Therapist, SA

OVERVIEW

Provides therapeutic care and case management services for individuals requiring substance abuse treatment and are under the supervision of the District Probation and Parole Office. Work is performed under general supervision and is guided by agency policies and procedures, quality assurance diagnostic guidelines and professional practices and including ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal regulations and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts intake interviews, makes assessments and develops diag­nosis and treatment plans.
2. Interviews individuals and provides problem‑solving and sup­portive therapy.
3. Conducts group, individual and family therapy sessions including substance abuse group therapy Provides crisis intervention services and risk assessments.
4. Inputs psychological data to agency staff for individual placements, care and treatment.
5. Consults with representatives of other agencies and provides and coordinates individual case management services including preparation and maintenance of participant case documentation including treatment plans, progress notes and periodic assessments and administration and reporting of unauthorized program absences, progress deficiencies and random drug testing results.
6. Prepares lesson plan and training materials for education­al/treatment programming.
7. Provides expert testimony in court and legal proceedings.
8. Refers individuals to inpatient treatment providers and assists newly discharged individuals.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the diagnosis and individual, family and group treatment relating to the substance abusive population, including counseling, therapeutic modalities and techniques related to clinical casework; thorough knowledge of the state regulations and procedures governing the court-ordered and/or supervised provision of therapeutic services to criminal offenders; considerable knowledge of the laws and legal procedures relating to hospital admission; considerable knowledge of social casework management, including need assessment and supportive level counseling; ability to establish and maintain rapport with the individual population; ability to conduct effective interviews, observe, assess and record individual behaviors and functioning and develop treatment and service plans; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff of other private and public agencies and organizations; ability to confidently provide expert testimony in both oral and written formats; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to operate a vehicle; ability to function calmly in stressful situa­tions; ability to prepare and maintain detailed records and prepare related reports.

TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Master's Degree in the Behavioral Sciences and some clini­cal work experience in the treatment of the substance abusive populations.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid VA driver's license. VA license as LCSW, LPC, or LCP.