Experiential Therapist I

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Conduct self in a professional manner.

• Develop supportive, collaborative relationships with all disciplines to promote a positive, team-oriented approach to care.
• Provide leadership and role-modeling, incorporating group dynamics into the process.
• Communicate with individuals on a professional level.
• Attempt to resolve individual issues with peers in a positive, calm manner, with a focus on solution; demonstrate a courteous, respectful demeanor in alignment with the Rogers Behavior Agreements.
• Identify concerns and provide input for resolution.
• Participates in Mentorship Program.

Participate in the Rogers Operating System (ROS).

• Develop an understanding of the ROS process.
• Apply the ROS model to department functions.
• Identify ROS concerns throughout Rogers Behavioral Health.
• Educate and inform Rogers Behavioral Health employees to the Experiential Therapy ROS plans.
• Aid in the development and participate in ROS monitoring services. Takes leadership role in metric and data collection.
• Aide in the continued updating and creation of new standard work for the department.

Assist in the hiring, training, and education of new employees under the direction of leadership.

• Attend applicant interviews, as requested by the leader.
• Providing input on candidates as requested by the leader.
• Assist in educating staff in theory and philosophy of Experiential Therapy.
• Trains staff, as requested, on patient/resident care programming.

Demonstrate an understanding of Joint Commission and other regulatory agency compliance guidelines.

• Involve self in the learning and application of standards relevant to the Experiential Therapy department and assist in helping newer staff to do this.
• Attend informational meetings to increase awareness of regulations.

Programming.

• Conduct experiential therapy, as scheduled, and proactively pick up additional groups when there is a call in in the ET department.
• Evaluate, plan and coordinate programming to meet patients’/residents’ needs.
• Maintain the supplies/equipment and spaces of the Experiential Therapy department.
• Be flexible with work assignments, including schedule changes and program additions.
• Be able to complete job responsibilities with minimal supervision, and complete the activities assigned by the manager.
• Have a good working knowledge of a variety of experiential therapies.
• Helping to coordinate specialty programming such as Pet Therapy; horticultural, waterfront, cross country skiing, etc.
• Demonstrate a willingness to perform any/all duties within the capacity of one’s job and/or professional credentials.

Documentation/Treatment.

• Complete a treatment plan and evaluation according to Experiential Therapy policy.
• Complete therapeutic documentation according to Rogers Policy.
• Assists with auditing documentation done by the team.

Patient/Resident knowledge.

• Demonstrate knowledge of intervention strategies and utilize redirection when necessary to maintain patients’/residents’ safety.
• Monitor patient/resident behavior and safely intervene appropriately, using de-escalation techniques and least-restrictive measures possible.
• Establish a therapeutic rapport with patient/resident groups, while maintaining appropriate, professional relationships.
• Demonstrate knowledge of psychosocial functioning of each patient/resident group. Know the common diagnostic categories and their relationship to patients’/residents’ behavior within the setting. Demonstrate knowledge of treatment procedures/models (behavioral, recovery, etc.) and application within a therapy setting.

Student interns.

• Performs duties pertaining to student recruitment, marketing Rogers Behavioral Health’s internship program.
• Provide student intern supervision in conjunction with the Experiential Therapy manager and the university.
• The Experiential Therapist II is required to develop and review policies and procedures for the student intern program with the manager of Experiential Therapy.

Staff requirements.

• Comply with the Infection Control, and Employee Health programs.
• Follow the Hospital, Human Resources and Experiential Therapy policies and procedures.
• Attend all mandatory in-services and other in-services relevant to the position. Be responsible for all educational requirements and related obligations pertaining to the license of the program/unit license/regulatory requirements governing the program(s).
• Complete all required orientation competencies and training with the Experiential Therapy department and Hospital-wide.
• Take a leadership role in Experiential Therapy department and program staff meetings, as required.
• Meet with the manager of Experiential Therapy monthly regarding clinical guidance, training, program evaluation and problem reporting.
• Be available to serve as the leader of Experiential Therapy in the absence of the supervisor/manager.
• Conduct program-specific programming off Rogers Behavioral Health grounds, following procedures for using Rogers owned vehicles, for designated patient populations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Job Description:

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Verbal and hearing ability required to interact with patients/residents and employees. Numerical ability required to maintain records and operate a computer.
• Must be able to read and communicate through written, verbal and auditory skills and abilities.
• Position will involve exposure to aggressive/combative patients.
• Be physically/mentally able to perform job duties as verified by a physical exam by a licensed physician, according to post-employment physical.

Education/Training Requirements:

• BS/BA degree is required, preferably in recreation, art, music, dance, psychodrama, or other expressive therapies with certification/registration through the appropriate credentialing board desired.
• A Master’s Degree or a certification/license in one of the following required: R-DMT; ATR; CTRS; MTBC; SAC-IT; TIC; Yoga, LPC or other behavioral health related certificate.
• Minimum of 1-2 years in group facilitation in a behavioral health setting required. Mentorship experience with ET staff preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license. Applicable to Oconomowoc and Regional Sites only.
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification or American Red Cross Professional Rescue is required within thirty (30) days of the date of hire, with annual re-certification.
• Formal training in management of the aggressive patient is required within sixty (60) days of the date of hire, with annual re-certification, including self-defense training.
• Ropes and Challenge Course training by Rogers Behavioral Health, with yearly renewal (where applicable to the position).
• Employees at the Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs licensed under HFS §40 are required to have at least one year of educational or work experience and a licensure or certification when serving children with mental health disorders.
• Applicable to Experiential Therapy pool and Experiential Therapy fixed FTE staff dedicated to a residential cost center: Compliance in Residential Care Centers (RCC) and Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) employee training requirements.