Behavioral Health Therapist (OPS La Mesa)

Alvarado Parkway Institute•La Mesa, CA

6d•$30 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

Alvarado Parkway Institute is seeking a Behavioral Health Therapist (ASW, AMFT, or APCC) for its Intensive Outpatient Program in La Mesa, California. The position provides case management and psychotherapeutic services to adult psychiatric patients participating in the OPS program, as well as to their families and social support networks. The therapist serves on an interdisciplinary team and supports the organization’s treatment program and philosophy while helping ensure quality care. The program operates Monday through Friday. Shifts are eight hours and may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Applicants must complete an application online through the organization’s careers website to be considered. Employment is subject to satisfactory background and reference checks; an employment non-compete/confidentiality agreement; maintaining any required current and valid license, registration, or certification; annual flu vaccination or an eligible documented exemption with masking requirements; passing a drug and alcohol test; a clear TB skin test or chest X-ray; and a satisfactory physical examination designed to assess ability to perform the job. API provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment on protected grounds.

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 applied to adults.
Knowledge of relevant regulatory compliance and reporting requirements, computer software applications, department or division programs and objectives, and governing 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 nonviolent 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 clearly summarize clinical information in written correspondence and medical-record documentation.
Ability to adapt and work flexibly, collaborate in a team, solve problems, initiate resolutions, and develop feasible solutions.
Ability to read and interpret business periodicals, professional journals, and governmental regulations; write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; and present information and respond to questions from officials, management, union leaders, and employees.
Ability to apply technical knowledge to work duties, analyze complex information, and apply expert knowledge of health plans to produce high-quality work and service.
Ability to take responsibility for actions, projects, and people, and make timely, clear decisions after considering risks.
Ability to use standard office equipment and computers; communicate effectively in person or by telephone; give and follow detailed verbal and written instructions; perform complex mental and basic arithmetic functions; interpret complex laws and policies; and collect, interpret, and analyze complex data.
Physical ability to coordinate multiple tasks; reach forward, up, down, and to the side; sit or stand for at least one hour at a time and repeatedly travel to and from the work area; walk or stand for long periods (three-quarters of the workday); and lift up to 15 pounds.
Satisfactory background and reference checks, required pre-employment testing and examination, and compliance with the stated employment conditions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an outpatient or inpatient setting is preferred.
Ability to identify and produce innovative ideas, think strategically, promote best practices, and meet or exceed customer or client needs and satisfaction.

Responsibilities

Develop treatment plans and self-harm intervention plans.
Conduct psychosocial assessments and other required assessments and screenings, interviewing patients and family or support-network members to document relevant history and identify initial treatment priorities.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications within and across departments; respond to requests for information from patients, families, and caregivers; provide directions as needed; protect confidential information; and communicate pertinent information by telephone or in writing.
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, prior records, and other relevant sources.
Identify and assess community resources and coordinate concurrent or ancillary support; develop discharge plans based on patient needs, team recommendations, and available resources.
Attend regular treatment-team meetings and contribute the therapist’s perspective to case management, including discussion of chart notes and communication of applicable state or local agency legal requirements.
Complete required third-party notifications under organizational policies and applicable community or legal requirements, and represent the facility in legal proceedings.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity toward patients and staff.
Refer patients to appropriate inpatient or outpatient settings 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.