PHP Admissions Clinician & Utilization Management

UHS•Staunton, VA

38d•Onsite

About The Position

BRANCHES Staunton -- a service of Liberty Point Behavioral Healthcare, LLC -- is seeking an Admissions Clinician/Therapist to join our new Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) team. $8,000 sign-on bonus paid quarterly. Liberty Point is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley -- a region best known for its natural beauty -- in the charming city of Staunton, Virginia. We provide trauma-informed psychiatric residential treatment to adolescent males who are experiencing complex emotional, behavioral, and educational difficulties. Our programs are specifically designed for youth with psychiatric disorders and co-occurring intellectual disabilities. We also specialize in working with young men who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. We are a 42-bed facility with a program that prepares these young men for return to a home, a less-restrictive environment, or to independent living. Our primary focus is on encouraging constructive change and personal growth, learning positive ways to get appropriate attention, improving behavior choices, developing a sense of responsibility for actions, learning problem-solving skills, and developing thinking patterns that support positive relationships. In early 2025, we opened a PHP in Staunton for male and female adolescent patients. This is an intensive treatment opportunity for youth who do not require long-term residential care but do need more than traditional outpatient care in a secure and supportive environment. The Admissions Clinician will work at the PHP location Monday thru Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, including holidays as scheduled.

Requirements

Must be at least 21 years of age
Master's Degree in Social Science, such as Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work
Current psychiatric diagnostic and treatment terminology
Crisis intervention techniques, biopsychosocial assessments, mental status examinations, and clinical interview
Various regional referral and funding sources
Identify risk factors for violence and potential for violent behaviors
Ability to assess suicidal/homicidal ideations
Demonstrated experience of one or more years in a mental health counseling; crisis intervention counseling strongly preferred
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; strong skill in the use of computer systems and software applications (including Office 365)
Ability to handle multiple competing tasks, with minimum supervision, and take initiative on matters of revolving urgency
Effectively use the full range of body motion -- sit, bend, kneel, or stand for more than an hour if needed.
Reflect behavior, attitude, and appearance appropriate to the position and be supportive of the facility and division philosophy, goals, and objectives
Successfully complete crisis intervention training and pass all components of Handle With Care & Verbal De-escalation
Effectively perform facility approved First Aid and CPR techniques

Nice To Haves

Ideal candidate will be working toward a therapy track with desire to serve as a therapist (LPC/LCSW)

Responsibilities

Provide information on facility programs, program admission criteria, and admission referral application requirements
Gather clinical information of all referrals and develop referral packets for review
Verify administrative processes are complete prior to admission, including preparation of face sheet, admission documents, notice of admission, and securing immunization records
Conduct clinical interviews of referral candidates when necessary
Foster effective communication in the milieu consistent with therapeutic goals
Work collaboratively as a member of a professional multidisciplinary team to achieve and exceed quality patient care
Display a high degree of professionalism in all activities and interactions with students, staff, parents, agency personnel, and community members, et al.
Serve as a role model for patients to observe and help patients learn socially effective values, attitudes, and behaviors
Respond to children in a caring, mature manner while demonstrating sound professional boundaries with both residents and staff
Assist in management of aggressive behavior as needed
Consistently exhibit mental and emotional ability to understand and perform the essential functions of the job