Behavioral Health Therapist (Tuckahoe)

Job Description

Behavioral Health Therapist (Tuckahoe)

JOB TITLE: Behavioral Health Therapist

POSITION GRADE: 81 [ salary range: 27.47hr - 35hr commensurate with education and experience]

FSLA: Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: OMH Community Residence

SUPERVISOR: Sr. Director of Integrated Community Services

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Director of Behavioral Health Residential Programs, the Behavioral Health Therapist is responsible to provide treatment and therapy for each youth in residence and for their families. The Behavioral Health Therapist coordinates interdisciplinary treatment and completes documentation of all activities in a manner and timeframe consistent with Agency and Corporate Compliance standards. The Behavioral Health Therapist carries out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agency’s Mission, Vision, Values, Fundamental Guiding Principles, and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provides crisis prevention and intervention for youth and families.

Coordinates the completion of each youth’s Individualized Crisis Support Plan (ICSP) within 72 hours of admission and facilitates its review/revision by treatment team members at every treatment meeting and/or as needed

Provides individual therapy at least weekly to youth in residence

Provides family therapy at least monthly to youth in residence and their family members

Develops written reports on treatment planning and progress for state and local agencies and/or criminal or family courts or makes plans for a designee to do so

Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward clients/staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities

Completes initial and ongoing assessments of each youth and family’s strengths, needs, and progress utilizing information from the youth and family as well as interdisciplinary treatment team members

Complete referrals for youth and/or families to receive specialized clinical treatment services (e.g., chemical dependency, sexual abuse) beyond the scope of practice of the therapist as needed and maintain collateral contact as appropriate, or makes plans for a designee to do so.

Completes progress/service delivery notes and all other required documentation in a manner and timeframe consistent with Agency and Corporate Compliance standards.

Complies with content and timeframe documentation requirements for external reporting specific to program licensing agency (OMH)

Collaborates and communicates with youth/families on an ongoing basis to maximize their leadership and involvement in the residential placement and all services therein

Provides group therapy/treatment to youth in residence

Arranges family time for youth and their families as part of the treatment process, obtains their feedback after every visit, and documents both or makes plans for a designee to do so

Provides transportation or coordinates transportation for youth & families when needed

Collaborates and coordinates case planning and progress internally through team meetings and individual contacts with other disciplines

Collaborates, coordinates, and leads the interdisciplinary treatment team and its process

Participates in residential clinical on-call system

Generates youth calendars on Outlook software and adds Counseling appointments

Represents the Agency in family and/or criminal court proceedings or makes plans for a designee to do so

Develops and maintains contact with community agencies and resources including Department of Social Services Foster Care, financial maintenance, child protective, school counseling, mental health, housing and employment agencies

Acts as advocate and liaison of client and family in securing other resources when appropriate. Coordinates internal and external communication of information regarding arrests of youth and/or other similar critical incidents when these occur

Collaborates with the Transition Coordinator to ensure service provision

Youth and family natural supports are included on the interdisciplinary treatment team

Discharge planning assessments and documentation (e.g., rating scales, updated assessments, referral forms) are complete and submitted contemporaneously

Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of Conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations

Exercises full compliance with program policies and procedures

Fulfills all legal requirements as a Mandated Reporter under NYS law and professional ethical standards

POSITION SPECIFICS:

Education: Master's degree in human service required, Licensure required: LMSW, LMHC, LCAT, LMFT. CASAC or CASAC-T preferred, LCSW a plus!

Experience: Experience working with youth and families with SED preferred.

Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with youth, families, staff, and stakeholders. Exemplary written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands on time and resources. Ability to form, lead, and participate effectively on teams. Creative problem solving, commitment to quality improvement and ability to utilize Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel. Must possess valid NYS Driver’s License and ownership/use of an automobile.

COMPETENCIES:

Leading Self

Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)

Leading Others

Customer Focus

Leading the Organization

Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, and must be able to perform a variety of tasks, move throughout office buildings, work cooperatively in a team environment and quickly respond to emergencies. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Full-time