Description
Position Title: Program Therapist

Program: Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full-Time

Salary: $26.60-$31.76 per hour; Commensurate with Experience

This position requires Credentialing

Summary and Range of Authority: Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor, the Program Therapist performs brief, goal-oriented psychotherapy with individuals, families and groups.  Services are provided in the home, schools, and communities of Central Region and North County San Diego, in addition to UPAC offices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs brief, goal-oriented psychotherapy with individuals, families and groups, in home, clinic, school, and/or community based outpatient behavioral health services
• Records and prioritizes referrals; provides diagnostic screening and triage.
• Performs assessment and intervention services in crisis situations.
• Functions as member of a multi-disciplinary team and participated in diagnosis, treatment and discharge planning.
• Provides outreach and other community linkages as needed.
• Prepares medical records of services rendered including psychiatric history, mental status examinations, progress notes, treatment plans, quality assurance and others.
• Utilization of Electronic Medical Record system.
• Provides intensive case management and coordination of individual cases and refers appropriate problems to other ancillary services or community agencies.
• Participates in staff meetings, supervision meetings as required, case conferences, training, treatment, utilization reviews and other quality assurance activities.
• Some evening work required.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Requirements
Required Education, Certifications/Licenses and Language/Cultural Skills:

• Master’s degree in counseling from an accredited MFT Program or MSW Program.
• Current CA licensed MFT/MSW or CA registered AMFT/ASW.

Minimum Experience and Qualifications Required:

• Knowledge and experience in working with children, adolescents and families in multi-cultural settings.
• Ability to accurately assess and intervene effectively in crisis situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain diagnostic and psychotherapeutic relationships and to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to prepare written reports and records of services rendered.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with regard to sensitive or proprietary information or materials.
• Flexible with work schedule.
• Must demonstrate intermediate level of computer literacy and experience using office productivity software i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Internet browsers, and Outlook.
• Must pass background check (Live Scan Fingerprint).
• COVID-19 Vaccination required, unless exempted as a reasonable accommodation as allowed by the law.
• Must have TB clearance.
• Must be able to drive for business purposes to other program locations in San Diego County.
• Must have a valid California driver’s license and comprehensive automobile insurance coverage, as required by law.
• Will not be debarred or excluded from participation in Federal programs by the General Services Administration and/or the Department of Health and Human Services of the Inspector General.

Additional Preferred Education or Qualifications:

• Fluent written, verbal and reading proficiency in Spanish
• Trained in Motivational Interviewing and/or Trauma Informed Care
• Experience in Dual Diagnosis treatment
• Trained in Anasazi Electronic Medical Records System
• Knowledge of County contracted Medi-Cal, MHSA, and EPSDT programs
• Knowledge of San Diego County documentation standard

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Spends approximately 70% of work time sitting and meeting with others or working at a desk and/or computer.  Spends approximately 30% of work time standing or walking within the work area or outside the office at meetings and events, also bends, twists, stoops and reaches.  Ability to communicate in writing and verbally. Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Working conditions are normal for an office environment and event venues.  The noise level is usually moderate.