Intake Therapist, Day Hospital

Sheppard Pratt Careers • Towson, MD

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Intake Therapist performs comprehensive intake, assessment, and evaluation services for child, adolescent, and adult patients who may need day hospital care. The role interviews patients and families, completes psychosocial assessments and risk evaluations, determines the appropriate level of care, and evaluates clinical appropriateness for admission. It provides treatment recommendations and referral guidance, communicates with outside agencies about patient needs and reportable events, and adapts communication to patients’ developmental needs. The therapist conducts diagnostic interviews, psychosocial evaluations, and clinical screenings, and works with the treatment team to make admission decisions and coordinate services.

The position gathers and documents assessment information, reviews referral and treatment records, identifies treatment barriers and potential suicide risk or signs of abuse, and recommends interventions or alternative resources. It develops individualized care plans with patients and families, coordinates available resources, and communicates plans to the patient, care team, family, referral sources, and agencies. The role also maintains compliant documentation, reports relevant information to the treatment team, and coordinates with schools and community resources on clinical and related issues. LMSWs and LGPCs must maintain supervisory-session documentation as required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling from an accredited school.
• Maryland state license at appointment and continuously while in the Therapist position: LCSW-C, LCPC, LMSW, or LGPC.
• Two years of experience in a mental health or chemical dependency treatment setting.
• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders, diagnoses, therapies, and social work theory, principles, and practice.
• Knowledge of psychiatric terminology, psychopharmacology, social work and counseling therapies and techniques, community referral resources, financial planning, and referral and follow-up procedures.
• Interpersonal skills to work effectively with stressed, hostile, irritable, or emotionally dependent child or adolescent patients and family members, conduct therapy sessions, and represent the hospital.
• Analytical ability to assess patient needs; develop goals and treatment strategies; adapt levels of care to changing needs; and plan discharge and aftercare.
• For LGPCs: Complete 100 hours of face-to-face clinical supervision with a board-approved supervisor, including at least three hours of face-to-face supervision per month; apply for LCPC licensure within two to three years of accepting the LGPC role; and retain supervision records for at least five years.
• For LMSWs: Complete 144 hours of supervision with a board-approved SPHS LCSW-C supervisor, including at least three hours of face-to-face supervision per month; apply and sit for LCSW-C licensure within two to three years of accepting the LMSW role; and retain supervision records for at least five years.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate patient focus and strive to exceed customer-service expectations.
• Collect patient assessment data systematically, continuously, and completely.
• Conduct diagnostic interviews and comprehensive intake evaluations.
• Review referral documentation and prior treatment records to determine appropriateness for program admission.
• Identify treatment barriers and recommend interventions or alternative resources.
• Document assessments accurately and in a timely manner.
• Identify behaviors that may indicate suicidal risk and signs of abuse, and complete appropriate follow-up.
• Assess patients’ physical, emotional, cognitive, educational, nutritional, and social growth and development.
• Develop individualized plans of care that complement services provided by other team members.
• Identify and communicate patient and family goals clearly and specifically.
• Identify, coordinate, and use available resources appropriately.
• Communicate the plan of care to patients, the healthcare team, family members, significant others, referral sources, and agencies.
• Complete legible, accurate, timely written documentation that complies with hospital and program standards.
• Report pertinent information to the treatment team.
• Coordinate and communicate with school systems and community resources about child abuse or neglect, guardianship or custody, and other clinical issues.
• For LMSWs and LGPCs, maintain documentation of supervisory sessions as required by the relevant board.

Benefits

• Professional development, including a comprehensive tuition reimbursement program to support ongoing education and licensure or certification preparation.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits for benefit-eligible positions.
• 403(b) retirement match.
• Paid time off for benefit-eligible positions.
• Complimentary Employee Assistance Program.
• Mileage reimbursement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level