Mental Health Professional - Autism Specialty Team, Family Based Mental Health Services

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Mental Health Professional (MHP) serves as the primary therapist on an Autism Specialty Team to support the children and families participating in the program. They function as the team leader and provide/coordinate community based mental health services along with the Mental Health Worker (MHW) and/or co-therapist. This individual will interface and collaborate with ASD services and providers frequently.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

§ Develop and implement systemically based interventions utilizing structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, psycho-education and other researched-based approaches.

• Provide family and individual treatment to the families impacted by a family member's Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis on case load in accordance with family based regulations, agency policy and good practice standards.

• Work collaboratively with teammate (Mental Heath Worker or Mental Health Professional) as well as other systems impacting the family (i.e. Family Court, Child Welfare, Educational Systems, other Mental/Behavioral Health Providers, etc.).

• Provide services in the client's home/environment during "non-traditional hours", according to the needs and schedules of the families on their caseload, which includes evenings and weekends if necessary.

• Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of the client and family, including review of referral information.

• Identify and engage key participants while identifying systemic strengths and needs.

• Complete functional analyses of targeted behaviors/problems within the ecological context.

• Engage primary caregiver and other key participants in active, change-oriented treatment by identifying and overcoming barriers to engagement and attainment of identified goals.

• Develop and implement initial and ongoing treatment plans with focus on utilizing strengths and reviewing outcomes regularly using an analytic process.

• Maintain clear and concise documentation of treatment interventions and case development in accordance with reporting and documentation regulations and agency policies.

• Collaborate with all relevant systems and key participants within each system to ensure their "buy-in" and cooperation throughout treatment.

• Provide direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with program principles and practices.

• Participate in all supervision, training, and consultation activities as directed.

• Provide crisis interventions and stabilization 24/7 to the clients/families on their caseload.

• Complete all program paperwork to agency standards and submit according to determined time frames.

• Achieve level of productivity (service hours) within established range set by the program director.

• Adhere to professional code of ethics and follow existing federal and state guidelines and laws pertaining to mandated reporting procedures.

• Facilitate the use of Family Support Service Funds within program guidelines.

• Must attend all mandatory trainings.

• In-Office hours required to attend weekly group and individual supervision, as well as other meetings or appointments, as scheduled.

• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures including confidentiality and reporting suspected child abuse.

• Participate in training/supervision programs as part of agency professional development initiative.

• Family Based Mental Health Services adheres to a "Whatever It Takes" philosophy.

• MHP's will be expected to step outside of their primary role when they are needed to do so for the sake of advancing client progress and/or maintaining program integrity.

• Transporting clients to and from appointments, meetings, tasks of daily living, etc.

• Providing direct case management services in collaboration with, or in the absence of the MHW.

Partnerships and Collaborative Relationships

• Establishes and maintains relationships with provider organizations, regulatory and licensing representatives, and referral sources, establishing effective and productive working relationships while promoting PHMC.

• Ability to link to ASD-specific resources and supports, including knowledge of Special Education Law, behavioral health continuum, ASD community supports, DBHIDS/BAS waivers and supports for transition-age youth

• Represents the organization before various stakeholder groups to maintain visibility.

• Manages regulatory and accreditation contracts.

• Serves on, participates in and attends various committee meetings.

Contributing to the Team

• Participates in regular meetings with staff to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good and communications are open. Develops additional methods for ongoing effective communication.

• Cooperates and communicates as a multi-discipline staff team member through formal meetings, informal consultations and committee participation.

• Models traits of a responsible team member, executing job responsibilities, open communication, good follow through; supports team members to do the same.

• Responds promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities and other PHMC staff.

Trauma Informed Behavior

• Demonstrates commitment to being trauma informed and maintaining a therapeutic environment and community that promotes safety and nonviolence as the basis for all we do with clients and staff.

• Demonstrates knowledge and utilization of trauma informed practices, including emotional intelligence, effective communication, understanding of impact of trauma on development,

strengths based and person-centered practice, resilience focus and commitment to growth and change.

Administrative Activities

• Ensures compliance with all PHMC's policies and procedures, including confidentiality and acting as a mandated reporter in accordance with the law, policies, and procedures.

• Implements all documentation requirements, reports are complete, thorough, timely, and follow prescribed format. Ensures staffs do the same.

• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Ability to utilize collaborative, team oriented approach.

• Knowledge and understanding of CASSP Principles.

• Social/ecological theory and application.

• Family systems theory and application.

• Cognitive-behavioral theory and clinical application.

• Understanding of child and family development.

• Crisis intervention and management.

• Knowledge of DSM-IV TR.

• Basic knowledge/understanding of common psychotropic medications.

• Experience working with diverse populations.

• Strong computer skills in all Microsoft office applications.

EXPERIENCE:

• Two years' experience providing individual and family therapy in community settings; experience developing and implementing interventions across multiple systems/settings (i.e. family, peer, school, community, other providers, DHS, Juvenile Probation, etc.) required.

• At least one year of experience as a direct clinician, therapeutic support staff (TSS), or higher with children on ASD spectrum

• At least one year of experience in providing parent training/consultation, preferably Behavioral Skills Training models

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

• Graduate degree in psychology, counseling, family therapy, social work, nursing, theology with an emphasis in pastoral counseling, or rehabilitation counseling with a minimum of 12 graduate credit hours in therapy and/or counseling, and two (2) years' experience in child and adolescent mental health services. OR

• Graduate degree in any other field of human services approved by the Office of Mental Health as being appropriate for professional certification in mental health services and including 12 credit hours of education in therapy and/or counseling, and three years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services. OR

• Graduate coursework in Autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders (preferred)

• Graduate coursework in evidence-based treatments for ASD (preferred)

• Graduate coursework in Applied Behavior Analysis (preferred)

• Criminal background check, child abuse, FBI and medical clearances, as well as any other clearances required by contract or Wordsworth.

• Valid driver's license required with access to reliable vehicle with current registration and evidence of current automotive insurance coverage.

SALARY:

Competitive salary based on experience. Excellent benefits package