Mental Health Therapist - Family Based Services

DEPARTMENT: 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 familys 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.

FBMHS team members receive guidance and support from experienced clinical supervisors. Supervision by an AAMFT-approved supervisor is available for team members interested in pursuing licensure.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Mental Health Professional (MHP) serves as a primary therapist to the children and families participating in the program. The MHP provides and coordinates community-based mental health services along with an assigned teammate (Mental Health Professional or Mental Health Worker).

Experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is preferred but not required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement systemically based interventions utilizing structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, psychoeducation, and other research-based approaches.
• Provide family and individual treatment to the families on the caseload in accordance with FBMHS regulations, agency policy, and good practice standards.
• Work collaboratively with teammate (Mental Health Professional or Mental Health Worker) 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 their 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 primary caregivers 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 that are compatible with program principles and practices.
• Participate in all supervision, training, and consultation activities as directed.
• Provide crisis interventions and stabilization 24/7 to clients/families on the caseload.
• Complete all program paperwork to agency standards and submit according to determined timeframes.
• 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 or 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.
• Transport clients to and from appointments, meetings, tasks of daily living, etc.
• Provide direct case management services in collaboration with teammate (Mental Health Professional or Mental Health Worker).

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

Trauma-Informed Behavior

• Demonstrate a 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 of 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.
• Family Based Mental Health Services adheres to a "Whatever It Takes" philosophy. Mental Health Professionals will be expected to step outside their primary role when necessary for the sake of advancing client progress and maintaining program integrity.

SKILLS:

• Ability to utilize a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Knowledge and understanding of CASSP principles
• Knowledge of social/ecological theory and application
• Knowledge of family systems theory and application
• Knowledge of cognitive-behavioral theory and clinical application
• Understanding of child and family development
• Crisis intervention and management skills
• Knowledge of DSM-IV-TR
• Basic understanding of common psychotropic medications
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle with current registration, and evidence of current automotive insurance coverage required

• Must meet one of the following:

• Have a graduate degree in psychology, counseling, family therapy, social work, nursing, theology with an emphasis in pastoral counseling, or rehabilitation counseling, including 12+ credit hours in therapy and/or counseling, and 2+ years of experience in child/adolescent behavioral health services (CASSP)

• Have a graduate degree in any other field of human services (as approved by OMH), including 12+ credit hours in therapy and/or counseling, and 3+ years of experience in child/adolescent behavioral health services (CASSP)

• If no graduate degree: Must have a certification from OMH in Family-Based Mental Health Services and 4+ years of experience in FBMHS and a bachelor's degree in an OMH-approved field

• Willingness to work with families in their homes required

• Ability to work 2-4 evenings per week until approx. 8 p.m. required

• Preferred: Experience working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Preferred: Experience developing and implementing interventions across multiple systems/settings (i.e., family, peer, school, community, other providers, DHS, Juvenile Probation, etc.)

CLEARANCES: Criminal background, child abuse, FBI, and medical clearances, as well as any other clearances required by contract or by PHMC

COMPENSATION:

• PHMC Salary Grade 18
• This is a full-time position and includes a comprehensive benefits package.

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.