Primary Therapist (Pool)

Mission
 To provide, oversee, and coordinate quality case management and psychotherapeutic services to residents and families. The role involves collaborating with the interdisciplinary team, supporting the residential treatment program, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality therapeutic care to residents.

Position Overview
 The Primary Therapist (Pool) is responsible for providing therapeutic services on a pool (per diem) basis, committing to at least 16 hours per month, with a minimum of 8 hours required on weekends. This position includes conducting individual and group therapy, completing assessments, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team on treatment plans and discharge planning.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assessments
   • Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments within 72 hours of resident admission, covering a wide range of areas including presenting issues, history of drug use, past emotional and behavioral problems, family support systems, and diagnostic impressions.
   • Use assessment tools like PTSD, Beck, and ACE, ensuring integration into clinical evaluations and treatment planning.
   • Document findings and ensure assessments are thorough, timely, and concise.
2. Group and Individual Therapy
   • Facilitate individual therapy and psychodynamic group sessions, providing effective treatment through various therapeutic modalities.
   • Ensure group sessions are well-prepared and run promptly, reflecting the treatment needs of residents.
   • Document resident attendance and participation in therapy sessions, providing insights that benefit the treatment team.
3. Discharge Planning
   • Collaborate with residents, families, and interdisciplinary teams to create individualized discharge plans based on psychosocial assessments.
   • Ensure plans are timely and incorporate input from relevant treatment teams and external agencies.
   • Complete discharge summaries, outlining the resident’s status, referrals, and aftercare recommendations.
4. Treatment Planning
   • Develop and document treatment goals and objectives based on clinical assessments and ensure treatment plans are created shortly after admission.
   • Monitor resident progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary, recommending alternatives for complex or challenging cases.
   • Coordinate with the treatment team to ensure that initial discharge plans are integrated into treatment planning.
5. Documentation
   • Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation, including daily DAP notes for each client and weekly individualized progress summaries.
   • Record group therapy session notes and progress towards treatment goals, and document interactions with families, significant others, and community agencies.
6. Educational Groups
   • Conduct educational and didactic group sessions focused on relevant therapeutic topics for residents.
   • Ensure content is meaningful and supportive of the overall treatment objectives for the resident population.
7. Supervision
   • Attend scheduled individual and group supervision sessions at least once per month to discuss case management, clinical progress, and areas for professional development.
8. Safety and Incident Reporting
   • Report any incidents of suspected abuse following established protocols and procedures, ensuring compliance with community and state reporting standards.
9. Training and Development
   • Participate in ongoing professional development, including required training to enhance clinical skills and knowledge.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Ability to move about the hospital and perform tasks such as kneeling, stooping, and reaching.
• Occasionally exert up to 10 pounds of force.
• Maintain visual acuity for reading and data analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a potentially high-pressure environment.
• Maintain self-control in volatile or confrontational situations.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related discipline; Master’s degree or Licensure (LCSW, LPC) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in an in-patient or residential treatment setting preferred.
• Skills: Strong skills in case management, individual and group therapy, time management, crisis intervention, and maintaining confidentiality.

Work Schedule

• Commitment of at least 16 hours per month, with a minimum of 8 hours on weekends.
• Flexible schedule based on program needs.