Therapist Outpatient High School Students

Position Summary:

Responsible for comprehensive assessment of persons whose lives are disrupted or complicated by mental illness, behavioral disturbances, substance abuse issues or inability to function or maintain in the community. Assists law enforcement, family members and others with the admission process, both voluntary and emergency detentions. Makes referrals to community resources as appropriate. Assigns persons in need of treatment to the appropriate outpatient program and coordinates inpatient admissions through the medical staff. The Therapist is expected to function as a member of the multidisciplinary team and participate in the organizations community relations program. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities.

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

• Completes psychosocial evaluations on assigned patients/clients in a timely fashion. Displays excellent interviewing, diagnostic and report writing skills.
• Interviews patients/clients, family members and others to identify the precipitating event and degree of disruption that the person is suffering.
• Assesses the impact of psychosocial stressors in order to minimize the negative, destructive outcome of a crisis experience.
• Facilitates the emergency detention process through interview and preparation of appropriate legal documents.
• Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient/client, including pediatric, geriatric and the general population.
• Conducts therapy sessions with individuals and groups.
• Possesses excellent theoretical knowledge of psychopathology and treatment techniques of each type of therapy.
• Writes clinical assessments and diagnosis in prescribed manner for the medical record.
• Summarizes assessments and links patients/clients to the appropriate level of care.
• Participates in weekly treatment planning for each patient/client, works cooperatively as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, completes progress notes and discharge plans in a timely fashion.
• Engages in timely, efficient discharge planning. Works in close conjunction with the patient/client, attending physician and other healthcare workers.
• Is knowledgeable of facility and community resources. Collaborates with medical staff and community-based agencies regarding evaluation, recommendation and referral disposition.
• Possesses knowledge of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) in managing crisis situations with escalated patients/clients.
• Documents all patient/client-related interactions.
• Completes documentation required for the medical record and third-party payer sources.
• Performs phone triage duties in order to assess and link patients/clients to the Assessment and Referral Department for a complete initial assessment for services.
• Performs all aspects of patient/client care in an environment that optimizes patient/client safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Acts as an advocate for the patient/client in the community.
• Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Program Director, co-workers and medical staff.
• Provides a safe environment for patients/clients and staff, including being aware of and documenting unusual incidents.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety (15% of performance review)

• Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
• Follows all safety rules while on the job.
• Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.