Therapist

Position Summary:

The person in this position will be responsible for planning and coordinating the the clinical activities pertaining to services for consumers and their families transitioning out of residential treatment. Conducts admissions for clients referred from outside agencies. Conducts assessments for consumers and provides individual and family therapy to racial and ethnic minority YMSM (ages 18-29) living in Florida

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct admission and Biopsychosocial assessments using standardized Biopsychosocial assessment designated by the Managing Entity (ME).
• Prepare and review Interpretive Summaries to ensure they are based on information obtained from the assessment
• Develop Wellness and Recovery Plans in collaboration with the consumer
• Conduct monthly Wellness and Recovery Plan Reviews with the consumer
• Document all clinical services and activities in accord with licensing, Medicaid, and Joint Commission standards and agency policy and procedure
• Administer verbal reprimands and learning experiences to consumers according to agency's policies and procedures
• Participate in the discharge planning process for the consumer and family
• Write monthly Progress Reports regarding assigned consumers for courts, probation departments, Department of Corrections, and employers as necessary
• Consult with Program Coordinator and Clinical Coordinator before the termination of a consumer from treatment
• Provide referral and linkage for ancillary services for the consumer and family, as needed
• Provide in-home/on-site individual therapy, as needed.
• Provide in-home/on-site group therapy, as needed.
• Provides therapy to additional populations, as needed.
• Participate in case conference
• Prepare Discharge Summaries, as needed.
• Understands HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality
• Participate in performance improvement activities
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licensures:

• Certification as a CAP or MCAP, in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the Florida Certification Board is preferred at time of hire; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently Certified;
• Licensure as a LCSW, LMHC, or LMFT in good standing by an agency approved and recognized by the state of Florida is preferred at time of hire; Preference will be given to those candidates who are currently licensed.

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited masters program with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology or related field is required

Experience and Competencies:

• Two years of previously supervised work experience in providing individual/family therapy is preferred
• Bilingual is preferred.
• Must have reliable means of transportation
• Must have familiarity with Miami-Dade and/or Broward County
• As mandated by Presidential Order all employees of WestCare Foundation, Inc. and all affiliates of WestCare Foundation, Inc. will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 effective 11/1/2021. Employees that have requested a Medical or Religious Exemption, which has been approved by Human Resources will be required to test for the virus weekly.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

• Maintains confidential files and records.
• The ability to determine eligibility of a consumer’s admission
• The ability to use DSM IV/5 diagnostic criteria to provide substance use, mental health, and behavioral diagnoses
• The ability to identify and evaluate an individual’s strengths, barriers, problems, and needs for the development of a Wellness and Recovery Plan
• The ability to evaluate the impact of substance use and mental health problems on the consumer’s functioning in major life areas
• Knowledge of the inter-relationship among substance use, mental health, and primary care disorders.
• The ability to conceptualize cases within a developmental framework for the purpose of treatment planning, therapeutic intervention, and discharge planning
• Knowledge in the understanding of Motivational Interviewing; Motivational Enhancement Therapy; Comprehensive, Continuous Integrated System of Care (CCISC); and Trauma-Informed Care
• Demonstrate proficiency is the administration and interpretation of the below listed assessments, as needed:
  • SMQ10
  • PCL-5
  • ASAM
  • Confidence Questionnaire
  • Child/Adult Behavioral Checklist
  • Overdose screening
  • Sissar/Cfars/Mental health outcome
  • GPRA
  • Locus
• The ability to provide Wellness and Recovery Planning through the identification and prioritization of problems needing resolution; the development of goals and objectives for the consumer which are expressed in behavioral and measurable terms; and the ability to negotiate goals and objectives with the consumer and the family
• The ability to counsel individuals and families in the achievement of objectives through the exploration of a problem and its ramifications; the examination of attitudes and feelings; the consideration of alternative solutions; and decision making
• The ability to coordinate and integrate multiple services, as well as interface and communicate with internal and external providers
• Ability to use trauma informed care principles including ensuring consumer safety, preventing/avoiding re-traumatization, maximizing trustworthiness, enhancing consumer choice, maximizing collaboration, and emphasizing empowerment

