Outpatient Therapist

Description

SUMMARY: The Outpatient Therapist provides outpatient behavioral health treatment services under the clinical supervision of an independently licensed clinician, in accordance with Ohio licensure laws, OhioMHAS certification standards, Medicaid requirements, and agency policies and procedures. The Therapist delivers assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions using a person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approach, while working toward independent licensure.

SUPERVISOR: Clinical Supervisor or Designee

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervision & Scope Statement

This position operates under clinical supervision and does not independently diagnose, authorize treatment plans, or provide services beyond the scope permitted by Ohio licensure law. All clinical activities requiring independent licensure are reviewed and approved by a qualified supervisor.

• Conduct clinical assessments and psychosocial evaluations within scope of licensure and under required supervision.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and ongoing review of individualized treatment plans, with supervisory approval.
• Provide outpatient individual, family, and group counseling services consistent with OMHAS-certified service definitions and scope of practice.
• Deliver services using evidence-based and best-practice therapeutic approaches appropriate to client needs and licensure level.
• Document services accurately and timely in the electronic health record, including progress notes, treatment plans, and updates, in compliance with OhioMHAS and Medicaid standards.
• Establish and maintain medical necessity documentation with supervisory oversight.
• Participate in required clinical supervision, case consultations, and interdisciplinary team meetings.
• Coordinate care with internal programs and external providers to support continuity of care and referrals.
• Provide crisis intervention, risk screening, and safety planning in accordance with agency policy and supervisor direction.
• Maintain ethical standards, professional boundaries, and client confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, when applicable.
• Comply with all OhioMHAS certification standards, agency policies, and licensure requirements.
• Participate in required training, continuing education, and quality improvement activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Duties and Responsibilities above represent the most significant duties of this position, but do not exclude other assignments that would be within the qualification and responsibility levels of this position.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree - counseling or social work
• Eligible and actively working toward independent licensure in Ohio.
• Willingness and ability to practice under clinical supervision as required by Ohio law.
• Knowledge of basic behavioral health treatment principles and recovery-oriented care.
• Ability to complete compliant clinical documentation for Medicaid-billable services under supervision.
• Preferred: Experience in an OhioMHAS-certified outpatient or community behavioral health setting.
• Preferred: Experience working with individuals with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, or co-occurring conditions.
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation standards and EHR systems.

LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Unrestricted LPC or LSW license to practice in the State of Ohio
• Unrestricted State of Ohio driver’s license

COMPLIANCE:

This position requires compliance with AFS’ written standards, including its Compliance Program and Standards of Conduct and policies and procedures. Such compliance will be an element considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

Failure to comply with AFS’ Written Standards, which may include the failure to report any conduct or event that potentially violates legal or compliance requirements or AFS’ Written Standards or, for managers and supervisors, fails to detect non-compliant conduct where reasonable efforts would have resulted in detection, will be met by the enforcement of disciplinary action, up to and including possible termination, in accordance with AFS’ Compliance Program Policy and Procedure: Addressing Instances of Non-Compliance through Appropriate Disciplinary Actions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, and use hands to finger handle or feel; to talk; or hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally stand, walk, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to frequently lift up to 25 pounds. The employee may occasionally be required to lift 25 to 50 pounds; however, this is not essential; duties may be shifted to accommodate lifting restrictions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less). The employee will occasionally be working near moving mechanical parts, be exposed to outdoor weather conditions and exposed to a risk of electrical shock while running the copier, printer, other standard equipment and answering the telephone. The noise level in the work environment is low to moderate. Stress level can be high at times.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.