Contractor Outpatient Therapist

Outpatient Therapist Position Summary:

The Staff Therapist works from a recovery framework within the team providing individual and group psychotherapy using psychotherapeutic interventions (evidenced based practices preferred), cultural sensitivity, and trauma informed care to help individuals reach their recovery goals.

The Staff Therapist position is specifically for those providers who have experience or a calling to work with members of the LGBTQI+ community, as well as those in our community affected by or infected with HIV. This therapist must be able to: conduct individual therapy with adults and/or children (individual, group, and families); provide therapy for patients living with chronic or severe mental illness in addition to HIV/AIDS and/or identifying as part of the LGBTQI+ community; be able to complete a bio-psycho-social assessment; complete progress notes utilizing the DAP format (data, assessment, plan); complete treatment plans with clinically appropriate and measurable goals; and participate in trainings and other professional and/or educational workshops, classes, and programs.

Staff Therapist's provides a comprehensive assessment of individuals (who may be children or adults) who may have co-occurring diagnoses. The staff therapist develops a recovery plan in partnership with the individual/family. When indicated and appropriate, the recovery plan will include goals, objectives and interventions aimed to also address substance use and health & wellness goals which impact behavioral health goals. The staff therapist uses a range of psychotherapeutic interventions, including evidence-based practices (EBPs), including motivational interviewing and may also include other EBPs.

Outpatient Therapist Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides recovery-oriented screenings and comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessments for assigned individual with reference to substance use challenges, when appropriate.
• Provides individual and group therapy to address addictive behaviors that complicate primary mental/behavioral health issues, using Evidence Based practices and approaches.
• systematic in multidisciplinary team meetings, individual supervision, group supervision to review progress on cases to ensure communication and comprehensive approach to treatment including collaborating with external teams to ensure coordination between systems; participates in supervision/meetings aimed to enhance skills related to providing effective care.
• Views individuals from a strengths approach in preparation of treatment plans, with a focus on recovery.
• Completes assessments, reports, and structured screening tools on a regular basis (I.e., PHQ-9, tobacco screen, CAGE-Aid, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) scale, etc.) to ensure quality data and outcome reporting.
• Maintains and updates community resources, provides information and shares with team.
• Completes all clinical documentation and other required paperwork according to required time frames and according to program guidelines.
• Participates in required clinical training and supervision sessions.
• Participates in required agency meetings; attends in service training to meet mandated training hours and ensure professional development.
• Maintains professional and ethical interactions and services.
• Adheres to all requirements, expectations, guidelines, regulations, and procedures outlined by the program, COMHAR, CCBHC, and all regulatory bodies.

1. (ex: CBH (Community Behavioral Health), OMHSAS (Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services) (Office of Mental Health , DBHIDS (Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services) (Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services)stance Abuse Services), DBHIDS (Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services) (Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services) (Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services), NIAC (Network Improvement and Accountability Collaborative), etc.)

• Plans and assists individuals to increase community tenure, enhance quality of life, and attain highest level of independent functioning.
• Demonstrate active caseload management: evaluating level and frequency of care, outreach, and consistent scheduling, prompting care coordination (as appropriate), and following discharge/aftercare planning.
• If needed, will provide flexibility in scheduling including participating in on call rotation schedule to permit 24 hour/7 day a week access or participate in evening and weekend scheduled hours, if required for delivery of services.
• Completes all training required to maintain certification as a CCBHC therapist.
• Other duties reasonable and related to this position as directed by related supervisors.

Outpatient Therapist Skill Requirements

• Basic understanding of clerical procedures and systems such as recordkeeping and filing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram dorm.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concreate variables in standardized situations.
• Understanding and respect for each individual's unique path to recovery. Able to provide person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based support.
• Strong organizational skills
• Working knowledge of the recovery/treatment system.
• Be flexible and adaptive in handling changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to always demonstrate professionalism and ethical service.
• Able to work well independently and in teams.
• Flexibility and adaptability in handling changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Computer literacy is essential. Must be able to effectively use electronic health record, video conferencing, email, Office products, and any other technology needed to meet job responsibilities.

Outpatient Therapist Required Qualifications:

• Must have master's degree (License preferred) plus a minimum of 3 years of experience in behavioral health /substance use field; or
• Full certification as an addiction's counselor or a co-occurring disorder professional by a statewide certification body which is a member of a National Certification Body or certified by another state government's certification board. (Certification includes: CAADC (Child & Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic), ADC, CAAC (Certified Associate Addictions Counselor), CCJP, CCDP, and CCDPD). Advanced degree preferred with experience working with individuals diagnosed with both mental/behavioral health and substance use diagnoses. (Agency works with each clinician to develop a training program to expand their expertise in evidence-based practices).
• Experience working with people struggling with both active Substance Abuse and MH (Mental Health) challenges.
• Valid PA State Criminal, FBI, Child Abuse clearances.
• Must have a current ACT 31 (Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Certificate).
• A minimum of two years' experience in providing verifiable paid experience in the mental health field
• An understanding of child & family development, be able to navigate collaborative efforts and be culturally sensitive/trauma informed
• License preferred: LCSW, LSW, LPC
• Licensure Supervision Available

We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace. COMHAR, Inc. is a not-for-profit community based health and human service organization founded in 1975. We do not discriminate in services or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, past or present receipt of disability-related services or supports, marital status, veteran status, or any other class of persons protected by federal, state or local law.