Therapist

Therapist 1

Job Summary

Under the assigned supervisor, works to alleviate or stabilize mental health symptoms of selected clients, which impairs their ability to adjust to home, community integration, or maintain living stability; provides therapeutic services to individuals, families or groups regarding psychological or emotional problems such as therapeutic settings by performing the following duties; develops assessment and treatment planning for clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Selects and administers various psychological tests, personality inventories, and intelligence quotient tests, to identify behavioral or personality traits and intelligence levels and review results to evaluate client needs
• Maintains highest ethical standards in keeping with professional affiliations and demonstrates ability to perform strength-oriented practice
• Provides comprehensive and initial diagnostic assessment of all referred clients utilizing interviews and well-recognized criteria
• Develops treatment plans using a variety of generally accepted intervention techniques to address areas of assessed need
• Plans and administers therapeutic treatment
• Regularly discusses progress toward goals with client and encourages client feedback and client ownership of outcomes
• Ensures there is a medical rule out of symptoms and coordinates the approach with medical and other providers serving the client
• Adapts clinical methodology to the needs of the client using an evaluative tool and client feedback approach to ensure client service is meeting needs, and as needs change, adapts method and degree of therapy
• Integrates all services provided by serving as a central point of communications for all mental health related services, supportive services treatment and counseling
• Maintains comprehensive client file with progress/process notes, completing assessments and quarterly reports, closing summaries, preparing reports for court as needed, testifying in court as needed, and participating in multidisciplinary staffing as needed
• Develops collaborative relationships with staff and other programs both within and outside of the agency and assume initiative in developing therapeutic groups
• Represents agency at court hearings and attends required staffing meetings
• Monitors client progress and periodically reassess client's level of functioning as necessary, utilizing standard clinical instruments as well as diagnostic and statistical manual as required
• Takes a protective role in overall service by ensuring integration of client’s other providers by including them in the treatment planning
• Adhere to Evidence Based/Informed program
• QMHP to oversee completion and approval of MHP documentation, when required
• Performs other related duties as needed

Qualifications

Education: MA/MS in Social Work, psychology, counseling, or related field; license eligible

Experience: 1 year of related experience preferred

Other:

DCFS background check

Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record with OHU required levels of coverage for auto insurance

Required Skills

• Proficient computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment and adaptive skills to expand software application skills as necessary
• Ability to handle stress well and effectively de-escalate crises
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; ability to handle decisions
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy
• Demonstrated ability to utilize analytical thinking and handle decisions
• Required to use computer and keyboard
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure confidentiality

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The position requires visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if need; and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, computer, and copier. The employee is occasionally required to move items up to 50 pounds.

The employee works in varied residential environments based on assigned caseload and may encounter unpredictable clients. While performing the duties of this position, the employee travels by automobile and is exposed to changing weather conditions. The employee must be able to enter and exit a vehicle or a building without assistance. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may frequently drive an automobile, taking clients to appointments, in the local and regional area. Occasionally, travel is outside the local area and overnight.