Clinician

SUMMARY

The Clinician for the Enhanced Forensic Respite Bed (EFRB) Program is responsible for overseeing the delivery of comprehensive clinical services to individuals aged eighteen (18) or older with serious and persistent psychiatric disorders, or co-occurring serious psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders, who are involved in active criminal court cases where competence to stand trial may be questioned. This role involves coordinating admissions, clinical interventions, case management, discharge planning, and establishing collaborative relationships within the behavioral health service system.

In accordance with RNP's Mission Statement, Philosophy of Client Care and Code of Ethics as stated in the Personnel Policies and under the supervision of the Clinical Coordinator provides counseling to individuals, groups and families regarding substance abuse problems and mental health and develops and implements integrated therapeutic treatment plans by performing the following duties.

HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 4:00 pm - 12:00 am 

CORE FUNCTIONS

· Conducts screenings, intakes, and integrated assessments of clients to obtain information concerning substance use, mental health, medical history, and all other pertinent information.

· Ability to utilize identified screening/assessment tools and stage-wise interventions & treatment models.

· Conducts therapeutic treatment utilizing best practices of counseling, case management and crisis intervention in assisting clients toward the recovery process.

· Conducts observed self-administration of medications as per medication orders and documents all on EHR.

· Consults with on-site medical staff (Psychiatrist, RN, APRN) and other specialists concerning assessments, treatment plans, etc. as necessary and amends plan as directed/required.

· Understands group dynamics/processes, facilitates groups with a focus on integrated care and documents efforts via individualized clinical notes.

· Provides information and education to individuals, groups and families concerning COD.

· Refers clients and families to supportive services to enhance treatment & counseling, particularly near discharge.

· Prepares and maintains records on assigned caseload and issues reports e.g. ABH reauthorizations in a timely manner based on need for re-cert, admissions and discharges within 24 hours, service data weekly, co-occurring outcome data at time of discharge of each client.

· Coordinate with Bridgeport Jail Diversion to complete screenings with potential clients and assess appropriateness for admission to program.

· Identify appropriate aftercare plan and provide recommendations to Jail Diversion team for court approval.

· Provide and document ongoing clinical supportive/aftercare referral services to clients up to 6 months after discharge.

· Assumes all other appropriate duties as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

CORE COMPETENCIES

· Master’s degree in the behavioral sciences

· At least four (2) year experience in counseling, case management

· LCSW/LADC/LPC/LMFT or license eligible within one year of hire date.

· Experience working with individuals with serious and persistent psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, and involvement in the criminal justice system.

· Strong clinical assessment and intervention skills.

· Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.

· Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

· Knowledge of principles and techniques of counseling, crisis intervention, and/or case management.

· Ability to gather, analyze and evaluate information pertinent to the clinical care of persons served.

· Knowledge of the physical, psychological, social, and economic effects of substance abuse, homelessness, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders.

· Knowledge of local behavioral health resources and service systems.

· Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations regarding client confidentiality.

· Familiarity with evidence-based practices in mental health and substance use treatment.

· Ability to project a professional image.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES

· LMSW/LCSW/LADC/LPC/LMFT or license eligible within 6 months of hire date. A valid Connecticut driver's license may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position operates in a structured, community-based setting staffed twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week. Some evening and weekend hours may be required to accommodate program needs and participant schedules.