Mental Health Counselor

Summary:

Develops, plans, implements, facilitates, directs and evaluates experiential therapy programming in all specialized treatment areas. Knowledge and experience are applied in an educational role with interdisciplinary staff and community resources. Documents within designated program. Is knowledgeable, skillful and have abilities in a wide variety of experiential media. The Experiential Therapist I will have a working knowledge of a psychosocial functioning of patient/resident groups as well as application of expressive activities within a psychiatric setting. These include, but are not limited to, adventure-based and environmental activities, sports, dance, group initiatives, arts/crafts, music, outdoor activities, art media, psychodrama, horticulture, ropes and challenge course.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Conduct self in a professional manner.

• Promote positive, team-oriented approach to patient/resident care. Maintain a supportive and collaborative environment with all disciplines.
• Display leadership and positive role-modeling.
• Display professionalism in all aspects of the position.
• Demonstrate a courteous and respectful demeanor. Attempt to resolve individual issues in a positive, calm manner with a focus on solution.
• Identify concerns and provide input for resolution.
• Comply with Rogers Memorial Hospital policies and procedures Infection Control, Safety and Employee Health, Human Resources and Experiential Therapy.
• Participates in training new employees as directed by the leader.

Participate in the Rogers Improvement System (OS).

• Develop an understanding of the ROS process.
• Apply the ROS model to department functions.
• Identify ROS concerns throughout the system.

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.
• Attend informational meetings to increase awareness of regulations.

Programming.

• Conduct experiential therapy, as scheduled.
• Evaluate, plan and coordinate programming to meet patients/residents needs.
• Maintain Experiential Therapy environments for safety and supplies.
• Be flexible with work assignments, including schedule changes and program additions.
• Have a good working knowledge of a variety of experiential therapies.

Documentation/Treatment.

• Complete a treatment plan and evaluation according to Rogers policy.
• Complete therapeutic documentation according to Rogers policy.

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.

Staff requirements.

• 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 within the Experiential Therapy department and Rogers.
• Attend 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.
• 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/residents.

Education/Training Requirements:

• BS/BA degree is required, preferably in art, music, dance, recreation, or other therapies required. A Masters degree in these areas is preferred.
• Certification/registration through appropriate credentialing board preferred.
• Valid driver license in the state of employment (Residential and PHP/IOP assignments).
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR or American Red Cross Professional Rescue certification 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 Memorial Hospital, 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 (1) 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.

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