BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST-UNLICENSED

Independence Health System•Latrobe, PA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves providing direct patient care within a behavioral health setting. The therapist will be responsible for completing patient assessments, including psychosocial histories, and documenting all clinical activities according to established standards. The position requires effective communication with patients, families, and the treatment team, as well as managing psychiatric emergencies, processing commitments, and obtaining necessary authorizations for treatment. The therapist will also collaborate with psychiatrists and other team members to facilitate crisis resolution and discharge planning, utilizing skilled therapeutic modalities and adhering to the principles of recovery and person-centered care. A strength-based approach to crisis intervention and culturally sensitive behavior are essential. The role also includes working collaboratively with Peer Support Specialists and other staff to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

Requirements

Master’s Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Rehabilitation, Activity Therapies, Counseling, Education or related fields
Three (3) or more years of experience in mental health direct care
Knowledge of Payor/Insurance Benefits
Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics
Ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
Act 33 with renewal
Act 34 with renewal
Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in a managed care environment.
Two (2) or more years prior experience in provision of individual and group psychotherapy in a clinical setting.
Experience in Healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Completes patient assessments.
Interviews patients/families/significant others at time of initial presentation to complete psychosocial history and assessment.
Documents clinical activities within established time frames according to department, hospital and regulatory agency standards.
Assists the Department's compliance with state, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
Uses computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
Provides and participates in Educational Activities.
Provides and documents patient/family education.
Processes psychiatric emergencies.
Assesses the severity of patient's condition.
Collaborates with psychiatrist to affect a crisis resolution.
Processes commitments.
Obtains authorization/reauthorization/certifications as appropriate for psychiatric treatment.
Refers patients to appropriate treatment facilities.
Demonstrates a working knowledge of the Mental Health Procedures Act.
Attends treatment team meetings.
Functions as an interdisciplinary team member to actively identify and resolve patient needs.
Facilitates discharge planning.
Utilizes skilled therapeutic modalities.
Obtains authorizations/reauthorizations for treatment.
Provides peer/treatment team consultation when asked.
Serves as liaison between physician and families and agencies/services.
Understands and utilizes the Principles of Recovery as they apply to crisis/emergent episodes of care.
Recognizes that recovery is a person-centered/person-driven process.
Recognizes that self-determination and/or self-direction are the foundation of person centered care.
Supports the empowerment of all individuals to make informed decisions regarding their care.
Exhibits a strength-based approach to crisis intervention.
Exhibits respectful, culturally sensitive behavior and attitude toward all guests and their families.
Works collaboratively with Peer Support Specialists and other center staff to insure the maintenance of a comfortable, safe, welcoming environment and positive guest experience.
Other duties as assigned.