Behavioral Health Therapist (OPS-El Cajon)

Alvarado Parkway Institute•El Cajon, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Alvarado Parkway Institute is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist for its El Cajon Outpatient location. The role 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 therapist serves on an interdisciplinary team and supports the organization’s treatment program and philosophy, with the aim of delivering quality treatment to patients and their families. The position includes individual and group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, family counseling where appropriate, crisis intervention, assessment, treatment planning, case coordination, and discharge planning. The therapist also participates in treatment team meetings, makes referrals, completes required notifications and documentation, and represents the facility in legal proceedings when needed. Applicants must complete an online application through the organization’s website to be considered. Employment is subject to satisfactory background and reference checks, required licensure or certification, an employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement, flu vaccination or an applicable documented exemption, drug and alcohol testing, TB screening, and a physical examination to assess ability to perform the position’s duties. The organization provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy (MFT), 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.
Maintain current and valid licensure, registration, or certification if required for the position.
Complete satisfactory background and reference checks.
Complete and sign the employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement.
Receive the required annual flu vaccination, or meet the stated exemption criteria and provide supporting physician documentation; employees exempted from vaccination must wear a mask in API-owned or operated buildings or vehicles during flu season.
Pass a drug and alcohol test performed by Concentra.
Obtain a clear TB skin test or chest X-ray at Concentra.
Complete a satisfactory physical examination at Concentra to determine ability to perform the position’s duties.
Meet the described physical demands, including computer and office-equipment use, communication and instruction-following, handling multiple tasks, walking or standing for extended periods, 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 to document patient history and identify preliminary treatment issues.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications within and across departments to support quality patient care.
Respond to information requests from patients, families, and caregivers; provide directions as needed; protect confidential patient and organizational information; and communicate relevant information by telephone or in writing.
Provide individual and group psychotherapy, psychoeducation, and, where appropriate, family counseling using recognized, effective interventions; provide crisis intervention as needed; and follow billing and documentation guidelines.
Develop and coordinate individualized treatment plans using physician orders, patient information, treatment-team recommendations, prior treatment records, and relevant information from family or other sources.
Identify and assess community-based resources and coordinate ancillary support.
Develop appropriate discharge plans based on patient needs, treatment-team recommendations, and available resources.
Attend regular treatment-team meetings and contribute the therapist’s perspective to patient case management, including 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.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity toward patients and staff.
Provide referrals to inpatient or outpatient settings and complete or assist with assessments for transitions between levels of care.
Participate in activities that support professional growth and development.
Perform other related tasks as required.