Associate or Bachelor Level Practicum/Internship

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for assisting with mental health treatment through individual, group, family, or conjoint therapy to referred clients. A person in this position may participate in treatment planning with the Center psychiatrist/psychologist and client, report client progress to appropriate referral source, and maintain adequate and timely documentation. Hours of work will be based upon the service hour requirements from the relevant academic institution and may vary. This position must exercise tact, judgment and confidentiality in contact with the public, clients and families, as well as fellow associates of the Center. A person in this position must be willing and able to work with the target population, whether children, adolescents, or adults. Work is very broad in scope and requires a high level of professionalism.

GENERAL STUDENT CLASSIFICATIONS

1. Practicum Student I:

• A student at this stage is usually working towards an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related human services field, or a degree in nursing (including nurse practitioner students), or medical assisting and will be taking course work related to practicum experience. Supervision requirements vary but the student may shadow clinical services provided by another staff member. Practicum Student I level cannot be alone with consumers and cannot have access or document in the medical record.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• A thorough knowledge of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM) sufficient to complete a psychological assessment and/or assess the client’s ability to meet the diagnostic criteria as defined by the DSM.
• Demonstrate the ability to complete client assessments that include intake, evaluating a client’s ability to meet the admission criteria for that particular department, identify presenting problem(s), history, medical information, family involvement, psychosocial/psychosexual information, and other pertinent information to form an appropriate clinical impression including substance use/abuse and neglect/abuse.
• Demonstrate the ability to complete a treatment plan, which accurately reflects the client’s needs and ability to meet discharge criteria with goals and objectives that are time limited and behaviorally stated. Treatment plans should include sufficient relevant information so that others can determine progress of the client and outcome of any assessment that was completed during the course of treatment.
• Document timely, accurately and in accordance with Center policies utilizing current systems and practices.
• Document accurate information, which reflects client progress based on the appropriate therapeutic modality. Therapeutic services will be time limited and specific to the presenting problem(s) of each assigned consumer.
• Demonstrate the ability to bring relevant client information when staffing the treatment plan sufficient to allow others to determine client progress and outcome of any assessment that was completed during the course of treatment.
• Provide (or shadow/observe for level I student) individual, group, family therapeutic services and case management as needed to clients. Shadowing should be relevant to the degree being pursued and aligned with academic expectations.
• Provide hours of service required by the relevant academic institution.
• Meet with the client and their family (if appropriate) as outlined on the treatment plan.
• Provide progress reports to referral sources as needed for each individual client.
• Provide emergency services assessments/crisis intervention and referral as needed.
• Be available for treatment team meetings as needed for clients in multiple treatment programs.
• Attend supervision on a weekly basis or more as needed or required by academic institution.
• Demonstrate understanding of Center policies as they pertain to client care.
• Abide by all Center policies and procedures.
• Maintain positive working relations and rapport with the communities served.

Qualifications

CORE COMPETENCIES:

1. Communication Skills: This position requires strong communication skills, both oral and written. A person in this position must be able to provide clear, concise and detailed communication and documentation in a professional manner.  
2. Patient Safety: This position may have direct client contact. A person in this position may need to contact appropriate personnel in the event of potentially dangerous situations. A person in this position must place client needs and concerns for safety as a priority.
3. Confidentiality: This position is responsible for processing clients through a continuum of care and must be able to follow all legal guidelines (including HIPAA) regarding documentation and protection on patients’ rights and information.
4. Computer Skills: This position requires constant use and interactions with computers and databases. A person in this position must be knowledgeable and comfortable with these and able to learn and adjust to new processes as needed.   
5. Customer Service: This position requires exemplary customer service skills to both internal and external customers. A person in this position must be courteous as well as cooperative in all dealings and maintain a positive attitude and a professional work environment. 
6. Leadership Skills: A person in this position must be able and willing to take initiative and support others in the completion of their duties.
7. Infection Control: A person in this position must be able to comply with all current Infection Control Policies and annual training requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Working toward Associate or Bachelor’s degree required in related field such as counseling, psychology, behavioral sciences, nursing, or certification as medical assistant.

Experience: Experience and knowledge of appropriate therapeutic practices preferred but not required.