Behavioral Health Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Behavioral Health Interview Specialist

Position Summary

Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience conducting participant interviews, behavioral health screenings, intake assessments, or care coordination within a community-based or healthcare setting.

The Behavioral Health Interview Specialist serves as the initial point of engagement for participants entering Alliance Care 360 (AC360) behavioral health programs and services. This position is responsible for conducting comprehensive participant interviews using the AC360 Caring Steps 360 Participant Interview & Intake Assessment, administering standardized behavioral health and substance use screening instruments, documenting required program information, identifying participant strengths and needs, and facilitating timely linkage to appropriate services.

Working within AC360's Whole-Person Care model, the Behavioral Health Interview Specialist utilizes trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and participant-centered interviewing techniques to build trust while collecting accurate information that supports service planning, care coordination, and federal reporting requirements. The position serves as a critical member of the interdisciplinary care team and helps ensure participants receive timely access to behavioral health, substance use treatment, medical care, recovery support services, and other community resources.

Reporting Relationship

Reports To: Behavioral Health Program Coordinator

Essential Responsibilities

Participant Interview & Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive participant interviews utilizing the AC360 Caring Steps 360 Participant Interview & Intake Assessment.
• Establish rapport using trauma-informed, participant-centered interviewing techniques.
• Obtain informed consent and explain confidentiality, participant rights, and assessment procedures.
• Complete demographic, health history, behavioral health, substance use, and social needs assessments.
• Accurately document participant responses in accordance with AC360 policies and program requirements.

Behavioral Health Screening

• Administer standardized screening instruments, including:
• PHQ-9
• GAD-7
• TAPS/SBIRT
• C-SSRS
• PTSD screening tools
• Other approved screening instruments as assigned
• Calculate and document screening scores.
• Identify participants requiring immediate intervention or additional assessment.
• Notify licensed clinical staff of urgent behavioral health or safety concerns.

Care Coordination & Referrals

• Identify participant strengths, goals, barriers, and immediate service needs.
• Coordinate referrals to:
• Behavioral health counseling
• Psychiatry
• Substance use disorder treatment
• Recovery support services
• Primary medical care
• HIV prevention and care services
• Housing and supportive services
• Community resources
• Facilitate warm handoffs whenever appropriate.

Documentation & Data Quality

• Complete required program documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
• Support completion of SAMHSA SUPRT documentation and other required program reporting.
• Maintain accurate participant records while protecting confidentiality.
• Participate in documentation reviews and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Ensure documentation meets organizational, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

Participant Engagement

• Build trusting relationships with participants.
• Promote participant self-determination and strengths-based engagement.
• Encourage ongoing participation in recommended services.
• Provide education regarding available AC360 programs and community resources.

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with behavioral health clinicians, care coordinators, peer support specialists, Community Health Workers, case managers, and medical providers.
• Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences and team meetings.
• Communicate participant needs and significant findings to appropriate team members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Public Health, Sociology, Behavioral Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience conducting participant interviews, behavioral health screenings, intake assessments, or care coordination within a community-based or healthcare setting.
• Experience working with individuals affected by behavioral health conditions, substance use disorders, HIV, or other chronic health conditions.
• Excellent interviewing, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to establish rapport with diverse populations using culturally responsive and traumatically informed approaches.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Experience with SAMHSA-funded programs.
• Experience administering standardized behavioral health screening instruments.
• Knowledge of motivational interviewing and strengths-based interviewing techniques.
• Familiarity with integrated behavioral health and whole-person care models.
• Experience using electronic health records and case management systems.

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Trauma-informed care
• Motivational interviewing
• Crisis recognition and response
• Behavioral health screening
• Substance use disorder screening
• Person-centered interviewing
• Cultural responsiveness
• Documentation standards
• Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
• Community resource navigation
• Time management and organization
• Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to travel between office and community-based service locations.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to use computers, tablets, and electronic documentation systems.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Conducting Interviews: 2 years (Required)
• Behavioral health Assessment : 2 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Chicago, IL 60616 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60616: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person