Bilingual Mental Health Professional (Family Based Therapist)

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DIVISION: 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 Bilingual Mental Health Professional (MHP) serves as a primary therapist to the children and families participating in the program who require a specialized Spanish-speaking MHP and coordinates community-based mental health services. At least 70% of the children and families served by the Bilingual MHP require this specialization. The Bilingual MHP is required to be on call for a period of one week approximately once every 5-6 weeks.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT: Must be bilingual in Spanish and English

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement systemically based interventions utilizing structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, psychoeducational, and other research-based approaches.
• Provide family and individual treatment to families on the caseload in accordance with family-based regulations, agency policy, and good practice standards.
• Work collaboratively with the co-therapist 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 “non-traditional hours”, according to the needs and schedules of the families on the 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(s) 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 to 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 required in-office hours to attend weekly group and individual supervision, as well as other meetings and appointments, as scheduled.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures, including confidentiality and reporting suspected child abuse.
• Participate in training/supervision programs as part of the agency’s professional development initiative.
• 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.
  
  
  

Partnerships & 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.
• Represent the organization before various stakeholder groups to maintain visibility.
• Manage regulatory and accreditation contracts.
• Serve on, participate in, and attend various committee meetings.
  
  
  

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 the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities, and other PHMC staff.
  
  
  

Trauma-Informed Behavior

• Demonstrate 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 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.
  
  
  

SKILLS:

• Fluency in Spanish and English
• Ability to utilize a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Knowledge and understanding of:
• CASSP principles
• Social/ecological theory and application
• Family systems theory and application
• Cognitive-behavioral theory and clinical application
• Child and family development
• Crisis intervention and management
• DSM-IV TR
• Basic knowledge/understanding of common psychotropic medications
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Strong computer skills in all Microsoft Office applications
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle with current registration and evidence of auto insurance coverage
• Must meet one of the following:
• Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, family therapy, social work, nursing, theology with an emphasis in pastoral counseling, or rehabilitation counseling including at least 12 graduate credit hours in therapy and/or counseling, and 2 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services
• Master’s degree in any other field of human services approved by the Office of Mental Health as being appropriate for professional certification in mental health services including 12 credit hours in therapy and/or counseling, and 3 years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services
• If you do not have a master’s degree, you must be certified in Family Based Mental Health Services (FBMHS) in Pennsylvania and have 4 years of experience in FBMHS.
• Preferred: Experience in developing and implementing interventions across multiple systems/settings (i.e. family, peer, school, community, other providers, DHS, Juvenile Probation, etc.)
• Criminal background check, child abuse, FBI, and medical clearances, as well as any other required clearances
  
  

SALARY GRADE: 18

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.