Mental Health Professional (Therapist) - Autism Specialty

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DEPARTMENT: Community Mental Health (CMH)

PROGRAM: Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS)

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) provide an intensive continuum of family therapy, case management, and other support services delivered directly in the family's home. The program aims to prevent out-of-home placement of children and adolescents with serious emotional issues. Services include in-home family therapy, family education and skill building, and 24/7 crisis intervention services.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Mental Health Professional (MHP) serves as a therapist on an Autism Specialty Team to support children and families participating in the program. They will provide and coordinate community-based mental health services along with a co-therapist or Mental Health Worker (MHW). This individual will interface and collaborate with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services and providers frequently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement systemically based interventions utilizing structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, psychoeducation, and other research-based approaches.
• Provide family and individual treatment to the families impacted by a family member’s Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis in accordance with FBMHS regulations, agency policy, and good practice standards.
• Work collaboratively with teammate (Mental Health Professional or Mental Health Worker) as well as other systems impacting the family (i.e. Family Court, child welfare, educational systems, other mental/behavioral health providers, etc.).
• Provide services in the client’s home/environment during “nontraditional hours,” according to the needs and schedules of the families on their caseload, which includes evenings and weekends if necessary
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of the client and family, including review of referral information.
• Identify and engage key participants while identifying systemic strengths and needs.
• Complete functional analyses of targeted behaviors/problems within the ecological context.
• Engage the primary caregiver and other key participants in active, change-oriented treatment by identifying and overcoming barriers to engagement and attainment of identified goals.
• Develop and implement initial and ongoing treatment plans with a focus on utilizing strengths and reviewing outcomes regularly using an analytic process.
• Maintain clear and concise documentation of treatment interventions and case development in accordance with reporting and documentation regulations and agency policies.
• Collaborate with all relevant systems and key participants within each system to ensure their “buy-in” and cooperation throughout treatment.
• Provide direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with program principles and practices.
• Participate in all supervision, training, and consultation activities as directed.
• Provide crisis interventions and stabilization 24/7 to the clients/families on the caseload.
• Complete all program paperwork to agency standards and submit according to determined time frames.
• Achieve a level of productivity (service hours) within the established range set by the program director.
• Adhere to a professional code of ethics and follow existing federal and state guidelines and laws pertaining to mandated reporting procedures.
• Facilitate the use of Family Support Service Funds within program guidelines.
• Attend all mandatory trainings.
• Maintain in-office hours as required to attend weekly group and individual supervision, as well as other meetings or appointments, as scheduled.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures including confidentiality and reporting suspected child abuse.
• Participate in training and supervision programs as part of agency professional development initiatives.
• Transport clients to and from appointments, meetings, tasks of daily living, etc.
• Provide direct case management services as required.

Partnerships and Collaborative Relationships

• Establish and maintain relationships with provider organizations, regulatory and licensing representatives, and referral sources, establishing effective and productive working relationships while promoting PHMC.
• Link to ASD-specific resources and supports. Maintain knowledge of special education law, behavioral health continuum, ASD community supports, DBHIDS/BAS waivers, and supports for transition-age youth.
• Represent the organization before various stakeholder groups to maintain visibility.
• Manage regulatory and accreditation contracts.
• Serve on, participate in, and attend meetings for various committees.

Contributing to the Team

• Participate in regular meetings with staff to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good, and communication is open. Develop additional methods for ongoing effective communication.
• Cooperate and communicate as a multidisciplinary staff team member through formal meetings, informal consultations, and committee participation.
• Model traits of a responsible team member by executing job responsibilities, open communication, and good follow-through. Support team members to do the same.
• Respond promptly to the concerns and interests of clients, parents, guardians, funding entities, and other PHMC staff.

Trauma-Informed Behavior

• Demonstrate a commitment to being trauma-informed and maintaining a therapeutic environment and community that promotes safety and nonviolence as the basis for all we do with clients and staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge and utilization of trauma-informed practices including emotional intelligence, effective communication, understanding of the impact of trauma on development, strengths-based and person-centered practice, resilience focus, and commitment to growth and change.

Administrative Activities

• Ensure compliance with all of PHMC’s policies and procedures, including confidentiality and acting as a mandated reporter in accordance with the law, policies, and procedures.
• Implement all documentation requirements. Ensure that reports are complete, thorough, timely, and written in the prescribed format. Ensure that staff members do the same.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Family Based Mental Health Services adheres to a “Whatever It Takes” philosophy. MHPs will be expected to step outside of their primary role when they are needed to do so for the sake of advancing client progress and/or maintaining program integrity.

SKILLS:

• Ability to utilize a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Knowledge and understanding of CASSP principles
• Knowledge of social/ecological theory and application
• Knowledge of family systems theory and application
• Knowledge of cognitive-behavioral theory and clinical application
• Understanding of child and family development
• Crisis intervention and management skills
• Knowledge of DSM-IV TR
• Basic understanding of common psychotropic medications
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license, daily access to a reliable vehicle with current registration, and evidence of current automotive insurance coverage
• Must meet one of the following:
  • Graduate degree in psychology, counseling, family therapy, social work, nursing, theology with an emphasis in pastoral counseling, or rehabilitation counseling with 12 credits in therapy and/or counseling, and 2 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services
  • Graduate degree in any other field of human services (approved by OMH as appropriate for certification in mental health services) including 12 credits in therapy and/or counseling, and 3 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services
• 2 years of experience providing individual and family therapy in community settings
• Experience developing and implementing interventions across multiple systems and settings (i.e. family, peer, school, community, other providers, DHS, Juvenile Probation, etc.)
• 1 years of experience as a direct clinician, behavioral health technician/therapeutic support staff, or higher with children on the autism spectrum
• 1 years of experience in providing parent training and consultation, preferably in Behavioral Skills Training models

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate coursework in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders
• Graduate coursework in evidence-based treatments for ASD
• Graduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

CLEARANCES: Criminal background check, child abuse, FBI, and medical clearances, as well as any other clearances required by contract or PHMC

COMPENSATION:

• PHMC Pay Scale: Grade 18
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Excellent benefits package

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.