Behavioral Health Therapist

Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation kphc•Santo Domingo Pueblo / Kewa, NM

4d•$0 - $89,277

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Therapist provides therapeutic mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults at the Santo Domingo Health Center. Services include diagnostic assessment, treatment, referrals, crisis intervention, consultation, and individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapy for a broad range of acute and chronic mental health concerns. The therapist coordinates care with patients, support systems, providers, and community resources, participates in interdisciplinary case conferences, responds to crises, conducts risk assessments, and maintains client records in accordance with Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation guidelines. The role also includes administrative and community-facing work: entering records and clinical notes in RPMS; attending team, departmental, and committee meetings; consulting with health professionals and public and private agencies; and contributing to education, prevention, advocacy, program planning, curriculum development, and evaluation of mental health services. The therapist works with Santo Domingo Pueblo resources and partner agencies to strengthen collaboration and address community mental health needs. Other duties may be assigned. The position requires a master’s degree in counseling, psychotherapy, or a related field; two years of counseling or therapy experience, including practicum placement; and a current New Mexico independent or provisional counseling or social work license. Provisional license holders must establish a clinical contract with their direct clinical supervisor to pursue independent licensure within the required timeframe. The position reports to the Director of Behavioral Health and is full-time. The work setting has normal office conditions with noise ranging from low to moderate; daytime travel and limited overnight travel may be required. Work may involve health-center risks and outdoor events in cold, windy, dusty, or hot conditions. Physical activities may include frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, twisting, talking, and hearing; prolonged sitting, keyboarding, and reading; and occasional lifting or moving of up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited university or institution of higher learning in counseling, psychotherapy, or a related field.
Two years of counseling or therapy experience, including practicum placement.
Current and valid independent or provisional counseling or social work license issued by the New Mexico Board.
Provisional license holders must establish a clinical contract with their direct clinical supervisor to pursue independent licensure within the requisite timeframe; social work clinicians are expected to sit for the board exam following two years of direct supervision, and counseling clinicians following three years of direct supervision.
Knowledge of sociocultural factors that enhance or adversely affect the mental health of American Indian populations.
Thorough knowledge of psychological disorders as defined in the DSM-IV-TR or DSM-5.
Comprehensive knowledge of clinical/medical staff bylaws, rules, and regulations; compliance with appointment requirements; and credentialing and privileges in accordance with Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation medical staff bylaws.
Satisfactory performance record in prior and current employment, evidenced by positive references from previous and current employers.
Familiarity with mandatory reporting requirements under the Indian Child Protection Act concerning suspected child abuse or neglect.
Current insurable driver’s license.
Ability to uphold confidentiality and patient-care principles and adhere to professional and ethical standards.
Cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Ability to communicate effectively, meet deadlines, multitask, and interact with a wide variety of people on complex issues.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills in English and the Keres Native language.
Experience working with Native American communities.
Experience working in a primary care/mental health integrated healthcare center.

Responsibilities

Provide diagnostic, treatment, referral, crisis intervention, and consultation services for Behavioral Health patients according to applicable professional mental health standards.
Conduct individual, marital, family, and group psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults with a variety of acute and chronic mental health concerns.
Coordinate patient services and consult with professional colleagues to support appropriate care, including referrals for psychiatric evaluation or medication.
Participate in interdisciplinary case conferences.
Respond to crises and conduct risk assessments as appropriate.
Maintain client records according to Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation guidelines.
Assist with difficult cases, assess situations, and prepare reports with recommendations for appropriate action within available mental health resources.
Coordinate patient care and treatment plans with relevant providers and patient support systems.
Provide consultation to the community and staff who work with KPHC.
Enter patient records and notes into RPMS using DAP or another template format.
Participate in committee, departmental, and team meetings.
Consult with health professionals and public and private resource agencies to help patients resolve medical, social, familial, and emotional problems.
Participate in and initiate educational, preventive, and advocacy efforts in Santo Domingo Pueblo concerning patients’ mental health needs.
Contribute to program planning, curriculum development, and evaluation of mental health services with health-center staff and Santo Domingo Pueblo service workers.
Work with Santo Domingo Pueblo resources to foster cooperation among community, tribal, and government agencies and improve understanding of local mental health needs and mental health services.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Uphold confidentiality and patient-care principles, professional and ethical standards, cultural awareness, and applicable KPHC and SDHC policies and procedures.