Therapist - Autism Benefit

CLASSIFICATION TITLE:

Therapist - Autism Benefit

SALARY:

$63,999.47 - $82,777.96

DEPARTMENT:

Community Mental Health

Opening Date:

06/18/2025

Closing Date:

07/03/2025 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - Overtime pursuant to Collective Bargaining Agreement

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Just cause subject to probationary period

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under direction, performs behavioral assessments, develops behavioral goals, and completes both family training and non-family training for children with autism and their families. Requests referrals for ongoing services within Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) direct operated or contract programs with the goal of moving consumers to a lower level of care consistent with their treatment goals and medical necessity. Maintains clinical and administrative records; coordinates, consults and provides liaison work with other agencies and systems; ensures service authorizations are current; implements program goals and activities in keeping with program philosophy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs direct clinical services, including evidence-based therapy, assessments for children and adolescents, crisis intervention, intakes, treatment plans, case management and transition services.

Performs indirect clinical services including, timely and complete case documentation following MCCMH policies and procedures; confirms diagnosis to make the most suitable, least restrictive and medically necessary clinical recommendations; assists client and/or family in obtaining appropriate programs and resources.

Maintains clinical documentation accurate and up to date, including assessments, progress notes, treatment plans and other required documentation.

Ensures administrative paperwork is accurate and up to date, including staff activity logs, statistical reports, attendance, mileage reports, and case lists.

Participates in agency and system staff meetings.

Conducts thorough, accurate, and clinically sound triage/screening with consumer/guardian/family members in a timely manner.

Requests appropriate authorizations for services provided; monitors utilization of services; requests re-authorizations or continuations as appropriate.

Serves on Community Mental Health or community-based committees as directed.

May supervise the work of department interns.

Writes clear and concise behavior plans with families with proactive/reactive strategies and appropriate communication methods.

Provides ongoing training to families and Community Living Supports staff on appropriate behavior interventions which may include use of visuals, modeling and role-plays.

Consults/collaborates with multi-disciplinary teams of service providers.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or Doctorate in Psychology or a directly related mental health field
• Two (2) years or more clinical experience working with children and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder

Preferred Education and Experience

• Three (3) or more years of previous community mental health experience working with children and young adults who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Limited Licensed Master of Social Work (LLMSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Limited License Professional Counselor (LLPC), Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist (TLLP), or Licensed Psychologist (LP)
• Possession of required state licensure appropriate to position and ability to meet privileging and credentialing guidelines
• Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

• None

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Resources within and outside of MCCMH
• Michigan Mental Health Code/401 criteria
• Mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, and developmental disabilities
• Techniques to de-escalate/interact i