OVERALL FUNCTION:

The Therapist possesses and implements knowledge and educational background applicable to work with individuals, groups, and community systems within as well as outside the agency. The Therapist maintains an active liaison relationship between the Residential Program, community, schools and resources within the neighborhood.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Conducts individual therapy once a week with each resident and provides additional time to each resident as necessary.

2. Conducts regular therapy sessions (individual conjoint, family or group) in conjunction with the entire treatment team and provides additional therapy when necessary.

3. Formulates and implements an overall treatment plan for each child and family in conjunction with the entire treatment team. Frequency is dependent upon the current treatment plan, commitment and availability of parents.

4. Acts as a liaison to agencies in order to oversee the resident program.

5. Provides program input to staff regarding individual, and group counseling approaches, and techniques.

6. Reports weekly to the Clinical Director.

7. Meets regularly with the Youth Care Counselors, Social Workers and consultants regarding implementation of treatment plans and specific problematic situations.

8. Coordinates visiting plans for each child with the treatment team, insuring that the necessary staff members are notified.

9. Attend and participate in mandatory training and in-services as required.

10. Performs other tasks and responsibilities as deemed appropriate by program supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Possesses a MSW or MFT, LCSW or LMFT preferred.

2. Active registration through the Board of Behavioral Science to register as a BBS intern will be considered with the registration process complete within three months of date of hire.

3. Ability to verbally communicate well with others.

4. All employees, regardless of position, serve as role models for children and adolescents who are served by our agencies. Therefore, each employee must at all times be emotionally stable and able to function effectively with children, adolescents and adults who may have mental or behavioral health problems. The staff must be able to demonstrate appropriate daily behavior, appropriate expression of emotions as well as appropriate role modeling. Hostility, aggression, and unnecessary or inappropriate physical and/or emotional expression are not acceptable.

REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to pass criminal/fingerprinting background check, TB Test, Physical Exam and Drug Testing. Must have a valid California Drivers License and a clear DMV record.

Must have the visual, physical and technical ability to independently operate a variety of office equipment including the use of a computer. Will also require bending, stooping, filing, lifting and be able to interrupt physical altercations if necessary.