Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate

Job description

Job Posting Title: Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate ---- Hiring Department: Department of Psychiatry ---- Position Open To: All Applicants ---- Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 ---- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA ---- Earliest Start Date: Immediately ---- Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2027 ---- Location: AUSTIN, TX ---- Job Details: General Notes This is a state-funded position sponsored by the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium (TCMHCC). TCMHCC was created by the 86th Texas Legislature to leverage the expertise and capacity of the health-related institutions of higher education to address urgent mental health challenges and improve the mental health care system in this state in relation to children, adolescents, and perinatal women. The University of Texas Dell Medical School is a Health Related Institution (HRI) for the TCMHCC. The Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate will work as part of the External Relations and Education Team that supports all Dell Medical School Texas Child Mental Health programs, including the Perinatal Psychiatry Access Network (PeriPAN) and Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN), Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT), Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), and other related mental health programs. CPAN and PeriPAN provide primary care clinic providers and OBGYNs prompt access to on-call psychiatrists to provide expertise in assessment, treatment, and referrals for pediatric and/or perinatal patients identified as having a mental health challenge. TCHATT provides telemedicine or telehealth programs to school districts to help identify and assess the behavioral health needs of children and adolescents and provide access to mental health services. YAM is a school-based program for students in eighth through 12th grades to learn about and explore the topic of mental health. This position has an end date of 8/31/2027, but may be renewable based upon availability of funding, work performance, and progress toward goals. Funding is expected to continue. A flexible working arrangement agreement can be accommodated based upon the needs of the program and with supervisor approval. This position may require occasional work on-site for some of the scheduled work week. Remote work will require reliable internet access and a suitable private workspace free from distractions. JOB SUMMARY This role supports mental health programs and initiatives developed through the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, with a focus on improving the quality and accessibility of mental health care for children and adolescents across Texas. The Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate will work as part of an interdisciplinary, team-based program that coordinates referrals for the Texas Child Mental Health Clinical Programs, including the Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) program, the Perinatal Psychiatry Access Network (PeriPAN), the Child Psychiatry Access Network (CPAN), and similar programs. Reporting to the Supervisor, Referrals and External Relations, the Senior Behavioral Health Referrals Associate will coordinate referrals for the Texas Child Mental Health Clinical Programs. This position will have the ability to interact with peers, patients’ families, and other program partners. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Referral Management ● Uses assembled information concerning a patient’s clinical background to determine the most appropriate referral(s). ● Manages and tracks patient referrals, ensuring all records are provided promptly and accurately. ● Maintains updated records of referrals, ensuring all data is accurately documented. ● Contributes to and maintains a list of needed referrals. Interprofessional Collaboration ● Works on the referrals team using an interprofessional model that includes pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, other licensed mental health professionals, and administrative staff. ● Uses the Electronic Medical Record to communicate referral information to team members, patients, families, and school staff, ensuring accuracy of all assigned records. Provider and Family Support ● Answers provider inquiries regarding the referral process and provides necessary information and support. ● Follows up with providers and care coordinators to support patients and families in resolving any issues or delays in the referral process. Community Outreach and Resource Development ● Engages in community outreach to expand and enhance a database of community providers who accept referrals from TCMH programs. ● Conducts searches for referral resources. MARGINAL OR PERIODIC FUNCTIONS: ● Assists with special projects related to referral process improvement . ● Participates in community events or health fairs to promote referral programs and resources. ● Supports team lead in providing training or orientation to new staff on referral workflows and systems. ● Supports development of educational materials for providers, patients, and families regarding referral processes. ● Participates in periodic audits or quality assurance initiatives. ● Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure. ● Performs related duties as required. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES Customer Focus ● Understands and meets the needs of internal and external customers; builds strong relationships and delivers solutions that create customer satisfaction. ● Responds promptly and professionally to provider inquiries and family concerns. ● Anticipates patient and provider needs and proactively offers solutions. ● Maintains empathy and patience when resolving referral delays or issues. Organizing ● Arranges information and resources effectively; manages time and priorities to meet deadlines. ● Tracks multiple referrals simultaneously without errors. ● Maintains accurate and updated records in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and referral database. ● Prioritizes urgent referrals while ensuring routine cases are processed efficiently. Problem Solving ● Identifies issues, analyzes information, and develops practical solutions. ● Troubleshoots referral delays and coordinates with internal and external parties to resolve barriers. ● Adjusts processes when encountering systemic challenges in referral networks. Interpersonal Savvy ● Builds rapport and maintains effective relationships across groups; communicates tactfully and professionally. ● Collaborates effectively with pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, and administrative staff. ● Communicates clearly with families and school personnel regarding referral details. ● Handles sensitive conversations with discretion and awareness. Priority Setting ● Focuses on critical tasks and allocates time and resources to achieve goals efficiently. ● Quickly identifies high-priority referrals and acts accordingly. ● Balances competing demands from providers, families, and program requirements. ● Uses judgment to escalate urgent cases to leadership when necessary. Functional/Technical Skills ● Possesses and applies technical knowledge and skills required for the role. ● Navigates EMR systems accurately to update and communicate referral information. ● Understands referral protocols for TCHATT, CPAN, and PeriPAN programs. ● Maintains compliance with privacy and data security standards. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field with at least 3 year(s) of related work experience and the Ability to communicate with others in a clear, understandable, and professional manner on the phone and in person. Rrelevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: ● 1 year of professional experience in care coordination or case management. ● Proficient PC skills with emphasis on Excel. ● Health plan or provider order entry experience. ● Knowledge of medical and mental health terminology and/or medical coding. ● Spanish fluency. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: ● None PREFERRED: ● None SALARY RANGE $42,867+ depending on qualifications WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT ● Standard office equipment ● Repetitive use of a keyboard ● Use of manual dexterity ● Occasional weekend, overtime and evening work to meet deadlines Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes. Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above. ---- Employment Eligibility: Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval. ---- Retirement Plan Eligibility: The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. ---- Background Checks: A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position. ---- Equal Opportunity Employer: The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer , complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. ---- Pay Transparency: The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. ---- Employment Eligibility Verification: If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university. ---- E-Verify: The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF] ---- Compliance: Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031 . The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.