Mental Health Clinician

Purpose: (General description and summary)

The Residential Mental Health Clinician is responsible for providing clinical interventions and care coordination to residents in our licensed mental health residential facilities, and working collaboratively with the treatment team to increase engagement, work toward independence to the extent possible, and respond effectively to crisis events.

This position is responsible for completing initial and annual mental health assessments, developing, implementing and monitoring individualized treatment plans specifying medically necessary services for treatment and recovery. The position oversees the provision of skills training, case management, counseling, and all other applicable services within the milieu setting. This position requires significant collaboration between members of the treatment team, systems of care, and external stakeholders. There are significant administrative responsibilities in terms of documentation, reauthorization, outcome measures, and other regularly occurring events for a small caseload of participants in a residential level of care.

Accountabilities: (Responsibilities of the job)

Assessment & Treatment Planning

Assesses the symptoms and functional level and program needs of each resident

Develops individual service and support plans in partnership with the resident which reflect integrated service options, and update regularly

Participates in residential screenings, and a pre-admission care coordination meeting to ensure seamless transition of care

Completes authorization/reauthorization documentation for residential authorizations, including LSIs, in collaboration with the treatment team

Monitors service delivery

Interventions

Coordinates care with the New Narrative Treatment team and with external stakeholders to facilitate integrated service delivery

Supports resident in linking to community resources needed to achieve goals set in individual service and support plan

Supports resident in participation in medication management appointments, as needed

Provides individual and group counseling to residents, with a focus on EBPs including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Wellness Management and Recovery, Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment, etc.

Provides skills training to resident to support in community navigation, access to medical care, and compliance with legal requirements.

Co-facilitates group skills training with residential associates in order to increase resident participation.

Crisis Prevention and Intervention

Assesses for safety by completing risk assessment and mutual safety plans with the resident

Takes reasonable action to avoid use of crisis services, including consistent use of trauma informed care principles

Proactively coordinates with community crisis services to support effective response

Places directors designees hold, as needed

Coordinates entry of program participants into respite or a hospital setting, and actively coordinate during admission, with a focus on safety and engagement upon return to the residential setting

Minimizes time in crisis services/return to crisis through intensive involvement with discharge planning at all levels of care (hospital, etc)

Discharges

Proactively coordinates with the resident around what discharge planning could look like, including independent, supported housing and other residential settings

Makes referrals as needed to other housing options and/or supportive services, such as RAP or 1915i programs, and follows up routinely on the status of the referral

Coordinating the logistics of the day of the move, including transport of resident and belongings

Attends screenings with the resident for other housing options or treatment facilities, to ensure continuity of care

Explores other accommodations should the resident be involuntarily terminated from the residential program, including lodging with family, respite, and hotel options

Ensures that the resident has outpatient services established with either New Narrative or another provider, if discharging to independent housing

Administration:

Documents all resident contact and consultation with the treatment team and external stakeholders

Participates collaboratively in regular house and staff meetings

Facilitates ongoing trainings and professional development opportunities within the residential program. This may require a flexible work schedule to ensure that all staff are able to complete regular trainings.

Oversees interns working within the residential programs, providing mentorship and coaching

Completes training to become a directors designee, in order to facilitate hospital holds, as needed

Utilization Review & Outcomes

Develops and maintain outcomes measures and reporting, including Feedback Informed Treatment and use of the PORT tool

Provides feedback to the treatment team around documentation, including DAP, engagement notes and incident reports, to accurately describe the level of service the resident is receiving or any barriers to treatment services

Seeks consultation with supervisor, as needed

Participates in complex staffings across the agency to build knowledge and resiliency across the workforce

Other General Expectations:

Services will be provided on-site, in-person due to setting. All agency COVID-19 policies/procedures will be followed

Pursue ongoing development of skills and competencies. A minimum of 16 hours on-going education, of which 12 hours must be in area of mental health/dual recovery and four hours in cultural competency

Maintain licensure and/or certification with relevant State Board for provision of QMHP level credential

Follow all corporate policies, procedures, and protocols.

Maintain current Drivers License

Follow through on all directives and instructions

Maintain security of all New Narrative interests

Maintain CPR and First Aid Certificate

Positions Reporting: (Listing of job incumbents reporting into this position)

None

Education/Certificates/Licenses/Registration:

Qualified Mental Health Professional with a Masters Degree in social work, counseling, or related field is required. LPC or LCSW preferred. CADC credentials preferred.

Experience/Qualifications:

Spanish/English preferred though not required. Applicant must possess the skills necessary to work independently. Must have a firm understanding of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, psychiatric medications and their use, administrative rules and other applicable laws and regulations, as well as a firm understanding of acceptable clinical practices and guidelines. Complete understanding of the DSM V and the ability to compose comprehensive mental health assessments and service plans.

Mental Requirements:

Extensive mental activities required. Examples to include but not limited to the use of educated judgment, communicate thoughts clearly, maintain calm demeanor in crisis situations, be an empathetic and effective listener, and flexible analytical and interpreting skills. Ability to motivate others and remain consistently enthusiastic. Consistent collaboration with other staff and outside partners. Strong organizational skills. Creativity and flexibility in problem solving. Ability to navigate nuances of working within an integrated setting including working as part of a multidisciplinary team and understanding of various roles as well as opportunities for overlap/mutual support.

Impact:

New Narrative, Inc. residential treatment and clinical services are an essential part of New Narrative, Inc. overall continuum of service and supports. As a member of the clinical team, providing services and integrating care in a residential treatment home setting, the Residential Mental Health Clinician will help to insure best practices, positive clinical outcomes, and quality of services while supporting development of an integrated model and through continuous review of efficacy.

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