Intake Therapist, Youth Crisis

Jefferson Center for Mental Health•Lakewood, CO

About The Position

At Jefferson Center, it is our policy and our mission to be inclusive and mindful of the diversity of everyone who comes through our doors. We are passionate about building a community where mental health matters and equitable care is accessible to all races, ethnicities, abilities, socioeconomic statuses, ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, religions, cultures, and languages. Position Purpose: The Intake Therapist is responsible for the overall admissions for Jefferson Center’s Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU). The Intake Therapist implements an efficient admissions procedure and process with the referral source, parents, and youth. In collaboration with the CSU’s Admission staff, the Intake Therapist will provide support with determining medical necessity by evaluating the client medical records to determine the medical necessity and determining the appropriateness of care. This role is responsible for completing the youth’s intake at the time of admissions and may assist with discharging the client once treatment is completed. The Intake Therapist will interact with both outside agencies and with CSU team members with diplomacy, respect, and professionalism.

Requirements

Master’s Degree (from an accredited university or college) related field plus two years of relevant experience and/or training.
Clinical License preferred (LCSW, LPC, LMFT). Candidate status required (SWC, LPCC, MFTC).
Must be at least 21 years of age or older.
Acceptable driving record and ability to travel 20 hours or more in a work week. This position requires driving - applicants must be at least 25 years of age to be eligible for the centers motor vehicle insurance.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred.
CPR/First Aid Certification preferred or obtain within two months of hire.

Responsibilities

Complete required intakes for all youth admitting to the CSU within 24hrs of admission, ensuring that the comprehensive assessment is completed in its entirety, in compliance with CDHS and BHA rule.
Responsible for completing the initial treatment plan and creating the safety plan with the client.
Responsible for reaching out to the parent / guardian, further explaining the program and expectations while also obtaining their goals for treatment.
Serve as admissions liaison between all stakeholders to facilitate efficient, professional communication and problem-solving activities.
Accurately enter incoming client information into electronic health record system.
Assemble client's chart and distribute intake information to CSU team members.
Identifies risk factors including lethality for suicidal, homicidal and/or grave disability. As appropriate, complete involuntary mental health holds (27-65) according to Center protocol and assist Supervisor with Involuntary Commitment protocols.
Provides behavioral and diagnostic assessments, to include but limited to PHQ-9, GAD 7, and child trauma screener. Completes initial engagement strategies, treatment and discharge planning, and case management/wrap around services. May assist with determining appropriate referral, as needed to meet client needs and fulfill insurance/payor requirements.
Works constructively with clients to reach agreed upon outcomes, and coordinates care with internal and external providers.
Obtains collateral information from family, and other providers as appropriate.
Understands and will adhere to mandated reporting requirements.
Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings to review consumer treatment and discharge planning when applicable, to include participation in daily rounds.
Will assist with discharge planning as well as assist with the discharging process for the client to include completing the discharge summary, and any required tasks as a part of the discharge process.
Serves as a liaison with community agencies and referral sources with regard to consumer needs.
Maintain professional and ethical behavior at all times.
Adheres to all Jefferson Center Policies and Procedures and maintains appropriate professional standards.
Will participate in and follow all training requirements of the program, to include CPI and CPR / First Aid.
Attends mandatory in-services; compliance with individualized training plan if required.
Participates in supervision by coming prepared with an agenda. Reports high risk/problem cases and utilizes a problem solving approach as well as feedback. Attends supervision at times and interval agreed upon with supervisor.
Corporate Compliance including documentation on practice in accordance with regulatory requirements and clinical guidelines.
Submits 90% of all Progress-to-Date forms before the end of shift.
Completes 95% of all paperwork by the due date.
Exhibits enthusiasm, courtesy, adaptability, flexibility, and spirit of cooperation in the work environment.
Maintains effective interpersonal relations with consumers, peers, subordinates, upper management, visitors and the public. Uses language and behavior to promote dignity and respect.
Effectively responds to the client/consumer needs and problems, initiates and maintains positive interactions, timely response to phone calls, emails and other requests.
Demonstrates knowledge and skills to develop therapeutic alliance with consumers and to work effectively and with cultural competence with consumers from diverse backgrounds.
Participates in staff development activities to enhance professional growth.
Addresses the whole health needs of the consumer by ensuring that appropriate releases are in place for physical health care providers, making appropriate referrals as needed when significant physical health needs are a consideration.
Assesses individuals with various disorders within the scope of one’s expertise.
Utilizes a range of appropriate clinical and recovery focused interventions according to clinical need.
Understand how trauma impacts the lives of the people being served, so that every interaction is consistent with the recovery process and reduces the possibility of re-traumatization.
Participate in the Center’s training/educational programs designed to enhance knowledge about Trauma Informed Care, the impact of trauma and trauma recovery.
Ensure that delivery practices are guided by the principles of trauma informed care.
Completes required paperwork in accordance to billing to Medicaid and other funding sources, including releases of information and Discharge Plan.
Participates in and promotes a positive, supportive, cooperative team environment.
Participates in staff development activities that enhance professional growth.
This is an awake position for the entire shift.
Staff working with youth must be in good medical, mental, physical, and emotional health. They must also be free from communicable diseases and current on all immunizations routinely recommended for adults. The role may involve lifting, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 25 pounds. In rare and extreme situations, staff at the Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) may be required to assist in safely holding a youth for up to 60 seconds.
Adaptability to staffing needs: In the event of a staffing crisis or emergency, the employee may need to be deployed to another unit / team, whether working with adults or youth, within Jefferson Center for which they are qualified and credentialed, as determined by leadership.
Skill Utilization: Staff may be assigned to support different teams or departments to address client needs while remaining within the scope of their professional licensure and credentialing.