Behavioral Health Therapist/Assessment Specialist

SUMMARY

Provides therapy, case management and assessment services within the Behavioral Health Department. Carries a caseload of clients with severe and persistent mental illness and possible co-occurring substance use needs, providing weekly individual therapy, group therapy and case management. Serves as the lead clinician for an assigned program, coordinating its day-to-day operations under the oversight of the Director of Behavioral Health; case management functions are overseen jointly by the Director of Behavioral Health and the Residential Director. Conducts admission screenings, biopsychosocial assessments and level-of-care recommendations for residential and clinical programs. This position does not supervise staff.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Carries a caseload with severe and persistent mental illness, including clients with co-occurring substance use needs.
• Provides weekly individual therapy to each assigned client using evidence-based, trauma-informed and client-centered approaches.
• Develops and facilitates group therapy and psychoeducational sessions with a variety of delivery methods covering a full range of clinical topics and life areas.
• Provides case management services to assigned clients, including linkage to psychiatric, medical, housing, benefits and community resources, and coordinates care with outside providers. Case management activities are directed by the Director of Behavioral Health in coordination with the Residential Director.
• Completes biopsychosocial assessments of assigned clients and revises as necessary.
• Develops an individualized clinical treatment plan with a transition component for each assigned client and reviews it at required intervals.
• Prepares individuals and arranges for discharge or transfer from services.
• Provides crisis intervention and support to clients; engages, counsels, manages, motivates and effectively works with a high-risk, vulnerable client population, including chemically dependent persons and persons in crisis.
• Engages clients in a strength-based supportive manner, providing re-direction and guidance as necessary.
• Serves as the lead clinician for Transitional Housing under the oversight of the Director of Residential and Behavioral Health; coordinates day-to-day program operations, schedules and clinical activities.
• Monitors program census, productivity, outcomes and service delivery goals; identifies barriers and recommends solutions to the Director.
• Maintains program databases, data tracking systems and reports in accordance with agency, program, licensing, funder and accreditation standards.
• Assists the Director/s in the development, implementation and evaluation of program services, procedures and standards.
• Participates in Quality Assurance activities, including chart reviews and audit preparation, as assigned by the Director/s.
• Addresses and documents client and provider concerns related to the program prior to escalation to the grievance procedure or Director involvement.
• Conducts admissions screenings and assessments at assigned locations, including jails, detox centers and community sites.
• Determines and presents clinical recommendations for level of treatment, making external referrals as appropriate.
• Provides information and assistance to clients in obtaining admission documents and initiates the client chart.
• Documents program admissions, discharges and clinical staffing for the department.
• Develops and maintains relationships with referral sources and community partners for referral and linkage purposes.
• Participates in individual supervision and meets with internal and external interdisciplinary treatment team members to coordinate client services; documents outcomes of meetings.
• Attends community, program and staff meetings and trainings as determined by the Director/s.
• Achieves and maintains program-established productivity levels, including maintaining treatment and/or resident census.
• Submits all documentation in an accurate and timely manner, including electronic records.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Advanced knowledge of mental health and substance abuse assessment, diagnosis, intervention and prevention, including treatment of severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders.
• Knowledge of HIV disease, intervention and prevention.
• Knowledge of case management principles and community resources.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Solution-focused approach to conflict and challenges.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, collaborating agencies, referral sources and the public.
• Ability to demonstrate and model culturally competent behavior.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain a strong sense of respect for confidentiality involving both clients and fellow employees.
• Ability to effectively engage and work in a stressful environment with a high-risk, vulnerable client population and persons in crisis.
• Ability to work under pressure and to assess changing priorities and competing deadlines.
• Moderate to advanced computer skills required: Microsoft Office, electronic health records, multiple databases and scheduling programs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Basic office equipment operation skills.
• Ability to legally operate a motor vehicle and provide own transportation.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, preferred.
• Two years post-Master’s experience as a therapist, including experience with severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse treatment.
• Experience with clinical assessment, case management or program coordination preferred.
• HIV/AIDS knowledge preferred.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES:

• Florida State License as LCSW preferred.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and ongoing proof of insurance required.
• Must have reliable transportation for work-related activities.

ADA:

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.