Acute Care Therapist II
This is responsible professional work in assessment of level of care, crisis intervention, counseling, and the provision of therapeutic activities for the seriously mentally ill for individuals in an acute care setting.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Conduct initial intake interviews of clients according to established procedure, assessing the client's problems and needs, and developing treatment plans using strength based, client-centered interventions.
Update treatment plans as appropriate, reviewing objectives, goals and interventions.
Participate in client discharge planning process, obtain appropriate aftercare appointments, and prepare clinical charts for transfer.
Provide crisis intervention and assessment for clients referred or seen on an emergency basis.
Perform mental status assessments via court order, advise the court regarding the subject's need for mental health care, and attend court hearings as assigned.
Perform prehospitalization screenings either at the Mental Health Center or at other locations as needed to include local emergency room.
Coordinate and provide residents with a wide range of various therapeutic activities with emphasis on developing in each resident self-care, home management, social adjustment and independent skills within his/her functional abilities.
Participate in training activities as required by the Authority to increase and enhance professional and therapeutic skills.
Complete reports required for client records as well as all forms and paperwork required by the Agency, including admission/discharge documentation, and other forms as needed.
Engage in community service and consultation work with other groups and agencies as may be periodically assigned.
Conduct group, individual and family therapy for consumers. Provide family support and education as assigned.
Document all services within the Electronic Health Record.
Transport residents to appointments or other activities.
The productivity requirement for this position is 60%.
REQUIREMENTS:
Considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior with special emphasis on mental and emotional disorders.
Knowledge of the principles and methods of counseling.
Knowledge of psychotropic drugs concerning their use, misuse, desirable and undesirable effects and research materials available on these drugs.
Knowledge of assessing the mental status of individuals in need of mental health services.
Considerable knowledge of mental health services and available resources.
Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with consumers, families, hospital staff and community mental health center staff.
Ability to work in a proactive, assertive, and energetic manner in fulfilling the duties of this position.
Ability to work effectively as a treatment team member.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends if necessary.
Reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients.
Ability to work effectively as a treatment team member.
Ability to interact and communicate effectively with other professionals and other agencies.
Willing to participate in on-call services if necessary.
Ability to quickly establish rapport with clients.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from a recognized college or university with a Master's Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology plus two years related experience.
Must have ALC, LPC, LGSW, or LCSW (see note below)
Some clinical experience preferred.
Degree and experience must meet requirements for approved Medicaid Provider status.
Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the Carastar's insurance carrier.
Must maintain at least liability coverage on personal vehicles.
Must hold and maintain a current Red Cross First Aid, CPI and CPR certificate.
****Licensure is a requirement of this position. If you do not hold one of the licenses above, you may still apply. If hired, you will begin as a Therapist I which is in a classification with a lower salary range. While you are not required to obtain a license; if/when you become licensed, you will advance to the Therapist II classification.****