General Description:
The Bilingual Mental Health Therapist (Spanish/English) provides individual and family therapy to children and their families in an office setting. They will provide case management and consultation with PCPs, schools, ODHS Child Welfare and Self Sufficiency programs, and other community partners. Eligible clients may be self-referred or referred by schools, County Mental Health, ODHS Child Welfare and Self Sufficiency, or the clients PCP. Authorization for services may be required from the Coordinated Care Office (CCO) or another payer source. Some evening and weekend hours will be required.
Required Qualifications:
Bilingual, English/Spanish (applicants will have to pass a Spanish language assessment). Masters or doctorate degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or related field. Must be able to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and be eligible for licensure. Knowledge and/or experience providing mental health services, including assessment and diagnosis, to children and families. Ability to incorporate child-based therapies into treatment is required, as our core client population age between the ages of 5-15. Must be computer proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and record keeping software. Must have respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients and their families.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of parenting skills/techniques and child development, and experience working with disadvantaged individuals and high-risk families, including work with incest, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence and trauma. Experience in play therapy, sand tray, and other child-based therapies. Strong understanding of available community resources and supports.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
65% - Direct Client Services
- Interview client to obtain information concerning family history or other assessment information
- Conduct mental health assessments for children and adults, including DSM-V diagnosis
- Provide therapy and case management services in the office, schools, communities, or in the clients home
- Develop and implement treatment plans, defining specific goals and objectives, and revise as needed
25% - Documentation
- Maintain accurate and current client records, including timely Service Plans, authorization requests, and service notes within the electronic client record (ECR), and sign documents to meet federal and state regulatory standards
- Coordinate access and provision of services from multiple agencies, including establishing service linkages, advocating for service needs, and obtaining entitlements based on mental or emotional disability
- Work closely with psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses and their primary care physicians to coordinate treatment
- Coordinate case activities with Program Supervisor, ODHS/Child Welfare, Juvenile Department, schools, and others as appropriate
- Refer client to supportive services to supplement treatment and counseling as appropriate and suggested by parent, guardian and/or ODHS/Child Welfare caseworker
- Make requests for authorization for services to the local Coordinated Care Organization (CCO) as required
- Coordinate with ODHS and the local CCO regarding referrals as directed
10% - Other
- Attend and participate in regular clinical supervision (minimum of two times a month) and team meetings, as directed
- Conduct a peer review of at least 10% of open individual service record files each quarter, as part of the Quality Improvement process.
- Remain current on relevant research and evidenced based practices
- Report suspected child abuse and neglect
- Maintain client confidentiality according to state guidelines
- Transport clients when necessary. A valid drivers license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance that meets Options policy is required
Working Conditions:
- Extended periods of time sitting or standing at work station updating client records, phone work, and therapy sessions
- Mobility and dexterity sufficient to assist clients and handle required job related functions and move about the facility
- Ability to cope with clients who may use challenging or offensive language with potential for escalation to physical aggression.