Summary

The Primary Therapist utilizes a multidimensional approach to ensure a high quality continuum of care in which there is provision of clinical assessments, diagnostic formulation, treatment planning and intervention, co-occurring individual and group work, psychoeducation, relapse prevention, family services, and discharge planning in a supportive therapeutic environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct quality biopsychosocial assessments

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients

• Educate patients on addiction and dual diagnoses

• Provide integrated, comprehensive care to patients experiencing co-occurring disorders

• Utilize a strength-based and trauma-informed approach to support patients in the treatment and recovery processes

• Based on assessments and the compilation of clinical and collateral information gathered, refer patients for ancillary therapeutic intervention

• Facilitate psychoeducational and process groups

• Provide individual therapy with each patient on caseload

• Liaise with patient approved family members to develop and strengthen a healthy support system, and conduct family sessions as clinically indicated

• Model effective communication and healthy coping skills for clients

• Complete documentation requirements maintaining quality, up-to-date clinical records according to standards of care

• Work collaboratively with all clinical, medical, residential, and other staff

• Maintain compliance with continuing education requirements

• Participate in all clinical staff meetings, staff development, and trainings as required

Job Requirements

Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field plus preferred one year of clinical experience in a substance abuse or mental health setting

Currently licensed or working toward licensure or certification in one of the following: LCSW, CSW, LMHC, LMFT, LPCC, LPCA, CAP, MCAP, or other similar licensure or certification

Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Self-directed and flexible with strong organizational and time-management skills

Working Environment

Substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders treatment facilities providing detoxification, residential, and outpatient services and including offices, patient rooms, meeting rooms, group rooms, recreational facilities (indoor and outdoor), virtual, and other spaces.

Caseload & Clinical Work Expectations*

Residential: It is anticipated that the average patient caseload for a residential therapist will range from eight to 14, that roughly 50-75% of time will be devoted to face to face clinical service delivery, and the remaining work time will be devoted to administrative endeavors (ie, documentation, coordination of care, other administrative duties).

Outpatient: It is anticipated that the average patient caseload for an outpatient therapist will range from 12-18, that roughly 60-80% of time will be devoted to face to face clinical service delivery, and the remaining work time will be devoted to administrative endeavors (ie, documentation, coordination of care, other administrative duties). An average of three to four intensive outpatient (IOP) groups is expected on a weekly basis, in addition to an average of two to three weekly intakes including biopsychosocial assessments. Family groups of roughly 90 minutes may also be required in addition to or in place of IOP groups. Disclaimer: outpatient service delivery also may involve carrying a caseload of patients who are enrolled in the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, and in these instances the therapist caseload maybe adjusted such that it exceeds the caseload numbers listed above.

• The percentage of time devoted to face-to-face clinical service delivery and administrative work, in addition to the relative percentages of time devoted to various clinical activities (i.e., assessment, group work, individual work) may vary depending on needs, caseload, and other factors, and will be managed by direct clinical supervisory staff.

Physical/Emotional Demands/Working Conditions

Work is non-sedentary and active. Must read, write, and speak English fluently. Regular physical exertion (lifting 30 or more pounds, walking, standing, etc) may be required to support patient weight in case of emergency situation or patient disability requiring assistance in walking, standing, etc. Must be able to see, stoop, sit, stand, bend and reach. Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, emotionally upset, wide age range, hostile people as needed. Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing with the medical, nursing, clinical, and other staff. Must be emotionally stable and exhibit ability to display coping skills, in addition to impeccable boundaries. Risk of exposure to infections and contagious/blood borne diseases. Exposed to varying and unpredictable situations (ie, patient behavior). Subject to work schedule and shift change.