RESIDENTIAL THERAPIST

Position Overview

Provides short-term counseling with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals, families, and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues pertaining to the family such as family dynamics, parenting, and communication; suicidal/homicidal ideations; anger management; problems with self-esteem; peer related concerns, behavioral issues, and school related issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities are listed for Therapists.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological or social work research methods; and the assessment and counseling modalities of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Knowledge of principles, theories, models, methods, and procedures for counseling of physical/mental/emotional/behavioral dysfunctions in the capacity of individual, family, and group therapy.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for psycho-educational instruction for group counseling and the measurement of training effects.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
• Knowledge of counseling ethics.

Skills:

• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Abilities:

• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Occupation specific tasks and the most important generalized work activities are listed for Therapist.

• Perform clinical assessments through interviews and observation. Submit assessments for signature in a timely manner and in accordance with Florida Network standards and agency policy.
• Develop measurable goal plans and submit plans for signature within the required timeframe as defined by the Florida Network and agency policy.
• Close cases within designated timeframe as determined by your supervisor and agency policy.
• Enter all required data into JJIS and Netmis regarding clients in an accurate, complete and timely manner.
• Provide individual, family, and/or group counseling to clients and families a minimum of twice per week for 10-12 clients on their caseload. Complete all required documentation for such in the client’s file.
• Perform follow-ups on clients within seven (7) days of discharge. Complete all required documentation for such contact.
• Provide referrals upon discharge for clients and complete all required documentation in the client’s file.
• Participate in treatment team.
• Provide case management and advocacy for clients while participating in the program and complete all required documentation for such.
• Responsible for completion of training objectives within established timeframes.
• All other duties assigned.

Education and Experience

Master's degree in social work, counseling, or related area of study from an accredited college or university recognized by the Florida Department of Education; and two years of related experience in social work or counseling experience with at-risk youth and families. Licensed-eligible in the State of Florida preferred and willing to begin licensure supervision within 6 months of employment. A valid driver’s license and safe driving record is required.

Mathematical Skills and Reasoning Ability

Basic and/or advanced computational skills may be necessary.

Physical Demands

This is a sedentary position, and the incumbent will be required to sit approximately 70 per cent of the time. Little to moderate lifting of less than 25 lbs. may be required.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.