Behavioral Health Therapist

February 24, 2021
Full Time

The licensed or provisionally licensed therapist will provide culturally competent mental health/substance abuse services to individuals ages 16-24 at Covenant House Georgia, who are participating in all services for homeless youth: Shelter, Rights of Passage Program, and Community Service Center. The Behavioral Health Therapist must hold either a LPC, LCSW, LMFT, or be provisionally licensed (LAPC, LMSW).

Department: Program

Reports To: Clinical Services Coordinator

Classification: Exempt

Date: 8/16; Revised 5/19, Revised 2/21

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Covenant House Georgia reserves the right to unilaterally modify, remove, or add to any of the following:

• Provides trauma-informed, individual and group counseling, therapy, and/or psychotherapy (e.g., Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy) to youth appropriate to needs; prepares treatment plans, discharge summaries, monthly summaries, crisis intervention, as well as emergency (crisis) services as needed
• Conducts trauma-informed mental health assessments
• Schedules regular sessions and submits appropriate documentation in a timely manner
• Demonstrates understanding of:

o the overall nature, course and treatment of mental illness

o mental health service systems

o diverse cultures and gender specific issues

o the ability to incorporate needs of gender and culturally diverse groups into therapeutic approaches

o the need for and maintains appropriate confidentiality at all time

o client rights and advocates for the program participants

• Conducts problem solving individual sessions to assist clients address challenges, including learning appropriate social skills and behaviors
• Creates/Submits/Enters crisis note within 24 hours of responding to crisis
• Gains needed training hours to remain licensed
• Coordinates family involvement where appropriate
• Provides the continuity of contact for CHGA youth throughout the entire service process
• Serves as a member of a multidisciplinary team, supporting the development of a plan of care that is based on individual strengths, needs abilities preferences
• Participates in organizational processes, as directed by the Clinical Director, that may include quality assurance, peer record review and health/safety activities
• Upholds Covenant House Georgia standards of conduct, policies and procedures at all times
• Models appropriate, professional behavior for staff to establish and maintain superior services to youth in a safe and inviting atmosphere
• Ensures that all buildings and surrounding areas are safe and free from any conditions that may cause harm or danger to youth, staff, volunteers, or visitors
• Ensures compliance of files in accordance to specific city, state and Federal guidelines
• Participates in other CHGA programs and activities as required
• Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, representatives of other agencies, and the public
• Effectively communicates, verbally and in writing, with both internal and external individuals and/or businesses
• Responds in a timely manner to emergencies and resolve issues.
• Performs all other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: There are no supervisory responsibilities with this position.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: licensure as an LPC, LCSW, LMFT, comparable licensure or provisionally licensed required (LAPC, LMSW); must have 5 years post graduate experience working with clients who suffer from substance abuse and mental health problems that are experiencing homelessness and have the ability and knowledge to work with "high risk" individuals; working knowledge of the DSM-V, DBT techniques, and trauma-informed care.

SKILLS

. Strong communication & interpersonal skills

. Strong analytical skills

. Flexible, amiable, & willing to work as a team player

. Excellent organizational skills

. Must have strong knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

. Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed.

. Ability to work standing, walking, and/or sitting a minimum of 8 hours per day/shift.

. Ability to drive agency or personal vehicles to transport items and/or persons.

. Valid Georgia Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.

. Ability to travel as needed for training or to fulfill job requirements.