Behavioral Health Care Coordinator

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well-being as one team. 

SUMMARY

The Behavioral Health Care Coordinator plays a critical role in the health care team- specifically in clinics and departments specializing in behavioral health treatment, or with high volumes of behavioral health clients. The position ensures comprehensive and thoughtful connection to clinical and non-clinical supports for children and families to ensure efficient and thoughtful discharge from CT Children’s inpatient and outpatient services and to enhance stability in the community.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

The position offers to provide care coordination services for children and youth with special health care needs or at risk and vulnerable from the social determinants of health by linkage with a medical home, community resources, funding agencies, educational support and behavioral health supports. The Behavioral Health Care Coordinator uses a lens of behavioral health understanding and experience to meet the specialized needs of children and youth struggling with mental health. The position requires a calm presence and an ability to manage and support high stress, at risk youth and families struggling with behavioral health.

Position Specific Role Responsibilities

Conduct screenings and Needs Assessments using a Strengthening Families Framework

Understanding and ability to effectively integrate “protective factors”, demonstrate empathetic communication, and interpersonal skills 

In collaboration with families and in consultation with primary care providers and specialty providers, develop and implement a comprehensive care plans that addresses specific needs and goals. Procure services and provide appropriate linkage and coordination to resources within the community for families. Utilize a behavioral health framework for assessment, review and procurement of resources.

Maintain an awareness and relationships with relevant community and statewide stakeholders, including but not limited to; DCF, DDS, in-home clinical providers and evidenced based programs, psychiatric facilities and programming, as well as insurance based resources.

Participate in all team specific meetings, care coordination collaboratives, clinical trainings and supervision as well as participating in community meetings as appropriate.

Demonstrates knowledge of the population-specific differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and co-workers

Responsible for engaging with families both in-person and on the phone, in a manner that utilizes evidence-based approaches (such as Motivational Interviewing) that promotes collaboration between the family and the child’s medical/behavioral health team

Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the CT Children’s Behaviors

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None. This position will report immediately to the clinical team and to the Social Work/Center for Care Coordination department. 

Position Specific Job Education and/or Experience

This is a Bachelor’s level position- preferably an undergraduate degree in social work or a related field. 3-5 years of experience with children, youth and families challenged with mental and behavioral health diagnosis is preferred and an understanding of how mental health can affect medical, social, educational and familial relationships. Some understanding of local and state agencies and programming for children and youth with mental health issues is required. Experience working in a behavioral health team (psychiatry, APP, psychologist and LCSW) is preferred. Must have excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills to effectively interact with leadership, staff, and external stakeholders. Must have the ability to organize, prioritize, and multi-task workload in a fast paced environment, handle confidential matters with discretion and maintain a professional demeanor.

LICENSE and/or CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

CPI certification and maintenance upon hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Community and State mental health services
• Basic understanding of mental health diagnosis, toxic stress, and the social determinants of health
• Cultural Diversity

SKILLS:

• Working with clinical providers as a part of the multi-disciplinary team
• Experience in working in clinical or community setting with children and families
• Excellent written and verbal skills, time management and organizational skills
• Computer skills- data entry into program databases

ABILITY TO: 

• Ability to work with families of all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• High comfort level conducting home visits and participating in family meetings
• Ability to work within boundaries of job description 
• Competence in providing developmentally appropriate care and services
• Ability to work collegially and collaboratively with all disciplines
• Excellent communication skills 
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred

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