Behavioral Health Therapist (OPS La Mesa)

Alvarado Parkway Institute•La Mesa, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist (ASW, AMFT, APCC) for its IOP program in La Mesa, California. API is a free-standing psychiatric hospital offering adult inpatient behavioral health and addictive disorders services, as well as Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient programs. These programs focus on symptom management, community integration, and preventing hospitalization or rehospitalization. The therapist provides case management and psychotherapeutic services to adult psychiatric patients participating in the OPS program, their families, and members of their social support networks. The role is part of an interdisciplinary team and supports the organization’s treatment program and philosophy while helping ensure quality treatment. Program days are Monday through Friday. Shifts are eight hours and may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. The position requires a master’s degree in social work, MFT, psychology, or an equivalent recognized mental health field, and eligibility for licensure. Registration or licensure with the Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology is required. Applicants must apply online through API’s careers website to be considered.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, MFT, psychology, or an equivalent master’s degree in a recognized mental health field.
Must be eligible for licensure.
Registration or license with the Board of Behavioral Sciences or Board of Psychology is required.
Knowledge of acute adult psychological disorders and advanced principles of abnormal psychology as they apply to adults.
Knowledge of relevant regulatory compliance and reporting requirements, computer software applications, departmental programs, and applicable rules, regulations, laws, policies, and procedures, including the Affordable Care Act.
Skills in case management, time management, crisis intervention for patients with acute psychosis, and non-violent crisis intervention practices.
Ability to conduct individual and group psychotherapy and maintain highly confidential information.
Ability to treat other age populations as needed or develop those skills through the organization’s cross-training and orientation program.
Ability to summarize clinical information clearly in correspondence and medical-record documentation; adapt and work collaboratively in a team; solve problems and initiate resolutions; analyze complex information; and make timely decisions after considering risks.
Ability to read and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, governmental regulations, complex laws, policies, and data; write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; and present information and respond to questions from officials, management, union leaders, and employees.
Ability to use standard office equipment and a computer, perform repetitive keyboard work, communicate effectively in person and by telephone, follow detailed verbal and written instructions, coordinate multiple tasks, and perform complex mental and basic arithmetic functions.
Must complete satisfactory background and reference checks and sign the employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement.
Must maintain any required licensure, registration, or certification as current and valid and provide updated copies to Human Resources before expiration; must notify Human Resources of changes or proposed changes in status.
Annual flu vaccination is required as a condition of hire and ongoing employment, subject to the stated medical exemptions and documentation requirements; employees exempted from vaccination must wear a mask in API buildings or vehicles during flu season.
Must pass a drug and alcohol test and have a clear TB skin test or chest X-ray at Concentra.
Must complete a satisfactory physical examination at Concentra to determine ability to perform the position’s duties.
Physical demands include using standard office equipment and a computer; close-range vision; reaching in multiple directions; sitting or standing for at least one hour at a time; walking or standing for long periods, up to three-quarters of the workday; and lifting up to 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop treatment plans and self-harm intervention plans.
Conduct psychosocial assessments and other required assessments and screenings by interviewing patients and, when appropriate, family members or support-network members.
Provide individual and group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and, when appropriate, family counseling using recognized effective interventions; provide crisis intervention as needed and follow billing and documentation guidelines.
Develop and coordinate individualized treatment plans based on physician orders, patient information, treatment-team recommendations, records of previous treatment, chart reviews, and other relevant sources.
Identify and assess community resources, coordinate ancillary support, and develop discharge plans based on patient needs, team recommendations, and available resources.
Build and maintain effective working relationships and communication within and across departments; respond to information requests from patients, families, and caregivers, provide directions as appropriate, and protect confidential information.
Attend treatment-team meetings and contribute the therapist’s perspective to case management, including sharing relevant program notes and communicating applicable state or local agency legal requirements.
Complete mandatory third-party notifications in accordance with organizational policies and community or legal requirements; represent the facility in legal proceedings.
Provide appropriate referrals to inpatient or outpatient settings and complete or assist with assessments needed to facilitate transitions between levels of care.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity toward patients and staff.
Participate in activities that support professional growth and development.
Perform other related duties as required.