Behavioral Health Therapist (OPS La Mesa)

Alvarado Parkway Institute•La Mesa, CA

12d•$30 - $37•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. The role provides case management and psychotherapeutic services to adult psychiatric patients participating in the OPS program, their families, and social support networks. The therapist serves on an interdisciplinary team and supports the organization’s treatment program and philosophy while ensuring quality treatment. The therapist conducts assessments, develops and coordinates individualized treatment and discharge plans, and provides individual and group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, family counseling when appropriate, and crisis intervention. The position also involves referrals and coordination across levels of care, required documentation and notifications, participation in treatment team meetings and legal proceedings when applicable, and maintaining confidentiality and cultural sensitivity. Employment is subject to satisfactory background and reference checks, a signed employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement, maintaining required licensure or registration, annual flu vaccination (with specified exemptions), drug and alcohol testing, TB screening, and a physical examination. Applicants must complete an online application through API’s careers website to be considered.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or an equivalent master’s degree in a recognized mental health field.
Must be license-eligible.
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 regulatory compliance and reporting requirements, computer software applications, department or division programs and objectives, and applicable rules, regulations, laws, policies, and procedures, including the Affordable Care Act.
Case management, time management, and crisis intervention skills, including experience relevant to acute psychosis and non-violent crisis intervention practices.
Ability to conduct individual and group psychotherapy and maintain highly confidential information.
Ability to clearly summarize clinical information in correspondence and medical records.
Ability to adapt, work collaboratively in a team, solve problems, initiate resolutions, and make decisions after considering risks.
Ability to read and interpret professional and governmental materials; write reports, correspondence, and procedure manuals; and communicate information effectively in response to questions.
Ability to analyze complex information, apply technical knowledge and health-plan expertise, take responsibility for work and projects, and develop feasible solutions.
Ability to treat other age populations as needed or develop the necessary skills through the organization’s cross-training and orientation program.
Satisfactorily complete background and reference checks, drug and alcohol testing, TB screening, and a physical examination.
Maintain required licensure, registration, or certification as current and valid and provide updated documentation to Human Resources.
Meet the annual flu vaccination requirement or qualify for an identified exemption and comply with applicable mask requirements.

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 members of their family or support network.
Build and maintain effective working relationships to support communication and quality patient care; respond to information requests from patients, families, and caregivers; provide directions as needed; and communicate pertinent information by phone or in writing while protecting confidentiality.
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-derived information, treatment team recommendations, prior treatment records, and other relevant sources.
Identify and assess community resources to support concurrent and ancillary services, and develop discharge plans based on patient needs, team recommendations, and available resources.
Attend treatment team meetings and contribute the therapist’s perspective to case management, including discussion of program notes and communication of applicable state or local agency legal requirements.
Complete mandatory third-party notifications in accordance with organizational policies and community or legal requirements, and represent the facility in legal proceedings.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity toward patients and staff.
Provide appropriate inpatient or outpatient referrals and complete or assist with assessments to support transitions between levels of care.
Participate in activities that support professional growth and development.
Perform other related tasks as required.