Mental Health Therapist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ROAM Mental Health Therapist is responsible for providing direct individual, couple, family, and group counseling for transitional age youth, adults, and older adults with serious illness, substance abuse issues, and/or co-occurring disorders as indicated for the ROAM project. Therapeutic services focus systemic issues contributing to the development of chemical dependency, domestic violence, abuse, Mental Health diagnoses, relationships, and other practical issues. The therapist will collaborate with other providers, especially the psychiatrist via telepsychiatry, referral sources, and other collateral contacts as appropriate. The therapist may participate in organizing culturally relevant prevention education activities in the community and act as a bridge between the Indian community, SIHC, and other community organizations to facilitate access to appropriate services. The therapist shall assess all referrals made by outside agencies for stability, appropriateness and eligibility.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups with general knowledge in the areas of prevention, intervention, abuse and trauma, DSM-V diagnoses, domestic violence dynamics, addictive behavior and developmental issues.

2. Offer a full spectrum of services related to mental wellness including education, assessment, crisis intervention, safety planning, family support, case management and referral to services not provided by SIHC.

3. Cooperate and collaborate with multidisciplinary treatment approaches as appropriate.

4. Assist in the development and provision of outreach services to educate the Indian community regarding Mental Health and wellness.

5. Systematically prioritize and manage caseload taking into account schedule, acuity of the patients, and program requirements. etc.

6. Professionally and respectfully represent Southern Indian Health Council in the tribal community, greater San Diego community as well as clinical and legal arenas.

7. Document succinct and comprehensive case records in a timely and consistent manner in accordance with agency policies, ethical guidelines and legal and regulatory requirements.

8. Adhere strictly to the laws and ethics related to privacy and confidentiality at all times.

9. Consistently make recommendations on the basis of clinical information with consultation from supervisors.

10. Allow for, and encourage, traditional cultural practices that are consistent with spiritual beliefs and serve as protective factors.

11. Attend program, clinical, or administrative meetings and trainings as required.

12. Participate in activities and trainings which enhance professional development.

13. Provide statistical reports to the ROAM Program Manager and/or Behavioral Health Director.

14. Ability to work a flexible schedule may be required based on need.

15. Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Applicant should hold a license with the California Board of Psychology or Board of Behavioral Sciences. Acceptable licensure includes Licensed Clinical Psychologist, MFT, LCSW, LPCC, AMFT, ASW, or APCC. Applicant must maintain that license in good standing throughout employment. Individuals who hold degrees in a counseling field (MA, Ph.D., or Psy.D.) may apply. Applicant must have excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills. Applicant must be experienced in crisis intervention. Must have experience in Trauma Informed Care and is familiar with the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience) Study. Applicant must be familiar and comfortable using computer programs including Microsoft Suite components or equivalent. Past success working with multi-cultural communities, preferably Native American/Alaska Natives, should be demonstrated. Applicant shall be able and/or willing to work with all ages. Must possess the ability to work with tribal officials, county agencies, tribal community members, funding agencies, and SIHC departments. Applicate must have the ability to maintain and foster collaborative relationships with other service providers such as PERT (Psychiatric Emergency Response Team), San Diego Sherriff Department, and other providers, to offer support and resources, to offer a multi-disciplinary, client centered approach in providing excellent care. Possess abilities to: work flexible hours as required to meet department needs; facilitate and negotiate and resolve issues professionally; work collaboratively in a team approach; effectively communicate with confidence and knowledge to staff and clients; maintain up-to-date files for documentation of case activity; complete and submit reports and documentation in a timely fashion; and work semi-independently while being responsive to supervision.

Applicant must be able to adapt to changing situations and circumstances and handle pressure with dignity, in all circumstances maintaining confidentiality. Possess an ability to act professionally at all times in the workplace and the community.

Licenses/Certifications: A valid California driver’s license will be required at the time of hire and must be maintained throughout employment. Applicant must be insurable under SIHC vehicle insurance policy at the time of hire and throughout employment.

Certifications and/or licenses appropriate to the positions required education and profession must also be valid and maintained.

Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Must be responsible and able to exercise good judgment, accept administrative supervision, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, including the ability to interact effectively and communicate with people in a professional and courteous manner. Must be highly confidential and respect confidentiality to all limits of the governing laws and ethics. Applicant must be able to work as a team with other staff. Applicant should be sensitive to client’s needs and knowledgeable about the local Indian community.

Skills: Strong team building, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective peer relationships with coworkers within the Department, clinic-wide, and the public. Must be able to express ideas clearly, concisely, address audiences effectively, and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Willing to be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department goals and objectives. Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, take initiative, be proactive, and function in a rapidly changing environment. Ability to work with people of all social and ethnic backgrounds and to resolve conflicts, negotiates situations, and facilitate consensus.

Physical and Personal Requirements: Normal clinic/office environment. Sit or stand for long periods of time. Reach, bend, climb, stoop, lift up to 25 lbs. repetitive hand movement; use and view PC. Reliable transportation and car insurance as required by the state. Travel as needed.

Compliance: Each employee plays a key role in creating a compliance culture at SIHC. Employees are expected to learn and comply with all SIHC policies and procedures. One must have the ability to understand the implications and complexities of all compliance policies. Participation in all compliance training is mandatory, and generally have a heightened awareness of policies and regulations that are specific to one’s department and position. All SIHC employees are expected to report violations or suspected violations of compliance policies or regulations.

Other: Applicants should have thorough knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations governing clinical treatment, patient records, and reporting procedures. Applicant must be versed in crisis intervention techniques and the cultural practices of Native Americans. Applicant must participate in quality reviews; adhere to professional standards, federal, state, and local requirements; maintain required insurance and certifications, comply with legal requirements; and, adhere to licensure code of ethics.

Applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment tuberculin skin test or x-ray, and blood/urine drug screening test. Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position. Applicants must complete an SIHC application questionnaire and submit it to Human Resources prior to the close dates indicated. The position is primarily responsible to the Alpine clinic though local travel may be required.