Therapist - Child First

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JOB OVERVIEW:

The Child First Therapist serves as the primary therapist to the children and families participating in the program. The Therapist functions as the team leader, providing and coordinating community-based mental health services along with the Family Resource Coordinator.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Develop and implement systemically based interventions utilizing the Child First Clinical Model, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, psychoeducation, and other evidence-based approaches.
* Provide family and individual treatment to the families on caseload in accordance with the Child First model, agency policy, and good practice standards.
* Work with the Family Resource Coordinator to collaborate with teams impacting the family (i.e. family court, child welfare, educational systems, other mental/behavioral health providers, etc.).
* Provide services in client homes/environments during non-traditional hours according to the needs and schedules of the families on the caseload, including evenings and weekends if necessary.
* Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of the client and family, including review of referral information.
* Identify and engage key participants while identifying systemic strengths and needs.
* Complete functional analyses of targeted problems within the ecological context.
* Engage primary caregiver and other key participants in active, change-oriented treatment by identifying and overcoming barriers to engagement and attainment of identified goals.
* Develop and implement initial and ongoing treatment plans. Focus on utilizing strengths and reviewing outcomes regularly using an analytic process.
* Maintain clear and concise documentation of treatment interventions and case development in accordance with reporting and documentation regulations and agency policies.
* Collaborate with all relevant systems and key participants within each system to ensure their "buy-in" and cooperation throughout treatment.
* Provide direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with program principles and practices.
* Participate in all supervision, training, and consultation activities as directed.
* Provide crisis interventions and stabilization 24/7 to the clients/families on the caseload.
* Complete all program paperwork to agency standards and submit within determined time frames.
* Achieve level of productivity (service hours) within established range set by the program director.
* Adhere to professional code of ethics and follow existing federal and state guidelines and laws pertaining to mandated reporting procedures.
* Attend all mandatory trainings.
* Complete in-office hours as required to attend weekly group and individual supervision, as well as other scheduled meetings and appointments.
* Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures including confidentiality and reporting suspected child abuse.
* Participate in training/supervision programs as part of agency professional development initiative.
* Provide direct case management services in collaboration with, or in the absence of, the Care Coordinator.

Partnerships and Collaborative Relationships:

* Establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with provider organizations, regulatory and licensing representatives, and referral sources while promoting PHMC.
* Represent the organization before various stakeholder groups to maintain visibility.
* Manage regulatory and accreditation contracts.
* Serve on, participate in, and attend various committee meetings.

Contributing to the Team:

* Participate in regular meetings with staff to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good, and communication is open. Develop additional methods for ongoing effective communication.
* Cooperate and communicate as a multi-discipline staff team member through formal meetings, informal consultations, and committee participation.
* Model traits of a responsible team member by executing job responsibilities, open communication, and good follow-through. Support team members to do the same.
* Respond promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians, funding entities, and other PHMC staff.

Trauma-Informed Behavior:

* Demonstrate commitment to being trauma-informed and maintaining a therapeutic environment and community that promotes safety and nonviolence as the basis for all we do with clients and staff.
* Demonstrate knowledge and utilization of trauma-informed practices including emotional intelligence, effective communication, understanding of the impact of trauma on development, strengths-based and person-centered practice, resilience focus, and commitment to growth and change.

Administrative Activities:

* Ensure compliance with all of PHMC's policies and procedures, including confidentiality and acting as a mandated reporter in accordance with the law, policies, and procedures.
* Implement all documentation requirements and ensure that reports are complete, thorough, timely, and written in the prescribed format. Ensure staff members to do the same.
* Other duties as assigned

SKILLS:

* Ability to utilize a collaborative, team-oriented approach
* Knowledge and understanding of CASSP Principles
* Social/ecological theory and application
* Family systems theory and application
* Cognitive-behavioral theory and clinical application
* Understanding of early child and family development
* Crisis intervention and management
* Knowledge of DSM-V
* Basic knowledge/understanding of common psychotropic medications
* Comfortable with computers and experienced in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word and Excel
* Open to learning, has capacity for self-reflection, and eager to participate in reflective clinical supervision
* Knowledge of relationship-based, psychodynamic intervention and early child development; parent-child relationships and attachment theory; effects of trauma and environmental risks on early childhood brain development, especially violence exposure, maternal depression, and substance abuse; and community-level risk factors (e.g. poverty, homelessness, etc.).
* Highly organized, self-motivated, reliable, and flexible (including willingness to work non-traditional hours, including at least one evening per week)
* Able to work as part of a team
* Able to communicate well verbally and in writing

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

Experience:

* 2-3 years of experience working psychotherapeutically with culturally diverse children and families, including parent-child therapeutic work and play therapy with very young children (0-5 years)
* Experience providing mental health assessment and consultation to early care and education sites
* Knowledge and experience working with adults with mental health, substance use, and cognitive challenges
* Experience providing intervention within diverse home and community settings

Education: Master's degree in a related field such as social work, psychology, counseling, marriage and family therapy, etc.

Other:

* Must be license-eligible (or licensed) in Pennsylvania as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Professional Counselor (LPC), or clinical psychologist, etc.
* Valid driver's license, access to reliable vehicle with current registration, and evidence of current auto insurance required

SALARY:

* Salary Grade: 18
* Commensurate with education and experience
* Excellent benefits package