Overview

Specialist - Behavioral Health Support BS

Location: West Lafayette
Shift: Full-Time Days

Join Our Growing Pediatric Integrated Behavioral Health (Peds IBH) Team!

Indiana University Health is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Behavioral Health Support Specialist with a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field. This role provides vital behavioral health support in collaboration with primary care providers and licensed behavioral health clinicians, ensuring safe, timely, and effective patient care.

The BH Support Specialist will be a key member of the expanding Pediatric IBH team, working within pediatric and primary care settings to address anxiety, depression, and behavioral concerns in children and adolescents. This clinical role collaborates with the primary care team to deliver evidence-based behavioral health interventions. Weekly supervision with licensed behavioral health clinicians will support your patient care activities. We are seeking candidates with strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and a commitment to delivering exceptional care to patients and families.

Position Overview:

The BH Support Specialist will:

• Facilitate patient involvement in treatment and education within a collaborative outpatient setting

• Serve as a liaison among medical and nursing staff, patients, families, and external agencies

• Conduct mental health triage of patients upon provider referral, under supervision of licensed behavioral health professionals

• Identify psychosocial risk factors by evaluating prior functioning, social support systems, reactions to illness, and coping abilities

• Perform individual, group, and family behavioral health interventions using evidence-based models appropriate for the level of care

• Communicate and collaborate with healthcare team members to ensure patients receive the right services at the right time

• Support utilization review and discharge planning through clinical supervision and team staffing

• Serve as a primary contact for cases involving child abuse/neglect, elder abuse/neglect, institutional abuse, and domestic violence

• Act as a liaison with Indiana University Health and local protective services (APS/CPS)

• Assist in facilitating psycho-educational groups and therapeutic interventions

• Maintain principles and techniques of crisis intervention and de-escalation to ensure safety and support during acute situations

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare teams

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related mental health field required.

• Experience: 0-3 years relevant healthcare, mental health, or community experience preferred.

• Licensure:

  • For BSW applicants: Must obtain a 12-month temporary license to be compliant until passing the licensing exam. We can require the temporary license be obtained prior to the start date, which candidates can typically do within one week.

  • For other degrees: Must have a license in accordance with Indiana state code IC 25-23.6-4-1.

• Certifications:

  • Crisis intervention certification may be required.

  • BLS certification may be required.

• Skills & Knowledge:

  • Knowledge of therapeutic interventions, multidisciplinary collaboration, and psycho-educational group facilitation.

  • Understanding of legal mandates related to child and adult protective services.

  • Principles of growth and development across the lifespan, including end-of-life care.

  • Ability to implement crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques effectively.

  • Ability to create a safe, supportive environment and instruct patients in daily activities and programming.

  • Basic proficiency in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

  • Strong relationship-building skills with community agencies, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare teams.

Why Join IU Health?

Become a vital part of a dedicated pediatric behavioral health team committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care. We offer opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and making a positive impact on the lives of children, adolescents, and their families.

To learn more about our benefits, visit: IU Health Benefits

Interested?

Apply today to join IU Health West Lafayette as a Behavioral Health Support Specialist and contribute to exceptional mental health care for youth and families!