Forensic Clinician

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE : Forensic Clinician

DEPARTMENT : Outpatient

REPORTS TO : Substance Use Services and Forensics Manager

SUMMARY : The forensic clinician engages individuals involved in the legal system in a process to prevent, manage, or remedy a range of social, emotional, and interpersonal problems which interfere with individual, family, or social functioning, including substance use.

Using a plan with mutually established goals, the clinician and client conjointly engage in a process to promote positive internal emotional change and more adaptive external behavioral patterns, which translate into improved independent functioning, improved family and social relationships, and improved work performance.

This role includes individual and group therapy, biopsychosocial and forensic evaluations, and coordination and collaboration with the legal system.

Some services are specific to clients who have been charged with a DUI while other services may be provided in a jail setting.

The clinician acts in the least restrictive and least intrusive manner while always respecting individuals' rights to self-determination and confidentiality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provides Information & Referral services as assigned to assist with agency Intake and Admission procedures so that applicants for service receive accurate information about agency services and are linked effectively with other community resources as appropriate.
• Collects appropriate Historical and Psychosocial data from each assigned client in order to complete a thorough Assessment which : articulates the influence of historical events, current functioning, and identifies / prioritizes basic biopsychosocial needs.

Develops a mutually agreed upon Treatment Plan to address the identified needs in a timely, systematic manner.

• Assists clients with implementation of Treatment Plans by providing regularly scheduled individual and group counseling sessions and by utilizing fundamental therapeutic skills based upon accepted therapy models or theories.
• Provides crisis intervention services for assigned clients and non-assigned clients in emergency situations.
• Provides case management assistance as necessary. Refers and assists clients as necessary to access resources for specialized educational, financial, mental and physical health, housing, legal, or other needs.
• Facilitates and coordinates Discharge, Aftercare, and Follow-up Plans and services which are appropriate to the continuing needs of clients for support or other services.
• Develops and maintains professional relationships with other staff, especially at any community-based service sites, within the legal system / department of corrections, and with other community service providers.
• Utilizes close supervision for professional growth and quality assurance. Seeks to understand and adhere to Agency policies, procedures, and practices while carrying out direct service and administrative duties promptly and accurately.
• Completes and maintains orderly, legible, timely records of services and other documents in narrative or data formats as required by the Agency or its contracts.
• Pursues continuing education to maintain and up-grade social service knowledge and practice skills. Uses supervision to identify and address professional development needs.

Attends to on-going development of sensitivity to diverse cultural groups, particularly groups served by this position.

• Understands and observes each client's rights to privacy and confidentiality as articulated by agency policy and procedures particularly for special programs, projects, services to which this position is assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Master of Social Work degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or a master’s degree in a closely related health or human service profession from an accredited graduate program.
• CAADC preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of ASAM criteria preferred
• Computer skills required : Microsoft Office Suite; Electronic Health Record

COMPETENCIES :

Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity;

Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically;

Upholds organizational values.

Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation;

Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments;

Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting;

Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions;

Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence;

Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position;

Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance;

Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions;

Uses equipment and materials properly.

• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback;
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives;

Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT :

• Frequently required to stand
• Frequently required to walk
• Frequently required to sit

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.