Therapist, Youth Crisis

Find Your Career at Jefferson Center for Mental Health • Lakewood, CO

3d • Onsite

About The Position

At Jefferson Center, we are committed to inclusivity and providing equitable mental health care to all. The Children's Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) Therapist plays a vital role in providing individual, family, and group therapy to children and youth admitted to the CSU. This position involves conducting initial assessments, directing clinical services, and assisting with case management and disposition planning. The CSU aims to provide brief, 3-5 day crisis stabilization treatment for children and youth experiencing behavioral health issues, including depression, suicidal thoughts, trauma reactions, and family issues. The interdisciplinary team works collaboratively to coordinate treatment, provide tools, and develop safety plans to facilitate a safe return home and to the community, all while maintaining a non-judgmental and inclusive approach.

Requirements

• Conferred Master’s degree (from an accredited University/College) in a mental health or related field required.
• Experience in working with children and youth with mental health issues and their families.
• Skills in family therapy interventions, crisis interventions, culturally sensitive interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other applicable treatment modalities.
• Understanding of the effects of trauma on the individuals who are admitted to the Crisis Stabilization Unit.
• Expertise in child development, attachment issues, trauma treatment, abuse/neglect, foster and adoptive issues within families.
• Knowledge of stages of change and motivational interviewing.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Word minimum) required for use of EHR and report writing.

Nice To Haves

• Clinical license preferred (Licensed Psychologist, LPC, LCSW, or LMFT)
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meets with all assigned children/youth, conduct clinical interviews and set up initial staffing in order to develop treatment plans for each individual.
• Maintains caseload as assigned by Manager or Program Coordinator by overseeing the implementation and review of all treatment services provided to each child/youth on caseload.
• Primary coordinator for discharge planning and transition of care to community resources for each child/youth on caseload.
• Conducts individual, family, and group therapy.
• Co-facilitate multi-family group with other Therapists.
• Will maximize medically authorized services with clients and their families in accordance with the treatment plan.
• Works with Case Managers in coordination with the referring agency and/or funding source, community contacts, family, legal system, and other professionals involved in the child/youth’s treatment.
• Maintains timely documentation. This includes but is not limited to admission notes, progress notes, discharge paperwork, and treatment plans.
• Follows all Jefferson Center policies and procedures in order to maintain the highest standards and provide the best level of care to children/youth.
• Operates within scope of his/her respective license and complies with all regulations regarding his/her respective license.
• Complies with managed care standards regarding regular utilization review of all assigned cases in order to meet all licensing requirements for residential treatment of adolescent populations.
• Facilitates transitions to the next level of care by working in conjunction with other members of the treatment team, receiving agency, family members, and all other professionals involved in the planned departure from New Vistas.
• Regularly attends all staffings/rounds to facilitate communication and effective client management.
• Attends mandatory trainings to maintain compliance with training standards and ensure effective treatment.
• Consults with the milieu staff regarding clinical issues by monitoring the delivery of clinical services on the unit, and identifying and assisting in training needs in order to provide clinical direction of the unit.
• Represents New Vistas in communications with referral sources, other professionals, organizations, and programs managing those contacts with diplomacy, respect, dignity, and professional behavior to enhance the program's mission with regard to the surrounding communities.
• Maintains good communication with treatment team members, Program Coordinator, and Manager in order to receive and provide professional support and pro-active problem-solving strategies.
• Refrains from dual relationships with residents and their families as defined by Jefferson Center’s' policies in order to maintain professional boundaries.
• Maintains a culturally and socioeconomically sensitive environment for children/youth.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Manager or Program Coordinator.
• 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.

Benefits

• 10% salary differential for working with youth in a 24/7-residential facility.
• CSU Master's Level Bonus: $1,000 paid on one month anniversary, $1,000 paid on six month anniversary, $1,000 paid on one year anniversary.
• CSU Licensed Bonus: $2,000 paid on one month anniversary, $1,000 paid on six month anniversary, $1,000 paid on one year anniversary.

What This Job Offers

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