Therapist Associate

Description

Position Function: 

To support and serve clients and their families by providing and coordinating quality therapeutic services, case management, crisis management, transition planning and supportive aftercare services. The Therapist conducts comprehensive assessments and actively collaborates with the treatment team and program staff to develop quality assessments, service plans, safety plans, behavior management plans, group and individual counseling, family counseling, and provide therapeutic services that stabilize behavior, promote healing, and support a timely transition to permanence. The job requires sensitivity to the service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Requirements:   

Education: A Master’s degree with course work in the behavioral sciences or education. Must have and maintain appropriate licensure of LPC, LMFT, or LCSW, or in pursuit of full licensure as an, LMSW, LPC Associate or LMFT Associate. Certification in TF-CBT, Family Systems, and EMDR preferred. 

Experience: Three years of treatment services in a foster care, residential treatment, or behavioral health setting. Previous experience providing therapy in a residential treatment environment preferred.

Functional: 

• Requirements include providing ongoing assessment, service planning, counseling, case management, transition planning and aftercare services for all assigned clients 
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services and submit required reports and statistical data according to associated deadlines 
• Follow policies and procedures of ACH and represent the agency in a positive and professional manner 
• Coordinate the collaboration of referral agencies, family members, and other support systems to meet the needs of clients

Additional Functional Requirements:

• Demonstrate strong people and interpersonal skills and an ability to collaborate with diverse clients, families, collaborating agencies, outside professionals and ACH Child and Family Services staff for optimal services
• Demonstrate good judgment, the ability to work independently
• Demonstrate an ability to continue learning through supervision, continuing education, and experience
• Ability to recognize differences in sound, such as voices/noises that are loud and playful instead of angry and combative; and ability to differentiate tones and volumes in conversations 
• Must be able to handle a high degree of emotional stress related to client issues
• Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to prepare and submit quality documentation in a timely manner without errors
• Must have strong organizational and time management skills 
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license and have a driving record, which is within guidelines of the insurance underwriter
• Must not have been convicted of a felony or criminal offense against a child
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule and provide on-call coverage for the Youth Emergency Shelter as scheduled.
• Must be able to think globally, solve problems, and make good decisions with critical thinking skills

Working Conditions: 

Exposure to children with behavior problems, including possible physical aggression. Exposure to illness and blood. Some travel to support program activities or for training. Residential programs are in operation 24/7. This position provides emergency crisis intervention and on-call clinical services when needed. Must have reliable transportation.

Exposure to Confidential Information:

The Therapist will have access to confidential records including client files and parent information. Must maintain confidentiality and follow policies related to personnel and client records.

Key Expectations/Responsibilities:

Programming:

• Manage admissions through screening and assessment of referrals, facilitation of placement and completion of intake and admission documentation within required timeframes 
• Provide ongoing counseling and skills training to assigned clients and families
• Facilitate the creation of collaborative service plans for assigned clients
• Document and assess progress of each assigned client and maintain up-to-date client records that accurately reflect that progress, including timely documentation of client incidents, behavior issues and concerns in accordance with agency and licensing standards
• Implement group progra