Job Description: Lead Clinician FIRST STEP
Reports To: Program Director
Position Overview:
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 Program Director the Lead Clinician is responsible for overseeing the delivery of comprehensive clinical services to individuals aged eighteen (18) or older with SUD, who may also have mental health disorders and are seeking a 3.7 WM level of residential treatment. The lead Clinician provides general direction and supervision to case managers and clinical staff. Manage an assigned caseload of clients while working with First Step’s multidisciplinary team. This role is critical in ensuring that services are delivered safely, effectively, and compassionately. This role requires a compassionate, detail-oriented professional who is passionate about helping individuals through the challenging process of withdrawal management. The Lead Clinician will play a key role in the recovery process and work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team to provide the best care possible to those affected by addiction.
The Lead Clinician will collaborate with the Nurse Service Coordinator and Program Director to provide supervision and education and ensure compliance with FS protocols and procedures, coordinate and conducts documented face-to-face clinical supervision a minimum of one hour each week for clinical staff. In addition, advocate for clients and provides information on accessing community services. Act as a liaison for a smooth transition of care, often serving as a support role for clients during difficult times.
Key Responsibilities:
Clinical Oversight:
- Oversee the daily activities of Clinicians
- Responsible for maintaining clinical charting to be audit-ready for all governing agencies such as, but not limited to internal audits, DPH, CARF, DMHAS, and Carelon
- Attend regular meetings and facilitate/coordinate clinical meetings as necessary with staff and other outside agencies
- Provides group supervision for clinical staff
- Provide weekly Clinical Supervision to clinicians related to clinical interventions, quality of care, professional development, and client care
- Responsible for managing all Clinical On-Call questions and staff callouts.
- Contribute to developing and reviewing patient care policies and procedures.
Training and Education Abilities:
- Provide guidance, mentoring, and training
- Conduct in-service training sessions and supervisions to update staff on new clinical practices, protocols, and regulatory changes.
- Monitor, supervise, and confirm that clinicians receive ongoing education and trainings as required.
- Assists clinicians in areas of effective clinical documentation, treatment plans, daily SOAP Notes, Admission and Discharge Assessments, ASAM, SNAP, and Dimensions 3-6.
- Train new clinical employees on documentation and day-to-day procedures of First Step Clinicians.
- The ability to manage, mentor, and supervise 1-2 Master Level clinical interns per year
Withdrawal Management:
- Provides effective / appropriate counseling to help individuals cope with withdrawal symptoms
- Evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and adjust based on patient response
- Ensure that patients are properly consoled and set up for the next appropriate level of care
- Collaborate with nursing, clinicians, and case managers, to develop comprehensive treatment plans for each patient.
- Advocate for clients and provide information on how to access community services.
Clinical Oversight:
Patient Education:
- Assist in educating patients on the WM process, potential withdrawal symptoms, and recovery options by running and managing Clinical Groups.
- Provide information to patients about aftercare programs, support groups, and resources for continued recovery.
- Assist with the facilitation and advocacy of client MAT services and inductions.
Safety & Compliance:
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- Ensure that all withdrawal management procedures and interventions follow regulatory standards, program policy and procedures in accordance with the 1115 waiver
- Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and other privacy laws.
- Daily chart audit for clinical documentation to ensure compliance
Qualifications:
Education:
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- Current State of Connecticut license in any of the following fields: Professional Counseling (LPC), Social Work (LCSW) or Drug and Alcohol Counseling (LADC) Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
- Current CPR certificate,
- At least three years of full-time work experience in SUD services or similar community-based substance abuse treatment organization preferred.
- Knowledgeable of ASAM Criteria / Biopsychosocial assessments
Skills and Abilities:
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- Knowledge of withdrawal management protocols, withdrawal management, and addiction treatment principles a plus.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with patients, staff and healthcare professionals.
- Ability to remain calm and make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
- Knowledge of healthcare compliance, HIPAA regulations, and patient safety practices.
- Ability to work under minimum supervision and to assume initiative
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative professional relationships.
- Must be able to work flexible hours as needed.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to project a professional image.
- Excellent Microsoft / Electronic Capabilities
- Knowledge of community resources
