Masters Level Therapist - Kanvwotiyi - $5,000 Hiring Bonus

Job Title:                Masters Level Therapist

Job Code:                 MLTHER    

Department:            Kanvwotiyi

Division:                Behavioral Health

Salary Level:            Exempt 3     

Reports to:            Kanvwotiyi Manager    

Last Revised:            March 2023

Primary Function    

Serves as primary therapist for adults with mental health and substance abuse disorders including dual diagnoses who are EBCI and IHS eligible. This position will primarily serve adults in the residential treatment program. Services include comprehensive clinical assessment of client and family needs, utilization of evidenced based treatments for psychiatric and substance use disorders.  Employee is expected to provide individual, family, and group therapy using brief focused therapy methods as well as more traditional methods of treatment. Employee will also provide emergency, crisis intervention, consultation and education services as needed. 

Job Description 

•    Provides services to EBCI and other eligible persons at the residential treatment program primarily. 

•    Responsible for completion of intake forms, identification of community resources, patient assessment, provision and coordination of supportive services, patient advocacy.

•    Responsible for comprehensive clinical assessment, development of treatment plan, recommendations for intervention, supervision of treatment plan implementation, and case management referral.

•    Provide group therapy which may include: Seeking Safety, Living in Balance, Trauma Groups, Grief Group, DBT, CBT, EFT, and other groups related to client needs.

•    Working in collaboration with the treatment team, will conduct psychosocial assessments to determine patients' needs and resources (both family support and community support).

•    Collaborate with the medical staff and other health professional/agencies in developing a viable therapeutic team network to facilitate and establish patterns of cooperative efforts and to facilitate patient care, discharge and follow-up.

•    Provide counseling to patient and family in matters directly related to patient care.

•    Develop and implement discharge plans, follow-up care, and transfers to other behavioral health facilities.

•    Assists with observed urine drug screens as outlined in Analenisgi policies and procedures.

•    Attend supervision sessions relevant to specific certifications, credentials and/or licensure, such as but not limited to: LCSW, LCMHC, CDAC LCAS, CCS.

•    Collaborate with other agencies as advocates for clients.  

•    Follows the provisions contained in all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, 42CFR, or other licensing bodies.

•    Responsible for attending clinical staffing as an integral component of a treatment team, facilitating the discussion of patient data, and formulating changes to the treatment plan.

•    Development of individual treatment plans. Treatment plans must be consistent with the patient diagnosis, agency quality assurance guidelines, and level of care policies.

•    Shall perform limited administrative duties, which include maintaining statistical records of clinical workload, utilization review, and quality assurance, participating in education programs, and participating in clinical quality assurance functions.

•    Assists in attaining and maintaining accreditation by the Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations.

•    Participates in department/program meetings to review and identify opportunities to improve the program and treatment provided, and recommend corrective action when problems are identified. This includes assisting with changes in policy and procedure, which would improve the care of service delivery.

•    Timely record all treatment and clinically significant events in the medical record according to CIHA policies and procedures. 

•    Provides written, telephonic, and face to face consultation services to various persons and organizations involved in the patient’s care. These include schools, courts, probation officers, physicians, hospitals, medical care providers, law enforcement officers, social services and community agencies. Regular progress reports are required for communicating with the court and judicial supervisors. Represents CIHA and the behavioral health program at regular team meetings for progress review and during emergency meetings dealing with high-risk situations

•    Participates in community planning and implementation of programs. 

•     This position is expected to meet the productivity standard established for this position

•    Expected to obtain continuing education both through in-service training and through access and tuition payment for approved training seminars and workshops.

•    May provide on call crisis services on a rotating basis with other staff.

•    Participate in treatment program cross training, in order to assist with fulfilling other programmatic needs, such as work units supervision, kitchen, housekeeping, maintenance/grounds, client supervision, intake/discharge coordination, etc.  This position will assist in various capacities as needed.  

•    Operate in a support role as assigned in the Beauty for Ashes program and services

•    Other duties as assigned.

Education / Minimum Qualifications

•    Master’s Degree in behavioral health field such as Social Work, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Counseling required. Degree must be obtained from an accredited university that is accepted by appropriate licensing agencies in NC.

•    NC license LCSW, LPP, LCMHC or LMFT. A provisional or associate license may be accepted.

•    Must show competence in Substance Use either by licensure/certification from the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board or experience in substance abuse treatment. Specific positions may require licensure/certification from the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.

•    Must be approved for and maintain medical credentialing, upon hire

•    Three years of diagnostic, therapeutic experience preferred.

•    Specific experience working with Native Americans preferred.

•    Must possess valid drivers' license.

Job Knowledge    

•    Knowledge of individual, group and couples modalities with expertise in crises intervention with individual and families experiencing acute episodes of distress.

•    Ability to ascertain the potential lethality of a situation, respond, and refer accordingly.

•    Ability to learn computerized treatment systems such as RPMS, and ability to maintain records and files manually and on the computer.

•    Knowledge of principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.

•    Knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral and psychosocial problems and their treatment.

•    Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.

•    Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies, which govern the program.

•    Knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and their treatment as they relate to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical or psychological diagnosis.

•    Knowledge of substance abuse to include diagnostic criteria for Substance Use Disorders methods of evaluation and assessment, impact of mental illness on patients ability to negotiate treatment recommendations, current treatment approaches, modalities of care, and substance use treatment programs or services available to patients.

•    Skill in establishing rapport with a patient and in applying techniques of assessing psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial aspects of patients problems.

•    Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of caseload and their families, other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources and organizations in the community.

•    Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and. execute work effectively.

Complexity of Duties

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health and substance use needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions. Duties require the application of judgment and problem solving skills in order to be effective. 

Supervision Received    

Works under the direct guidance of the Residential Treatment Program Manager and clinical supervisor. Position must demonstrate considerable initiative and ability to work independently within applicable licensing regulations. Position must communicate effectively with supervisor to ensure alignment with organizational goals, mission, vision and values.

Responsibility for Accuracy    

Failure to provide adequate clinical services or to properly manage and direct activities could result in poor client outcomes, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources. Accuracy of data and research is critical in the allocation of tribal resources. Employee is responsible for the adherence to policy and procedure

Contact with Others    

Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, and other health professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards and advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. 

Confidential Data    

The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to patient records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost integrity to safe guard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy HIPAA, 42CFR and other federal law requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations.  

Mental / Visual / Physical

Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times given the complexity of the duties. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods.   Some physical exertion and stamina is required such as required to transport training materials or to travel. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.  

•    Position requires; stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); 

Work Environment    

The employee works primarily in a residential treatment clinical environment but may be required to work at other offices and locations. The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, and irritant chemical and explosive gases. Employee must strictly adhere to OSHA guidelines and protocol for maintaining sterile conditions.  Some travel is required.  Overnight travel may be required for meetings or training.  

Emergency Privileges    

In the case of an emergency, any member of the Medical Staff, to the degree permitted by his/her license shall be permitted to do everything possible to save a patient’s life or save a patient from serious harm, regardless of the individual’s clinical privileges. This shall be defined as those situations in which a delay could result in serious harm or death and in which a more qualified member is not immediately available.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.