Therapist, MH Outpatient

OVERVIEW

Provides direct therapeutic treatment services to mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, intellectually disabled and substance abusing individuals. Work is performed under general supervision and is guided by agency policies and procedures, quality assurance, public and private payor guidelines, diagnostic guidelines and professional practices and including ethical standards related to client interactions, state and federal licensure and accreditation regulations and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Conducts intake interviews, makes assessments and develops diag­nosis and treatment plans.
2. Interviews individuals and provides problem‑solving and sup­portive therapy.
3. Provides crisis intervention services and risk assessments.
4. Inputs psychological data to agency staff for individual placements, care and treatment.
5. Consults with agency treatment staff and representatives of other agencies or programs; makes referrals, and provides and coordinates individual case management services.
6. Conducts group, individual and family therapy sessions including substance abuse group therapy.
7. Prepares lesson plan and training materials for education­al/treatment programming.
8. Prepares and maintains case documentation including treatment plans, progress notes and periodic assessments.
9. Provides expert testimony in court and legal proceedings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of individual, family and group treatment relating to mentally ill, intellectually disabled, substance abusive, and behavioral/emotional disordered population, including counseling, therapeutic modalities and techniques related to clinical casework; thorough knowledge of the medical providers, social services and other agencies and community organizations providing services to the individual population; considerable knowledge of individual manage­ment guidelines for Virginia; considerable knowledge of the laws and legal procedures relating to hospital admission; considerable knowledge of social casework management, including need assessment and supportive level counseling; ability to establish and maintain rapport with the individual population; ability to conduct effective interviews, observe, assess and record individual behaviors and functioning and develop treatment and service plans; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff of other private and public agencies and organizations; ability to confidently provide expert testimony in both oral and written formats; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to operate a vehicle; ability to function calmly in stressful situa­tions; ability to prepare and maintain detailed records and prepare related reports.

TYPICAL EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORK EXPERIENCE

Master's Degree in the Behavioral Sciences and some clini­cal work experience in the treatment of the mentally ill or substance abusing populations.

LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid VA driver's license. VA license as LCSW, LPC, or LCP.