Behavioral Health Therapist I

Behavioral Health Therapist I

POSITION DESCRIPTION :

The Behavioral Health Therapist applies knowledge and skills of a variety of mental health and psychosocial practices to evaluate patients’ and families’ needs, perform mental health evaluation, provide counseling, and design and implement treatment plans. Treatment interventions for patients (and families when appropriate) are aligned with best practice standards. The therapist collaborates with the patient’s clinical team in planning and facilitating the patient’s receipt of appropriate therapeutic services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Evaluates patients’ and families’ behavioral and emotional health and makes recommendations regarding their treatment
• Uses validated screening tools for assessment and symptom monitoring.
• Creates treatment plans that reflect patient’s values, goals and health. Incorporates feedback from patient’s treatment team and support system in the treatment plan.
• Provides group and individual therapy to patients and families, using evidence-based approaches.
• Provides crisis and short-term intervention for acute needs, as well as assists patients and families in understanding the implications and complexities of the psychological situation. Provides treatment or assists in securing appropriate referral.
• Completes patient-related documentation and communicates relevant clinical information to both the patient, referring provider(s), and treatment team in accordance with department and agency policy in a timely fashion, and with content that is focused on relevant issues.
• Understands or seeks supervision regarding legal issues that affect treatment, including but not limited to child custody, divorce laws, child / adult abuse, duty to warn, recipient rights policies and procedures, alternative treatment orders (ATOs), and the commitment process for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.
• Maintains a productivity rate in accordance with department and / or agency policy.
• Sustains effective relationships with a multidisciplinary team.
• Protects the confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA.
• Assumes additional responsibilities and performs work within position licensure, as required.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS :

MEASURED BY :

Performance that meets or exceeds IHA CARES Values expectation as outlined in IHA Performance Review document, relative to position.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS :

EDUCATION : Master of Social Work, Counseling or related field.

CREDENTIALS / LICENSURE : Valid, applicable license to provide mental health services in the State of Michigan.

State specialty certification (such as Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor or Infant Mental Health Specialist) may be required for some positions.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE : At least one year of experience providing mental health clinical services.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS (ABILITIES & SKILLS) :

MINIMUM PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS :

MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL EXPECTATIONS :

This job operates in a medical facility and requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital / clinic. Employees will be working where there is patient care equipment. Hazardous materials, including bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids are also present. Exposure to sharps, x-rays, patients' conditions and some unpleasant sights, smells and contagious diseases is possible. This position requires significant interaction with people (many of whom are scared, hurt and / or ill) which can be stressful and result in competing priorities.

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