Behavioral Health Clinician III-ASPIRE Center

Job Details

Job Description Summary
The Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University is seeking a licensed therapist (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, relatedly-licensed therapist) in the David Farber ASPIRE Center, a newly developing center focused on treating individuals of all ages who are at increased risk for suicide. Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds and those who will advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through their clinical service and supervision are strongly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will have a documented history of engaging with and providing services to individuals from historically underserved communities. The position will be filled as soon as an appropriately qualified candidate is identified.

The clinical setting is housed within a broader academic center focused on suicide prevention research and education, and outpatient clinical operations function as a satellite to the larger outpatient psychiatric practice housed within the department. Services range from individual psychotherapy, family therapy, and group therapy, and are offered in-person, as well as through telehealth platforms. Medication management is also available in collaboration with the department. The clinic provides an intentional focus on family and family-based intervention. While individual treatment is offered, the clinical model stresses the importance of partnering with families throughout the process. Strong candidates will have a background in family therapy and experience working with high-risk populations through a trauma-informed and affirming lens, particularly those with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Training in evidence-based practices (EBPs) for treating suicidal individuals is preferred, but the Center will offer training in EBPs for those requiring it.

The therapist reports to the Clinical Director and holds the following key responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive assessment, interventions, individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and other psychosocial treatment modalities
• Provides effective treatment planning and assists patients in successfully achieving goals
• Participates in outreach, wellness, and psychoeducational programming to the community

Job Description

Job Description
Job Summary
The Behavioral Health Clinician is responsible for the psychological and psychosocial assessments of mental health patients throughout the organization. He/she is responsible for patient placements, referrals, interventions, and planning patient care. The Behavioral Health Clinician works in cooperation with the treatment team. He/she provides services for patients ranging in age from childhood through late adulthood in assigned treatment area.  

Essential Functions
•    Interacts with co-workers, visitors, and other staff consistent with the values of Jefferson.
•    Performs an in-depth, comprehensive and systemic initial mental health/substance use assessment on designated caseload of patients to facilitate plan of care.
•    Develops and initiates, in collaboration with physicians and psychiatrists, a treatment plan including appropriate admission, facility placement, or discharge to provide effective course of treatment.
•    Utilizes evidence-based practices and tools to assist in the care of patient.
•    Communicates care plan to patient/families related to planned interventions and clinician/patient/family responsibilities including providing counseling to patients/families based on their specific needs. 
•    Communicates family dynamics, including social, environmental, psychological and cultural factors to the healthcare team, facilitating timely and proactive discharges.
•    Identifies socio-economic needs of patients/families and provides instruction for patient/family in order to increase knowledge of available resources and entitlement programs available in the community.
•    Performs other duties as needed and complies with hospital policies and procedures.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required):
Care Coordination
Knowledge of the medical, social, economic, and other services provided by other departments or facilities, and the ability to integrate these multidisciplinary treatments for optimal patient care.

Planning and Organizing
Mobilizes both time and resources to get things done.

Healthcare Regulatory Environment
Knowledge and understanding of legislation and regulatory bodies affecting healthcare practices.

Behavioral Therapy Management
Knowledge of behavioral treatment techniques and procedures, ability to assess, manage and ensure high quality behavioral therapy for diverse mental disorders.

Patient Rights
Knowledge of principles and practices associated