Behavioral Health Therapist Associate - Altoona, PA

Job Description

Purpose :

The purpose of this job is provide clinical treatment services to the targeted populations, including a comprehensive needs assessment and provision of case management services including assessment, service linkage, resource development, coordination of all services received, and advocacy.

Services are provided in an outpatient program designed to service patients with a mental health or substance use disorder diagnosis who meets dimensions for all levels of care.

The Children’s CFC Team provides both in office and in school outpatient therapy services for children and adolescents. Counselors are encouraged to develop summer group activities as well.

This position is based out of Altoona and works Monday through Friday.

Sign-On Bonus Details :

$5,000 for a 1-year contract

$7,000 for a 2-year contract

$10,000 for a 3-year contract

Responsibilities :

• In conjunction with Mental Health Professional (MHP) / Supervisor, identify scope of role, defined interventions, complexity of population served based on the level of experience and demonstrated competencies.
• Connects and engages potential clients.
• Monitors engagement process and intervenes as needed to address engagement barriers as identified.
• Obtains identifying data, brief psychiatric and / or substance use disorder history, and other information necessary to facilitate continuity of care between Western Psychiatric ambulatory clinics and referral source.
• Under supervision of MHP / Supervisor conducts structured assessments of new patients using the identified format for documentation and clinical decisions regarding treatment, interventions and referrals, as instructed.

Implements, improves, and adapts concepts, models, and construct of treatment for application in service delivery to patients.

• Under direction of MHP / Supervisor, completes screenings and data collection to inform the treatment planning process.
• Documents all assessments, treatment sessions, contacts, case management and other work done on behalf of patients according to guidelines.
• Maintain case records with accuracy and completeness, including Intake documentation.
• With oversight by MHP / Supervisor, utilize current DSM to develop provisional diagnosis.
• Utilizes recovery principles in efforts to promote consumer self-management of illness.
• Work with relevant treatment team members and attends treatment team meetings as scheduled.
• Under the direction of the MHP / Supervisor, collaborates in the development of a treatment plan that includes an effective continuum of therapeutic, supportive and other services for the patients with a variety and complexity of needs serviced by the program.
• Notes changing needs of patients per guidelines for all levels of care, and collaborates with MHP / Supervisor on adding these into treatment plan and treatment plan review.
• Completes clinical documentation on the same day of service delivery and provides clinical information to patient access representative personnel and insurance providers to ensure authorization for services.
• Participates in regular treatment team meetings to discuss clinical cases, review and update patient treatment plans under supervision of the MHP / Supervisor, monitor therapeutic progress and discuss recommendations for referral and continuing care.
• Under supervision of MHP / Supervisor, provides individual and group therapy to patients in the program and engages families in the assessment and treatment processes when indicated.

Provides education to patients on recovery.

• Reviews cases and / or groups periodically, as well as serious clinical patient condition changes with MHP / supervisor and other clinical personnel as indicated.
• Assures continuity of care through coordination with community supports and members of the treatment team, i.e., the medical director, psychiatrist, Outpatient Clinician, IOP Clinician, Targeted Service Coordinators, etc.
• Monitors engagement process and intervenes as needed to address engagement barriers as identified.
• Discusses need for additional services with the clinical team to determine appropriateness of recommendations. Refers patients to other levels of care, community-based self-help programs for recovery or other community social or human services as needed.
• Participates in the quality assurance and performance improvement activities of the program.
• Performs in accordance with system-wide competencies / behaviors.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Education in school counseling, or related field required.
• Completion of a human services related internship / practicum or 1 year of relevant human services experience.
• Knowledge of psychiatric evaluation and assessment process preferred.

ATTENTION : A COPY OF YOUR BACHELOR LEVEL TRANSCRIPTS MUST BE ATTACHED FOR CONSIDERATION

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Comprehensive Crisis Management (CCMC)
• Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• OAPSA

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran