Family Therapist (Teen/Young Adult Male and Female)

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct assessments – Complete assessments with family to understand the family’s needs and develop appropriate treatment plans focused on improving family dynamics, improving communication, and increasing understanding of substance use disorders.
2. Consultation – Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary treatment team and initiate case consultations. This includes being an active member of the team; collaborating with internal and external referrals to ensure enhanced quality and continuity of care. Demonstrate the ability to work with key referents and stakeholders in a collaborative style.
3. Family case management – Coordinate services for family members and patients. This includes registration for Family Education Program, completing family assessments, integrating the family in treatment, communicating with referral sources when needed, consultation, and detailed communication with the treatment team.
4. Coordination of Care – Advocate for families when necessary. Provide resources to families that include referrals to programs and resources through regional offices, the Education Alliance, and Alumni Services.
5. Evaluation – The Family Therapist will identify family dynamics that impact the patient’s treatment and future recovery. Evaluate signs and symptoms of substance use disorders and other coexisting conditions and identify strengths, weaknesses and problem areas within the family system.
6. Clinical work –Provide individual, group and family therapy sessions, by selecting the appropriate counseling theories, applying techniques to assist the patient, group or family in accordance with cultural, gender, lifestyle and age differences. Must be able to interact with patient, groups, and families in a therapeutic manner.
7. Crisis Intervention – Provide immediate therapeutic intervention in crisis situations with patient and family. This may include developing safety plans, managing acute emotional distress and preventing Against Staff Advice (ASA) discharges. Provide support and guidance to family to support aftercare recommendations.
8. Ethical Practice – Adhere to all professional ethics and legal requirements. Complete and document all patient and family interactions in compliance with Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) standards.
9. Individual case management – Complete initial assessments, gather patient goals and develop treatment plan. Coordinate patient’s care including communication with referral sources, assessment of patient progress, weekly individual sessions and development of continuing care plan. Complete required documentation in the electronic medical record. This responsibility is as needed and directed by unit supervisor.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the duties or tasks that may be required or assigned.

Physical Requirements:

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must be able to work extended hours, travel as needed.
2. Must be able to deliver presentations that may be both multiple times and for lengthy time periods to audiences in large and small group settings. May require standing for lengths of time.
3. Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds.
4. Must be able to move throughout the Caron property, including ascending and descending stairs.
5. Ability to accompany patients throughout the campus.
6. This is a safety sensitive position.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master’s degree in counseling, behavioral sciences, or related human services field is preferred. Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field with 2 years clinical experience including 1-year chemical dependency experience 2 years clinical experience working with families impacted by addiction is required.
2. At least 1 year of clinical experience with a working understanding of addiction and its impact on family systems preferred.
3. Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) is preferred.
4. A Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC) or Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC) is preferred. A CADC or CAADC is required within 2 years of hire.
5. Knowledgeable in adolescent or adult developmental issues for their respective fields.
6. If recovering 2 years of uninterrupted sobriety preferred.
7. Must comply with ACT 33 of Pennsylvania law to work with youth populations.

Knowledge, Skills AND Abilities:

1. Possess a basic understanding of addiction and mutual recovery supports.
2. Ability to work with family members from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds utilizing counseling skills.
3. Ability to implement trauma-informed, resilience-oriented treatment modalities in working with families, groups and individuals to achieve treatment goals.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, and peers.
5. Understands DDAP, CARF and ASAM standards and able to communicate and document using clinically appropriate language that is in compliance with these standards.
6. Knowledgeable in adolescent or adult developmental issues for their respective fields.
7. Ability to be objective, empathetic while addressing the individual needs of the respective patients, referrals and family members.
8. Has the skills necessary to run process groups, provide lectures and facilitate individual and family sessions.
9. Computer literate and able to work with most Microsoft applications along with network components.
10. Has fluid communication skills and the ability to document insights and observations in a clinical record.
11. Possess a high degree of professionalism and be able to keep confidential information and treat sensitive clinical information ethically.
12. Must be able to keep all clinical work within the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Certification Board ethical standards throughout his/her work.