BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Develop and implement treatment plans for clients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides therapy to the youth and their families per treatment plan directive (individual, group and family).

Performs 24-hour mental health status exams including diagnosis and the bio-psycho-social history.

Develops treatment plan in coordination with the client, client family, placement agency and other identified professionals.

Documents all services provided and submits other written reports as requested.

Gains personal acquaintance with the clients, maximized at critical periods such as their daily arising, meals in the late afternoon, at transition times, at special activities and on weekends.

Facilitates morning goals group and conducts group.

Participates in weekly treatment team meeting.

Participation is defined as giving and receiving feedback on clients.

Spends time in the general milieu providing support to the primary counselors (PC), youth service workers and nursing staff.

Engages in therapeutic activities with youth.

Participates in the discharge planning process.

Works with Director of Clinical Services to initiate preparation of all youth’s treatment plans.

Participates in Performance Improvement and Utilization Review (UR).

Serves as an adult role model, attends chapel and fosters the spiritual life of client.

Communicates with all staff members and shares critical information concerning each youth.

Reports unusual incidents through appropriate Risk Management, clinical and safety channels.

The therapist will be expected to be on call.

Capable of providing emergency transportation.

Implements Saint Francis Ministries policies and follows directives as required.  Follows and adhere to all pertinent Saint Francis Ministries Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), rules, personnel policies and procedures; related accreditation and licensure standards; and federal, state and local rules, statutes, regulations, and all contractual terms.

Ensures clients’ rights are protected.

Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Other duties as required.

Will participate in a minimum of 40 hours in-service education per year.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

2 years’ experience in treating children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders in individual, group and family settings.

Master’s degree in behavioral sciences (Psychology, Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy).

Prefer LPC, LMFT, LCSW. Will Consider: LPC Associate, LMFT Associate, LMSW-Working towards LCSW

Must be 21 years of age.

Must pass a drug screen and TB Skin Test.

FBI Fingerprint Check.

Submit to a Criminal History and DFPS History Check.

Pass a Centralized Background Check through the Texas Health and Human Services Eligibility and any background checks deemed to be necessary.

Must have a valid?driver’s?license and reliable transportation.

Lifting requirements of 50 lbs.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

Mandated Reporter.

Flexible to changing situations, staff and youth.

Working knowledge of adolescent therapeutic techniques, individual, group and family.

Sensitive to the needs of youth and their families.

Ability to work flexible schedule including on-call.

Able to solve problems but also able and willing to seek assistance when necessary.

Basic understanding of adolescent development, treatment and defense mechanisms.

Understands adolescent therapeutic techniques and how this impacts the client.

Independent discretion/decision making within the scope and responsibility of the position.

Handles multiple priorities.

Manages emotions and is able to make decisions under pressure.

Manages stress appropriately.

Works alone effectively.

Works effectively in close proximity to others and/or in a distracting environment.

Works effectively with others /teamwork.

Understands and practices Universal Precautions.