Job Title: Therapist
Department: Clinical
Reports To: Clinical Director / Director of Operations
Category: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under general professional and administrative guidance and supervision and with latitude for independent professional judgment, the Therapist functions as the lead clinician for a designated caseload and their family. The Therapist works closely with the direct supervisor to ensure the provision of treatment are consistent with the organization’s high standards and in compliance with the organizations philosophy and principles.

POSTION REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education:
a. Master of Arts (MA) degree in social work, counseling psychology or related field.
b. Specialized education and/or training in both substance abuse and mental health disorders is required.

2. Licensure/Certification:
a. LCSW or MFT license through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences is preferred, LCSW intern, or MFT intern are approved with appropriate CA intern registration verified with clinical supervision from approved license therapist.
b. Certificate or completion of an alcohol/drug studies program from an accredited college or university is preferred.
c. State (CAADAC) and/or National Certificate (NAADAC, NCAC) in alcohol/drug counseling is preferred.

3. Experience:
a. A minimum of two (2) to three (3) years satisfactory employment in clinical counseling or an addiction recovery setting is required for licensed clinicians.
b. Supervised specialized education and training in both substance abuse and mental health disorders is required for all therapy interns.
c. Clinical experience with chemically dependent adults and their families is preferred.

4. Skills:
a. In depth knowledge of addictive disorders, family system dynamics, and appropriate assessment skills, individual and group therapy techniques.
b. In depth knowledge of co-occurring and behavioral disorders as they impact adults.
c. Thorough knowledge of alcoholism and other drug dependencies and appropriate psychotherapeutic responses and techniques including but not limited to: the ability to recognize the early signs and symptoms of illness; the ability to promote the need for professional assistance; and the ability to recognize individuals who are under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.
d. Ability to complete assessments, mental status exams, provide individual psychotherapy and facilitate psychodynamic process groups, as assigned
e. Ability to conduct assessments of the adult client within the context of family, community, and culture.
f. Knowledge of the principles of communicable illness prevention and control.
g. Ability to maintain accountability and compliance with all confidentiality and ethical standards.
h. Ability to engage, motivate, and counsel clients and their families in a variety of modalities and settings, including individual, group, and family.
i. Considerable knowledge of community referral resources and the ability to liaison effectively with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, other mental health professionals, social workers, probation officers, and other allied health professionals as required by the needs of clients, their families, and the program.
j. Knowledge of accreditation guidelines as applied to residential treatment and recovery programs.
k. Must have a high level of experience and understanding of 12-Step Program.
l. Daily documentation of progress and complications in client’s recovery process as required by accreditation guidelines.
m. Ability to liaison with judicial system, social service, and other agencies as required by needs of clients.
n. Completion of all client letters (discharge / court / work), as necessary.
o. Completion of concurrent utilization review, as required.
p. Ability to maintain accountability, meet deadlines, and follow-through on tasks.
q. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
r. Must have high level of interpersonal skills, as position continually requires demonstrated professionalism, tact and diplomacy.
s. Understands need for and maintains appropriate confidentiality at all times when interacting with clients, their families, visitors, referral sources and all other contacts.
t. Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team setting.
u. Attendance in all staff and in-service trainings.
v. Exemplary written and verbal communication skills.
w. Exemplary ability to make decisions in crisis or demanding situations.
x. Fluency in English and Spanish (bi-lingual) is preferred.
y. Must possess current CPR/First Aid certification.
z. Ancillary duties as needed.

5. Physical Demands and Special Job Conditions

a. In good physical health as verified by a health screening.
b. Tuberculosis clearance (within 7 days of hire, annually thereafter).
c. Moderate walking and standing.
d. Ability to assist a debilitated client.
e. Ability to twist, lift light boxes/supplies (up to 50 lbs), bend to store and retrieve.
f. Flexibility and dexterity to assist in basic treatment duties.
g. Ability to tolerate moderate to high stress levels.
h. Ability to work a flexible work schedule.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

1. Responsible for providing treatment service process for caseload as assigned by direct supervisor.

2. Routinely provides individual, group, and family psychotherapy to assist in the provision of therapeutic services, as necessary and appropriate. Demonstrates a range of appropriate therapeutic interventions and clinical techniques to effectively assist clients.

3. Utilizes a variety of clinical interventions and techniques to promote engagement, improve emotional and behavioral functioning, and improve family functioning.

4. Liaisons with counseling team members, referring agencies, clinicians, probation officers, and other providers as necessary and appropriate.

5. Completes all required documentation, daily therapy notes, and utilization review notes, as necessary, within established time frames.

6. Contributes to the client aftercare plan regarding continuing therapy referrals.

7. Works closely with the Direct supervisor to assure appropriate utilization of clinical and community-based resources.

8. Demonstrates positive and effective relations with colleagues, co-workers, and administration to promote good working relationships, efficiency and a positive work environment.

9. Demonstrates the ability to deal with stress, anger, and/or frustration in a professional manner. Maintains appropriate and ethical behavior at all times. Represents Above It All Treatment Program appropriately in the community.

10. Responds to unanticipated, unusual, and/or crisis situations with good judgment and demonstrates the ability to collaborate with co-workers as appropriate to the situation. Utilizes good crisis intervention skills, including suicidal risk assessment, and utilizes medical and community referral resources appropriately.

11. Participates in clinical supervision and evaluation activities. Responds to supervision receptively when job expectations are not met.

12. Performs additional duties as required by the needs of program.