Behavioral Health Aide

Indian Preference: Consistent with Public Law 93-638 and other federal laws recognizing the inherent right of the Tribe to exercise Indian Preference.

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PURPOSE

Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) job descriptions are a management tool to help organize duties and provide employees with the employers expectations with regard to a specific job classification. The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is a reasonable assignment for the position. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

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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 and Training, and Housing. Assist with external support offered in the local area. Perform other related duties as directed by supervisor.

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JOB DUTIES and 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 patients 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;
– 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.

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KIC COMPETENCIES

Cultural Competency:Tobe respectful and responsiveto the health beliefs, practices, and cultural and linguistic needs of KIC Tribal Members. Developing cultural competence is an evolving, dynamic process that takes time andoccurs 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 ac 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 ones own work; and do the required fair share of work.

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NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

– Knowledge of Alaska Tribal Health System, Alaska Native culture(s) politics, and cultural differences and their impact;
– 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 and HIPPA requirements;
– Knowledge of policies and procedures for client care;
– Knowledge of communication skills, both oral and written to interact with clients and families;
– 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 clients 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 ensure important information is passed to those who need to know, convey necessary information with respect, clearly and effectively orally or in writing;
– Ability to demonstrate a high level of conscientiousness; hold oneself personally responsible for ones own work; and do the required fair share.

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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

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WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The environment involves the usual risks and stress of an office environment within an ambulatory health care facility. The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases. Safety precautions for employees such as blood drawing for screening of various diseases such as hepatitis, required immunizations, etc. a