General Description

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to be committed to fostering an open, inclusive, and supportive environment that welcomes and embraces diversity in all forms. Denton County MHMR Center defines diversity broadly to include race, ethnicity, abilities (mental/physical), gender, gender identity, immigrant status, language, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, age, and other groups.

Denton County MHMR Center employees are to strive to maintain a trauma sensitive workplace, to embrace trauma sensitive and informed practices, and to foster a supportive and welcoming environment of care.

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) Services and within federal, state and local guidelines performs risk of harm (ROH) assessments, moderately complex case management work, and counseling intervention. Work involves developing and maintaining relationships with clients, client families, and service providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs.

The MCOT Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA) is responsible for providing crisis services to residents of Denton County. Job duties include face to face ROH assessments within the county at a secure location and responding to needed telephone interventions. Additionally, this position provides brief intervention therapy aimed at resolving the crisis situation. This position requires weekly psychotherapy sessions, performing intakes assessments, and conducting hospital aftercare assessments. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a master's degree in behavioral sciences, social sciences, humanities, or a related field and one (1) year prior experience in a mental health field and licensure to qualify as a LPHA required. Prior Experience working in crisis situations preferred. English/Spanish bi-lingual preferred.

REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Individual needs to meet the requirements to Qualify as a LPHA (Licensed Profession of Healing Arts)
• LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PhD Psychology, or another licensure to qualify as LPHA
• The position requires a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.
• This position requires knowledge of causes and treatment of mental illness and related conditions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in interviewing, in listening, in providing case management/brief intervention therapy services to clients, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
• Ability to screen and evaluate clients, to provide appropriate referrals/resources to clients, to prepare reports, and to communicate effectively.
• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate available services, and to train others.
• Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and be able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills.
• Computer skills required for both clinical and clerical programs.
• Ability to travel during working hours throughout Denton County to meet with individuals at locations that could include jail settings, medical and psychiatric hospital settings, and individual residence settings.
• Ability to make decisions based on education and or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

• Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.
  • Staff will attend all Crisis team meetings as scheduled and sign in for meetings to acknowledge their presence and understanding of the topics discussed.
• If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.
• Staff will attend all other meetings as scheduled and communicate with supervisor when unavailable.
• Provides courteous, professional services at all times.
  • Maintains professional boundaries.
• Interacts with center staff, clients, and community members in a professional manner.
• Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.
• Provides emergency/crisis intervention when necessary, according to Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), trauma informed care principles, and center policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with individual and with community agency to carry out least restrictive environment.
  • Arrange transportation as needed.
• Facilitate ensure safety as needed.
• Coordinate/confirm admission to inpatient facility as needed.