The Behavioral Health Clinician (BHC) position is a licensed behavioral health provider who works in an independent clinical role, providing behavioral health interventions to patients within the Weight and Diabetes Institute in Legacy Health.

The BHC is a fully integrated member of the clinical provider team whose role is to help address a broad spectrum of behavioral health treatment to all patients served by a specified primary care clinic . Their goal is to provide early identification and diagnosis in addition to solution focused interventions that promote wellness and long-term prevention for a large segment of a clinic’s established patient panel over time. The BHC acts as an active consultant to medical providers, nurses, clinical pharmacists, care management, and others on the care team. Their role is to support the team in providing highly efficacious and compassionate care to all patients, with an emphasis on improving care for the most complex and marginalized individuals.

The BHC is a fully integrated member of the clinical provider team that assesses, evaluates, diagnoses, and treats emotional, cognitive, and behavioral problems or disorders affecting Legacy Weight and Diabetes Institute patients. A primary role of the BHC is the psychological assessment pertaining to readiness for weight loss surgery. The BHC is part of the multi-disciplinary team that comprises the Legacy Weight and Diabetes Institute and follows established department, program and professional standards, providing guidance to other members regarding management of emotional, behavioral, cognitive and family system problems.  Performs psychological testing as needed to assess readiness for weight loss surgery and to assist patients with weight loss interventions.  Facilitates group programs designed to assist individuals with lifestyle interventions and emotional issues related to weight loss.  Assists with support group facilitation.  Participates in a variety of research activities in collaboration with Legacy Research and studies conducted by the Bariatric Surgeons.

Education:

Doctor of Psychology (PhD or PsyD), Master of Social Work from a nationally accredited institution, fulfilling the requirements for licensure in the state of Oregon and/or Washington

Experience:

• Two years of outpatient experience with an emphasis on eating disorders and obesity.
• Must have a working knowledge of the nature and mechanics of bariatric surgical procedures and their postoperative course, the physiological effects of morbid obesity and dieting, as well as a basic knowledge of the psychology of eating and morbid obesity.
• Requires a thorough understanding of the psychosocial, financial, and physical stresses imposed on the patient with morbid obesity and current views on how certain psychosocial factors may affect surgical outcome. 

Certification/Licensure:

Current licensure as a psychologist or clinical social worker by the applicable State Board.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Vets/Disabled. Sorry, no J1 or H-1B visa opportunities.

For additional information please formally apply or contact Erin Pendergraft at EPENDERG@LHS.ORG.