Behavioral Health Therapist

The primary objective of the therapist will be to provide psychotherapy to adults, children and families referred to the program for outpatient behavioral health services within the Department of Housing and Human Services (HHS). The therapist will participate in the multidiscipline care approach, developing treatment plans with the client that target individual needs and abilities of each client. This role will support the primary care providers with recognition and treatment of mental health disorders and psychosocial problems. It is expected to incorporate a holistic service delivery model that aims to help all Frederick residents access opportunities for self-sufficiency and stability in their physical and mental health. The therapist will adhere to COMAR/HIPPA State compliance regulations.

• Performs short-term counseling and crisis intervention as needed.
• Schedules appointments with clients according to program standards.
• Completes clinical notes and other documentation requirements within documentation or billing deadlines.
• Collaborates with health clinic, clinical supervisors, and prescribers to ensure continuum of care for mutual clients.
• Maintains appropriate contact with referral sources and provides updates on changes in status of clients as applicable while working cooperatively with other members of the client's treatment team.
• Respects the confidentiality of clients and follows all HIPAA guidelines.
• Meets with clinical supervisor for individual session a minimum of three (3) times per month. Participates in a group supervision a minimum of once per month.
• Attends monthly department meetings.
• Responds to communication (phone, email, text) from clients and families, and referral sources, within 24 hours or the next business day.
• Completes client emergency petitions as needed, while working closely with minor's guardian (if applicable), in order to ensure client's safety and well-being.
• Maintains a professional and positive attitude with case management and counseling staff, clients, and all stakeholders.

• Adheres to departmental policies and procedures for all case management and counseling programs.
• Demonstrates effective communication and collaboration with HHS staff and mental health providers.
• Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication and professionalism.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate degree from an accredited behavioral health program in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or a related field.
• Two (2) years of clinical experience in behavioral health, case management, counseling, or social work.
• Knowledge and experience with evidence-based practices, including trauma informed care frameworks and culturally responsive practices.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES AND/OR LICENSES:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C), Licensed Professional Counselor (LCPC), or Graduate Marriage & Family Therapy (LCMFT). The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.
• Vehicle Operator's license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City's insurance carrier is required. The employee must maintain the license for the duration of their employment.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Knowledge of holistic service delivery models and evidence-based practices.
• Must have strong organizational skills and effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact with the public and to respond to inquiries, by phone and walk-ins, concerning behavioral health issues.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with officials, staff, and others.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and secure information from established data processing, spreadsheet, word processing, database, and graphics programs.
• Self-motivated and capable of taking initiative.

OTHER DESIRABLES:

• Bilingual, preferrable Spanish speaking.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to remain in a stationary position and/or to move about for long periods of time, and position self to reach items above or below their reach. The employee must occasionally ascend and descend levels but rarely ladders. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to observe and inspect items directly in front or to either side of self, to assess items at a distance, to distinguish colors, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee is subject to the use of Universal Precautions as required by the Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan, and to annual Tuberculosis (TB) Testing as required by the Tuberculosis Prevention Plan.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITION: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee is exposed periodically to outside weather conditions, but most work is performed in a typical office setting. The employee regularly encounters clients who are intoxicated, under the influence of unknown substances, may be affected by communicable diseases, and/or appear affected by serious mental health problems.