Crisis Therapist

Description

CRISIS THERAPIST

SUMMARY: 

The Crisis Therapist provides counseling and therapy services to clients with substance use (SUD) and/or mental health disorders engaged with Crisis Services. This position works as part of the interdisciplinary Crisis Services team. The Crisis Therapist is primarily responsible for completing assessments, screening tools, clinical documentation, diagnoses, and discharge coordination with mobile crisis and crisis center clients, but will be cross-trained to provide individual and group therapy under the structured framework of state and federal law, the counseling and/or social work code of ethics, and agency policies and procedures. 

REPORTING:

Reports to the Crisis Services Director, with dotted line reporting and interaction with the Four Corners Detox and Recovery Center Clinical Supervisor. 

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

None

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage with clients throughout treatment to ensure that basic needs are addressed to allow the client to stabilize their crisis and achieve goals at discharge. 
• Assess, screen, de-escalate, refer, and provide other therapeutic services to clients at the Crisis Center or in the community via mobile crisis response. 
• Facilitate individual and group therapy sessions in the Crisis Center, detox, residential, IOP, and other outpatient settings and programs as needed.
• Crisis Services clients may exhibit a variety of physical/verbal behaviors and strong emotions. Utilize a trauma-responsive, client-centered, recovery-oriented, and strengths-based approach while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
• Use Evidence-based Practice modalities according to fidelity, and work with Supervisor on learning and professional development related to Evidence-based Practices.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive client care.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with State and Federal Law, the counseling and social work code of ethics, and organizational policy and procedure.
• Ensure personal professional records and documents are in good order and standing, including completing documentation thoroughly, accurately, and timely (by the end of the shift).
• Participate in Group and Individual Supervision as scheduled and needed based on current supervision plan.
• Attend all mandatory/required trainings and meetings.
• Ensure all CARF, Federal, State, grant, and organizational standards of care are being met and exceeded.
• Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations 
2. Cultural and diversity understanding and awareness 
3. Interpersonal skills that promote and encourage teamwork 
4. Advanced knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality 
5. Knowledge of behaviors and emotions related to addiction and mental health crises
6. Advanced knowledge of community and referral resources for clients’ diverse needs 
7. Skills in documenting clinical notes and assessments, preferably in an electronic health record system, to effectively maintain compliance with BHSD Standards and requirements
8. Proficient use of standard office equipment and systems: phone, copier, and computer, including Microsoft Office Word and Outlook tools.
9. Critical thinking/problem solving 
10. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage a variety of tasks and organize workload 
11. Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
12. Attention to detail
13. Unrestricted NM Driver’s License
14. Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certification (or ability to become certified)

Requirements

 Education and Experience:

1. Master’s degree from an accredited clinically-related program - Required (LSAA and LADAC – Associate’s degree required, Bachelor’s preferred)
2. Current New Mexico Board licensure as LSAA, LADAC, LMHC, LMSW, or LAMFT - Required; LPCC, LCSW/LISW, or LMFT - Preferred.
3. Minimum 1 year of experience providing individual and group therapy with clients with substance use and mental health disorders - Required. 
4. Bi/Multi-lingual - Preferred