Acute Care Therapist II

This is responsible professional work in assessing levels of care, crisis intervention, counseling, and the provision of therapeutic activities for seriously mentally ill individuals in an acute care setting.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Conduct initial intake interviews of clients according to established procedure, assessing the client's problems and needs, and developing 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 at Carastar, or other appropriate locations to include local emergency rooms.

Coordinate and provide residents with a wide range of therapeutic activities with emphasis on developing self-care, home management, social adjustment, and independent skills within the consumer's functional ability.

Participate in required training activities to increase and enhance professional and therapeutic skills.

Complete required client record reports and all required forms and paperwork including admission / discharge documentation.

Engage in community service and consultation work with other groups and agencies.

Conduct group, individual, and family therapy for consumers. Provide family support and education.

Document all services within the Electronic Health Record.

Transport residents, via personal vehicle, to appointments and other activities.

Maintain productivity requirement of 60%.

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, use / misuse, desirable / 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 Carastar staff.

Ability to work in a proactive, assertive, and energetic manner while fulfilling the duties of the 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.

Willingness 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.

ALC, LPC, LGSW, or LCSW preferred (see note below)

Some clinical experience preferred.

Degree and experience must meet requirements for approved Medicaid Provider status.

Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the Carastar's insurance carrier.

Must maintain at least liability coverage on personal vehicles.

Must hold and maintain a current Red Cross First Aid, CPI and CPR certificate.

Licensure is not a requirement of this position. If you do not hold one of the licenses above, you may still apply. If hired, you will begin as a Therapist I which is in a classification with a lower salary range.

While you are not required to obtain a license; if / when you become licensed, you will advance to the Therapist II classification.