• Ability to identify and describe key signs, symptoms, impact and manifestations of trauma
• Aware of the differences between trauma informed and trauma-specific services
• Understands the bidirectional relationships among substance use and mental disorders and trauma
• Understands the differences among various kinds of abuse and trauma, including: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; domestic violence; experiences of war for both combat veterans and survivors of war; natural disasters; and community violence
• The ability to identify crises when they surface; mitigate or resolve the immediate problem; and de-escalate the situation, including the ability to develop Safety Plans, as needed
• The ability to provide information to individuals and families concerning alcohol or other drug use, mental health problems, and the available services and resources
• The ability to identify the needs of a consumer and family that cannot be met by the counselor or agency and to assist the consumer/family to utilize the support systems and community resources available
• The ability to write assessments, Wellness and Recovery Plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, and other consumer related data as evidenced through the clinical records
• Knowledge and application of developmental theories
• Knowledge and application of developmental psychopathology
• Understanding of family dynamics, family roles, and family structure
• Understanding and application of federal, state, local and agency confidentiality rules and professional standards of conduct
• Understanding of professional ethics, consumer rights, and professional responsibilities
• Understanding of issues related to cultural identity, ethnic background, age, developmental level, gender and sexual orientation in prevention, intervention and treatment.
• Understands that different cultural and ethnic groups have different perceptions of health, wellness, behavioral health, and preventive health services
• Demonstrates respect for individual’s cultural and ethnic values when conducting assessments, developing Wellness and Recovery Plans, and providing services
• Understands that different cultures define and perceive family and its importance differently
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively with culturally diverse staff and populations
• Knowledge of WestCare Mission, goals and values
• Knowledge of Incident Reporting
• Knowledge of HIPAA, Professional Ethics, Consumer Rights and Confidentiality

• Familiarity with WestCare services and programs
• Demonstrates a high degree of dependability.
  • Maintains a good attendance record.
  • Observes working hours
  • Shows flexibility and is responsive to requests from supervisor
  • Works independently with minimal supervision
  • Exhibits characteristics of good workmanship, and integrity on the job
  • Work time is always productive
• Demonstrates ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consumers, co-workers, external partners, and regulatory agencies
  • Is courteous to consumers, staff, and all others.
  • Demonstrates tact at the appropriate time.
  • Cooperates with others both within and outside WestCare.
  • Works well with supervisor; accepts direction and supervision
  • Maintains a positive attitude toward work
• Ensures and maintains a safe working environment.
  • Work area is clean and orderly.
  • Verbalizes, understands and adheres to agency safety procedures.
  • Demonstrates appropriate use of Unusual Incident Reports, in accordance with the Center’s reporting procedures
• Presents a positive personal image
• Dresses and maintains a professional demeanor
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Ability utilize Microsoft Office Software Suite
• Ability to provide an Affidavit of Good Moral Character
• Clearance in Pre-Employment Drug Testing and Criminal Records Checks, as required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or outpatient treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job

The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

Physical Demands:

• Requires mobility and physical activity: Having an adequate range of body motion and mobility to work in an office, residential, or outdoor environment including standing and walking (even and uneven surfaces), sitting for extended periods of time, bending, twisting, reaching, balancing, occasional lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds. Use of computer and telephone systems is required which includes coordination of eye and hand, and fine manipulation by the hands (typing, writing, and working with files). Requires the ability to defend oneself and clients in physically abusive situations through the use of approved physical de-escalation techniques.
• Requires talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Talking is required to impart oral information to employees, clients, patients, and the public, and in those activities in which the employee is required to convey detailed or important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Requires hearing: Hearing is required to receive and communicate detailed information through oral communication.
• Requires seeing: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and at distance. This factor is required to complete paperwork for many of the employee’s essential job functions and to observe client behavior and activities in and out of the facility.

• The normal work routine involves no exposure to human blood, body fluids or tissues. However, exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee.

Mental Demands:

• Requires the ability to collect and analyze complex numerical and written data and verbal information to reach logical conclusions.
• Requires the ability to work and cooperate with clients, co-workers, managers, the public and employees at all levels in order to exchange ideas, information, instructions and opinions.
• Requires the ability to work under stress and in emotionally charged settings.
• The ability to defend oneself and clients in mentally/verbally abusive situations through the use of approved mental/verbal de-escalation techniques.