Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC)

Company: Friend Family Health Center Inc
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description JOB SUMMARY The Behavioral Health Consultant works as part of the Integrated Care Team to provide integrated behavioral health care within the primary care team in our clinic setting. This position reports to the Behavioral Health Manager. The BHC is primarily responsible for providing clinical services and may be required to work evening and/or weekend shifts. The BHC will conduct one-on-one, group and family therapy services to patients aimed at helping them improve their quality of life. The BHC will provide direct support and advocacy services aimed at enhancing patients’ development, problem-solving, and coping capacities; as well as linking them to appropriate resources and services. Office locations for BHC may vary based on referral volume and service need. Some locations may require evening hours. JOB DUTIES Clinical Duties Screen and assess patients and provide brief therapeutic interventions and quality mental health consultation services, completing at least 12 clinical consultations per day. Provide walk-in and scheduled clinical consultations to increase patient access to individual /family counseling and support, screening, assessment, brief treatment, health literacy and primary prevention activities, patient engagement and activation, linkages, outreach, and advocacy. Provide information, referral services, care coordination, crisis assessments/triage with appropriate interventions that span across our multidisciplinary team of physicians, psychologists, social workers, and other professional staff. Stays current professionally with all therapeutic interventions and assessment techniques to maintain clinical skills. Participate in case consultations and supervision to increase clinical competency and remain abreast of effective evidence-based practices within the profession. Develops and maintains thorough knowledge of referral resources throughout the service area. Maintain patient privacy, safety, confidentiality, and advocacy while adhering to ethical, legal, regulatory and accreditation standards. Provides services with respect for the autonomy, dignity, privacy, and rights of Friend Health-HRDI patients. Works collaboratively with care team to coordinate services necessary for patients to achieve recovery. Good knowledge of psychopharmacology. Administrative & Data Management The BHC must be able to work efficiently with multiple software systems, WORD, Excel, Centricity and EPIC. Brief and efficient documentation and scheduling in electronic health record, in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures. Maintains up to date knowledge of billing codes and other third-party reimbursement sources. Maintain personal provider desktop referrals, including scanning, faxing, and responding to messages. Participate in daily huddles, care team meetings, and patient care conferences to support team-based care. Monitor and report abnormal refrigerator temperatures for vaccine and specimen storage. Customer Service & Communication Provide exceptional patient-centered care, always maintaining a professional and respectful demeanor. Communicate with pharmacies, providers, and patients regarding prescriptions, refills, and medication education. Ensure adherence to HIPAA policies by always maintaining patient confidentiality. Assist patients and families in understanding discharge instructions, referrals, and follow-up care plans. General Responsibilities Adheres to all department/Friend Health- HRDI clinic policies/procedures and Professional Code of Ethics. Participate in staff training, in-services, and continuing education to maintain competency. Maintain compliance with infection control protocols and designated isolation procedures. Support emergency response efforts, including basic life support and first aid as required. Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS Masters’ Degree or doctoral degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. Licensed and certified in the State of Illinois to practice (LCSW, LCPC or Licensed Clinical Psychologist) Two - four years of experience in the field or a related area, clinical psychology preferred. Clinical psychosocial diagnosis experience involving direct patient care along with consultation, evaluation, and research. Experience working with underserved, diverse and transient populations. Experience working with patients who have co-occurring mental health, substance abuse, and social & physical health challenges. Strong data entry skills with the ability to accurately track and organize case management and care coordination activities. Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. SMART GOALS Increase client retention rate by 10% over the next six months by implementing new check-in procedures and flexible scheduling. Complete continuing education training as required to maintain licensure and enhance client outcomes. Engage in regular self-care practices and seek support to manage the emotional demands of clinical work. WORKING CONDITIONS The unavoidable, externally imposed conditions under which the work must be performed, and which create hardship for the incumbent including the frequency and duration of occurrence of physical demands, environmental conditions, demands on one’s senses, and mental demands.) None known. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS This job description is to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the duties as described. This job description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned as deemed appropriate commensurate to the position. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and Friend Health - HRDI reserves the right to change this job description and /or assign tasks deemed as needed. BENEFITS Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance 403(b) Retirement Plan Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays Life Insurance & Disability Coverage Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Opportunities Wellness Programs & Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer. Join our Team! Are you passionate about improving the mental well-being of individuals in underserved communities? At Friend Health – HRDI, we are committed to delivering high-quality, integrated care to those who need it most. As a Behavioral Health Consultant, you’ll play a critical role within a collaborative care team, helping patients achieve emotional wellness through compassionate, evidence-based support. If you are a licensed behavioral health professional who thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment, values teamwork, and is driven by purpose—we invite you to join our mission and make a meaningful impact every day.

Keywords: Friend Family Health Center Inc, Lombard , Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC), Healthcare , Chicago, Illinois