valid drivers license with acceptable driving record

BHA I Preferred Education and Experience

• Associates degree in a human services field
• 1 year providing direct services in a behavioral health setting
• Experience in a community clinic preferred and a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.

BHA II Minimum Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Current certification as a Behavioral Health Aide I/II/II/ or P in the State of Alaska, or equivalent out of state or national certification
• Proof of valid drivers license with acceptable driving record.

BHA II Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in human services field
• Experience in a community clinic preferred with a strong commitment to multi-disciplinary teamwork.