Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist (MST) (Open Rank, Entry – Senior Level)

University of Colorado

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

Synergy, the adolescent component of Addiction Research and Treatment Services, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, seeks to fill a Bilingual Adolescent Behavioral Health Therapist position in a community-based substance use treatment program. The therapist will be delivering an evidenced-based family therapy model called MST. Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is an evidenced-based model with the largest body of evidence of successful interventions for high-risk youth and has been recognized as a highly effective treatment by NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) and NIH (National Institute of Health). The model is present focused/action-oriented and focuses on strength-based, preventive strategies within the youth’s natural ecology targeting family, peers, school, and neighborhood support systems. The therapist will receive comprehensive training in the MST model. The MST therapist will implement this community-based treatment by providing Multisystemic therapy (MST) to families of adolescent substance users with a goal to retain youth in their homes and avoid out of home placement and involvement in the criminal justice system. The MST therapist will utilize the MST principals to develop interventions with the input and support of their supervisor and MST consultant. The implementation of this clinical model requires adherence and fidelity to the MST model, which the supervisor and MST consultant help guide. The MST therapist works independently but always has the support of their supervisor and has flexibility with their schedule as they schedule their own appointments based on the family’s availability. The therapist is very well supported through weekly group supervision and consultation, in addition to individual supervision occurring weekly to every two weeks.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, or related field.
Registration with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to practice in Colorado.
Eligibility to be credentialed as LAC, LPC, LCSW or LMFT with the State of Colorado within two (2) years of hire.
Registration with the Department of Regulatory Agencies to practice in Colorado as an LSW, LPCC, LCSW, LPC or LMFT by date of hire.
CAS or a MA, MSW, MS, LSW, LPCC, LCSW, LPC, LAC or LMFT can substitute for the CAS requirement.
Must possess and maintain a valid State of Colorado Driver's License or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Must agree to fingerprinting and criminal background check. Required background checks include a review with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Subject to pre-employment, post-accident or incident or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per UCD Addiction Research and Treatment Services Department Policies.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Ability to conduct self in a professional manner with colleagues and outside organizations.
Ability to remain objective while managing conflicting points of view.
Ability to engage and develop appropriate therapeutic relationships with clients, which includes establishing clear boundaries with clients.
Outstanding customer service skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn software programs.

Nice To Haves

Experience in treating substance use disorders.
Clinical experience treating adolescents and/or families.
Experience implementing evidence-based treatment interventions and participation in clinical supervision that includes assessment of fidelity and adherence measures.
Experience using an Electronic Health Record.

Responsibilities

Provide intensive treatment services using Multisystemic Therapy principles to a caseload of up to 6 active MST clients, which include daily contact via individual and family counseling, case management, staffing, advocacy, etc. in their home environment and community.
Provide home-based family therapy twice weekly utilizing the MST treatment model. Therapists may also participate in school meetings, staffing and court; these activities also require driving.
Available to clients and their families Monday through Friday, 24 hours a day via cell phone AND will participate in a weekend on-call coverage rotation.
Provide transition services to clients when they leave other formal residential/day treatment programs.
Balance job expectations around caseload, clinical contact and outcomes, and case management including paperwork.
Provide clinical evaluations and/or intake screenings to assess clinical appropriateness, individual treatment needs and recommendations.
Administer weekly urinalysis screens for (same sex) clients to track treatment progress/challenges.