Outpatient Therapist

Position Summary:

Responsible for comprehensive assessment of persons whose lives are disrupted or complicated by mental illness, behavioral disturbances, substance abuse issues or inability to function or maintain in the community. Assists law enforcement, family members and others with the admission process, both voluntary and emergency detentions. Makes referrals to community resources as appropriate. Assigns persons in need of treatment to the appropriate outpatient program and coordinates inpatient admissions through the medical staff. The Therapist is expected to function as a member of the multidisciplinary team and participate in the organizations community relations program. Participates in continuous quality improvement activities.

Position Responsibilities:

Clinical / Technical Skills (40% of performance review)

* Completes psychosocial evaluations on assigned patients/clients in a timely fashion. Displays excellent interviewing, diagnostic and report writing skills.
* Interviews patients/clients, family members and others to identify the precipitating event and degree of disruption that the person is suffering.
* Assesses the impact of psychosocial stressors in order to minimize the negative, destructive outcome of a crisis experience.
* Facilitates the emergency detention process through interview and preparation of appropriate legal documents.
* Provides care appropriate to condition and age of the patient/client, including pediatric, geriatric and the general population.
* Conducts therapy sessions with individuals and groups.
* Possesses excellent theoretical knowledge of psychopathology and treatment techniques of each type of therapy.
* Writes clinical assessments and diagnosis in prescribed manner for the medical record.
* Summarizes assessments and links patients/clients to the appropriate level of care.
* Participates in weekly treatment planning for each patient/client, works cooperatively as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, completes progress notes and discharge plans in a timely fashion.
* Engages in timely, efficient discharge planning. Works in close conjunction with the patient/client, attending physician and other healthcare workers.
* Is knowledgeable of facility and community resources. Collaborates with medical staff and community-based agencies regarding evaluation, recommendation and referral disposition.
* Possesses knowledge of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) in managing crisis situations with escalated patients/clients.
* Documents all patient/client-related interactions.
* Completes documentation required for the medical record and third-party payer sources.
* Performs phone triage duties in order to assess and link patients/clients to the Assessment and Referral Department for a complete initial assessment for services.
* Performs all aspects of patient/client care in an environment that optimizes patient/client safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
* Acts as an advocate for the patient/client in the community.
* Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments.
* Communicates appropriately and clearly to the Program Director, co-workers and medical staff.
* Provides a safe environment for patients/clients and staff, including being aware of and documenting unusual incidents.
* Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
* Performs other duties as assigned.

Safety (15% of performance review)

* Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members
* Follows all safety rules while on the job.
* Reports near misses, as well as errors and accidents promptly.
* Corrects minor safety hazards.
* Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
* Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.
* Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.
* Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

Teamwork (15% of performance review)

* Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
* Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.
* Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.
* The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required
* Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.
* Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.
* Adheres to the Standards of Behavior

Integrity (15% of performance review)

* Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital
* Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.
* Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.
* Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.
* Completes required trainings within defined time periods.
* Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.
* Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.
* Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.

Compassion (15% of performance review)

* Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.
* Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand
* Desire to go above and beyond for others
* Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences

Qualifications

Education:

* Required: Masters degree in a mental health related field. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
* Maintains education and development appropriate for position.

Experience

* Required: None
* Preferred: Previous assessment and evaluation experience