Mental Health Therapist - Licensed Or In Training

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper MI is currently seeking a full-time Therapist for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program in Union Grove. This program provides temporary housing, training and supportive services to military veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in order to help them obtain permanent housing. Therapists perform clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for Mental Health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders. The Therapist works closely with the client to develop an appropriate treatment plan designed to move the client toward the desired change. The Therapist works collaboratively with a peer supervision team, with oversight from the Clinical Supervisors, to monitor the course of treatment.  This is a full-time, benefit eligible opportunity.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

• May provide individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy services to clients in an office, school, out-of-home setting and/or home setting.
• Conduct formal assessment of client needs using clinical interview, objective diagnostic tools, and input from collateral contacts.
• Develop treatment plans collaboratively with clients and provide agreed upon and necessary therapeutic services in keeping with strength-based, evidence-based best practice standards.
• Maintain detailed clinical records and make recommendations concerning case disposition.
• Complete agency-required and billing-related phone calls, email, and paperwork work in a professional and timely manner.
• Adhere to high ethical, professional, and legal standards such as WI State Statutes, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Counsel on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, and National Association of Social Workers.
• Actively participate in clinical supervision meetings as required to meet best practice and licensure standards.
• Attend staff meetings and participate In Training and quality improvement activities as required.
• Work a flexible weekly schedule that includes some evening and/or weekend hours for client appointments. Unlicensed Therapist work directly with Program Supervisor or Manager to set expectations for scheduling clients. Unlicensed Therapist determines own schedule based on client need.
• May serve as a representative of the agency to interested individuals, professionals, and community groups.
• May administer specialized programs within a community or the agency.
• May participate in program, business unit, or agency marketing efforts.
• May participate in speaking engagements of behalf of program, business unit, or agency.
• Travel to various locations for meetings, trainings, or to perform clinical responsibilities as needed. Travel will vary depending on case load.
• Is responsible to continue actively working towards licensure in assigned field within a determined time period as determined with clinical supervisor. Unlicensed Therapist is responsible for obtaining weekly supervision while working towards licensure if not provided directly by the LSS program.
• Performs other duties as required
• At Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI, the health and safety of our colleagues and clients is our top priority!  LSS reviews and follows CDC and other public health guidelines.  Dependent on program, LSS employees are required to mask based COVID-19 levels. All employees are expected to adhere to LSS health and safety protocols.

Working for Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan includes:

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  • By being employed with LSS, which is a non-profit agency, you can be eligible for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
  • Loans are eligible to be forgiven after 10 years of on-time and consistent payments through the income-based re-payment plan.
  • LSS Clinical Managers (supervision@lsswis.org) and Human Capital employees can assist you in applying for this benefit.
• Licensure and Exam Fees
  
  • The following are situations in which licensure and/or exam costs will be reimbursed:
    • If the employee has been with LSS for 1 year prior, they will receive full reimbursement for licensure and/or exam costs for your first attempt. LSS also pays for bi-annual renewals.
    • If the employee is considered part-time, LSS will pay for half of the associated licensure and exam costs for your first attempt. LSS also pays for bi-annual renewals.
  • Clinical Supervision and Consultation
    • We offer a free, robust clinical supervision experience for any type of licensure that focuses not only on client needs, but employee development.
  • Training
    • LSS is focused on the continued growth of our employees and ensuring we provide high quality services.
    • LSS employees are eligible for receiving internal as well as financial support for external trainings to support your growth and required Continuing Education (CEU) credits.
  • Flexibility
    • LSS is a family/employee-focused agency which values work-life balance.
    • Employees can adjust their schedules to accommodate personal commitments by flexing their schedule or utilizing time off.
    • Some programs have the option of working remotely.
  • Benefits Package
    • Paid time off
    • Employee Assistance Program
    • Retirement – 403b Match
    • LSS makes annual raises and additional bonuses a priority for employees

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Upon offer, candidates must successfully complete the necessary background, caregiver, medical and any other checks required, according to program requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Masters degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related program is required. Practicum experience, through your degree program, related to services LSS provides is required. Eligibility for training license by meeting criteria set for by WI Department of Safety and Professional Services. Some positions may require Substance Abuse Certification as well. In addition:

• Knowledge of state regulations pertaining to clinical practice, including dual relationships and mandatory reporting.
• Knowledge of behavioral health diagnosis and evidence-based treatments.
• Ability to make quick and accurate clinical assessments of mental and behavioral health conditions.
• Ability to design and implement clinical pathways and protocols for treatment of selected Mental Health and behavioral conditions.
• Ability to respond to brief patient contacts, including via telephone and teleconferencing.
• Ability to design effective psycho-education and group curricula and lead effective classes and groups.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, interfacing with clients, primary care providers, collaterals, and colleagues, as well as administrative and support staff.
• Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations, making decisions, and to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent, and equitable manner.
• Ability to effectively represent company interests in the community and maintain effective working relationships among colleagues, public, private, and professional groups.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• High level of comfort in working with primary care medical providers using a consultative style.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Required MSW, APSW working towards 3000 supervised hours for LCSW licensure.

• Preferred (licensed): PhD, MFT, LCSW, LPC with credentials in SUD and/or substance abuse.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation to perform the essential duties of the role; a motor vehicle check (MVR) with a satisfactory driving record per the LSS Driver Safety Procedure is required, and ability to meet LSS auto insurance requirements.

TRAVEL: Ability to travel on day trips as required up to 50%, depending on program needs. Some overnight travel may be required.

LSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.