Therapist, Crisis

OVERVIEW

Provides direct care involving the general psychological, crisis intervention and stabilization and/or referral of individuals in psychiatric/behavioral crisis in a licensed mental health facility operating on a 24/7 basis providing highly intensive mental health services and temporary residential care. Work is performed under regular supervision and is guided by agency policies and procedures, quality assurance, public and private payor guidelines, professional practices and including ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal licensure and accreditation regulations and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides crisis intervention and stabilization to referrals to the program
2. Provides direct individual service including intake, individual evaluation, individual and family therapy.
3. Classifies and refers new individuals to the appropriate agency treatment unit.
4. Consults with and liaises with other agency services, hospitals, courts, social services, state offices, and others in the communities to coordinate client services.
5. Responds to program callers and phone inquiries.
6. Prepares and maintains records and data and prepares reports.
7. Inputs psychological and service data into the electronic records system.
8. Participates interdisciplinary, interagency and community-based meetings.
9. Completes and submits insurance authorization paperwork.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed and substance abusive population including crisis intervention and stabilization principles and practices, thorough knowledge of the medical providers, social services and other agencies and community organizations providing services to the individual population; considerable knowledge of individual manage­ment guidelines for Virginia; considerable knowledge of the laws and legal procedures relating to involuntary hospital admissions; ability to establish and maintain rapport with the individual population; ability to conduct effective interviews, observe, assess and record individual behaviors and functioning and determine clinical and legal disposition; 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 considerable clini­cal work experience in counseling the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed and substance abusive populations including crisis intervention and hospitalization.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid VA driver's license. VA license as LCSW, LPC, or LCP, or LMHP-eligible. State certified Pre-Screener.