LEAD THERAPIST (LICENSED)

UHS•Birmingham, AL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Therapist provides clinical direction, social services, and therapy services for residents and patients on an assigned clinical unit. The role coordinates the overall program and therapeutic milieu, ensuring the program and staff follow the handbook, patients have appropriate master treatment plans (MTPs), and lead staff follow those plans. The Clinical Program Coordinator monitors compliance with the program schedule, models therapeutic communication, and promotes a positive work environment. The position includes coordinating program needs with other disciplines, evaluating program effectiveness, supporting a safe and therapeutic environment, and providing individual, family, and group therapy as assigned. The Lead Therapist also participates in treatment team meetings, patient record reviews, admission and discharge planning, and referrals. The role is based at Hill Crest Behavioral Health, an acute care, 194-bed inpatient psychiatric facility in Birmingham, Alabama, serving adolescents and adults. Candidates must be available to attend an uninterrupted eight-business-day orientation from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The position requires maintaining HWC and CPR certifications and attending mandatory employee in-services.

Requirements

Master’s degree from an approved college or university in Social Work, Counseling, Psychiatric Nursing, or a closely related field.
Current license or eligibility for licensure in Alabama as an LMSW, ALC, LMFT, LPC, or LICSW.
At least 2 years of demonstrated excellence in counseling and social work.
Ability to manage clinical programs and the therapeutic milieu.
Availability to attend an uninterrupted eight-business-day orientation from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Maintain HWC and CPR certification.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

Investigate critical incidents and patient, personnel, and departmental complaints in collaboration with the Risk Manager and Nurse Manager, and inform the Director of Clinical Services.
Maintain a therapeutic and safe environment, advocate for patient rights, and encourage compliance with program requirements.
Plan, develop, and coordinate program needs and activities with other disciplines and programs.
Evaluate the overall program's effectiveness and recommend or implement changes as indicated.
Ensure the unit is clean and orderly, report maintenance problems, and coordinate upkeep as needed.
Use the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing as a resource for nursing issues and concerns.
Review patient records regularly for compliance with clinical documentation policies and procedures.
Meet with the Nurse Manager and patients to assess program needs and obtain feedback.
Review grievance forms regularly and promptly with the Nurse Manager and Patient Advocate.
Complete admission screening, discharge, and aftercare planning, applying knowledge of growth and development.
Manage day-to-day scheduling and complete tasks on time with limited assistance as required.
Provide individual and family therapy as assigned, using appropriate treatment knowledge and skills.
Complete psychosocial assessments and communicate with families and referral sources to obtain historical information.
Conduct assigned groups and individual and family therapy as indicated, and document accurately, precisely, and on time.
Collaborate with program staff to plan or attend off-campus outings for residential units, if assigned.
Participate in treatment team meetings, complete documentation, and update treatment plans according to policy and procedure.
Serve as Treatment Team Champion by scheduling patients, ensuring program patients have treatment plans, and completing required attendance forms.
Coordinate and document referrals and discharge planning, and ensure each program discharge includes a Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Attend mandatory employee in-services and maintain HWC and CPR certifications.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Coordinate with program staff to create a monthly group therapy schedule.