This is responsible, professional work in assessment of levels of care, crisis intervention, counseling, and the provision of therapeutic activities for the seriously mentally ill at the Carastar Crisis Center.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Conduct initial intake interviews according to established procedures, assess clients' problems and needs, and develop 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, including the 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 Carastar Health, including Daily Service Reports, 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.
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 be licensed or license eligible. If license eligible, must have LGSW or ALC credential within three months of hire date.
Must meet requirements of Medicaid for approved Medicaid Provider Status.
Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to Carastar's insurance carrier. Must maintain liability coverage on personal vehicles.
Note: Licensure is a requirement of the position. However, Carastar Health will accept individuals who are verified as being license eligible. If the candidate who is offered a position does not yet have their license, they will begin employment at entry level. Once the license is obtained within 90 days, they will then be brought into the Therapist III salary range at step one.