Behavioral Health Child/Adolescent Psychotherapist

Job Summary
Provides services to children, adolescents, and their families referred by Youth Justice, Child Protective Services, and under Chapter 51 who are impacted by mental health concerns, trauma, substance abuse, and/or other behavioral health issues. Conducts assessments of client and family needs and strengths, provides treatment using a variety of therapeutic approaches, and provides consultation to county staff and other contracted service providers. Provides case management or teams with the primary case manager to coordinate services, assure comprehensive treatment planning, avert crisis, and promote successful treatment outcomes.

Essential Duties
Provides individual, family, or group psychotherapy in a variety of community settings. In addition to office-based appointments, psychotherapy may be provided in homes, schools, or other program sites as necessary to meet client needs. Participates in specialized training on specific interventions which may be identified as relevant to meeting client needs, including trauma-informed care, and implements those interventions as assigned.

Conducts assessments of children, youth, and families using a variety of procedures and sources of information as necessary to clarify treatment needs and develop appropriate recommendations. Uses assessment procedures appropriate to the referral questions and the incumbent’s professional training. Prepares and disseminates written reports of assessment findings to referral sources to assist in designing interventions matched to client needs and strengths.

Develops and implements treatment plans that provide for appropriate mental health and crisis intervention services to clients and their families, including preventative and rehabilitative services. Monitors participation in and effectiveness of recommended interventions, and adjusts plan as needed.

Serves as primary case manager, or teams with the primary case manager when needed. Plans, recommends, and implements referrals of clients and their families to appropriate agencies for treatment and follow up. Facilitates coordination and cooperation between consumers, informal support systems, health professionals, courts, legal representatives, and contracted providers to assure continuity of care and family centered service provision.

Serves as Mental Health Professional and/or Substance Abuse Professional on Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) recovery teams for children and adolescents. Provides clinical input into the development and monitoring of service plans for clients with significant behavioral health needs.

Works collaboratively and maintains positive working relationships with a multi-disciplinary team, actively communicating about client needs and problem-solving solutions.

Establishes ongoing and responsive contact with children, adolescents, and families impacted by mental health and/or substance abuse treatment needs. Facilitates engagement in treatment and makes diligent efforts to overcome barriers to staying involved with services.

Provides written or verbal information to the court for clients involved with legal proceedings under Chapter 51, juvenile court, Child Protective Services, or family court, as assigned. Provides follow-up and monitoring as required. Demonstrates familiarity with mental health laws and complies with applicable county, state and federal guidelines related to the provision of care.

Serves as a consultant to other staff and provides occasional in-service training to enhance the department’s ability to respond effectively to behavioral health issues presented by clients and families.

Attends and contributes to staff meetings, attends in-service and outside agency training sessions, and assumes responsibility for participating in activities which further professional growth and development.

Assists in identifying the need for new or improved treatment resources, contributes to program development and planning, and participates in program implementation. Completes outcome measures as assigned.

Completes and maintains necessary documentation according to applicable requirements, codes and policies.

Maintains the confidentiality of all client and business records, documents, and information per
departmental standards and State/Federal Confidentiality Laws including HIPAA.

Reports suspected child abuse and neglect cases without the consent of clients when necessary to Child Protective Services within the Human Services Department.

Supervises students and other trainees as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience:
Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or equivalent education and training required; with 3,000 hours of supervised experience in clinical practice preferred. One year of experience in AODA/mental health field, with experience in crisis intervention preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred; license eligible required. Candidates who are not yet licensed are expected to obtain their credentials within a reasonable time after hire.
Dual licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Substance Abuse Counselor preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development process.

Knowledge of psychiatric, substance abuse, and developmental disorders and their treatment.

Knowledge of assessment procedures.

Current knowledge of therapeutic approaches.

Knowledge of applicable laws and statutes related to mental health, child welfare, and juvenile justice.

Knowledge of casework principles and methods.

Knowledge of social and family systems.

Knowledge of courtroom practices and has the ability to provide testimony.

Knowledge of principles of ethical behavior.

Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.

Interpersonal and therapeutic skills needed to form positive relationships with children, adolescents and families and work with them effectively in treatment.

Skills in crisis intervention techniques, including the ability to exercise professional judgment and maintain emotional stability in crisis situations with clients manifesting threatening or unpredictable behavior.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and staff from other agencies.

Ability to effectively utilize community resources.

Ability to maintain records and reports regarding client contacts or services in a timely manner.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to follow oral and/or written instructions.

Ability to work the required hours of the position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Lifting 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Extended periods of sitting; intermittent standing, walking and driving.

Using hand(s)/feet for repetitive single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling, and operating controls.

Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing and reaching.

Communicating orally in a clear manner.

Distinguishing sounds at various frequencies and volumes.

Distinguishing people and objects at varied distances under a variety of light conditions.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/browncounty

Deadline Note: