Crisis Therapist

Definition

As a part of the crisis treatment team model, the Crisis therapist will report directly to Crisis Leadership. Crisis therapists will receive clinical oversite from a Clinical Manager or the Executive Director of Crisis and 24 Hour Services. Crisis Therapists are integral for the care of clients in crisis, and ensure clients receive treatment in the most appropriate level of care. Crisis therapists are expected to regularly collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to coordinate care for clients in crisis and make determinations for levels of care with the assistance of this team.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

This position is responsible and held accountable for the following duties: 

·Will complete screenings, initial treatment plans, risk assessments, therapy sessions, or other clinical work as needed for any client presenting to the crisis unit.  

·Screening and triaging crisis intervention as directed. 

·Ensures collaborative documentation of services in a thorough, accurate, and timely manner. 

·Consults with other agencies and professionals regarding individuals/families, including day care centers, schools, court systems, health clinics, physicians, clergy, other mental health professionals, etc. with appropriate releases of information. 

·Participate in staff meetings. 

·Shall meet “satisfactory” expectations at any scheduled job performance evaluation. 

·Quality of work will be evaluated through training, skill, or special purpose. 

·Understands and promotes our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) concept by providing or supporting community-based mental and substance use disorder services; advancing integration of behavioral health with physical health care; assimilating and utilizing evidence-based practices on a more consistent basis; and promoting improved access to high-quality care. 

·Employees must be willing and able to perform all job-related travel normally associated with this position (this may include transportation of clients). 

·Performs other reasonably related duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor or other management as requested. 

·Meet or exceed “satisfactory” expectations at any scheduled job performance evaluation. 

·Regular and predictable attendance is essential and expected for this position. 

Must perform the specific job duties as listed above to meet position expectations.  

In addition, must possess skill in working cooperatively and effectively with clients, staff, management, and other professional groups; in exercising mature judgement in dealing with people; in presenting ideas clearly and accurately; in reading and comprehending the English language; and in communicating effectively; both orally and in writing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

·Knowledge of the principles and applications of psychological theories and treatment models with respect to group and individual behavior; of mental illness, its symptoms, treatment, and social implications in relation to individuals/families. 

·Skill in assessing and diagnosing for the immediate stabilization of clients presenting in crisis. Skills for evaluating a wide variety of clinical data for use in carrying out courses of treatment. Ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written form. 

·Knowledge of the principles and practices of social work and/or psychology as it relates to current social and economic problems to better serve individuals/families. 

·Knowledge of personality development and structure. 

·Knowledge of general age groups and other special populations, as well as core competencies in relation to individuals with co-occurring disorders. 

·Ability to correctly interpret and implement agency policies and procedures. 

·Ability to work well under pressure, meeting deadlines with efficiency and consistency. 

·Ability to interface with individuals/families, administration, clinical staff, support staff, and the public in a clear, polite, professional, and respectful manner. 

·An expectation of core competencies in relation to individuals with co-occurring disorders. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

General Requirements:

·All crisis therapists must maintain licensure, and/or appropriate under supervision status.

·This job does require the selected candidate to possess a current and valid driver’s license, to have a clean driving record and reliable transportation.

For BHPs: 

Master’s degree in a behavioral social science field and actively and regularly receiving board approved supervision, and extended supervision by a fully licensed clinician if board’s supervision requirement is met but the individual is not yet licensed, to become licensed by one of the licensing boards listed in (A) through (F) below.  The exemptions from licensure under 59 §1353 (4) (Supp. 2000) and (5), 59 §1903 (C) and (D) (Supp. 2000), 59 §1925.3 (B) (Supp. 2000) and (C), and 59 §1932 (C) (Supp. 2000) and (D) do not apply to Crisis Behavioral Health Services. 

1. Psychology, 
2. Social Work (clinical specialty only), 
3. Professional Counselor, 
4. Marriage and Family Therapist, 
5. Behavioral Practitioner, or 
6. Alcohol and Drug Counselor   

For LBHPs: 

Practitioners with a license to practice in the state in which services are provided, licensed by one of the licensing boards listed in (A) through (F) below. 

1. Psychology, 
2. Social Work (clinical specialty only), 
3. Professional Counselor, 
4. Marriage and Family Therapist, 
5. Behavioral Practitioner, or 
6. Alcohol and Drug Counselor-MH