PURPOSE OF POSITION: To provide clinical assessment and case management services which assure the Admissions team, youth, and their families that recommendations about admissions to the Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, referrals to alternate resources, and the initial clinical assessment report are based on accurate, thorough and appropriate psycho-educational information.

SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 930am-6pm with flexibility to work earlier or later as needed; flexibility to work some weekends.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

· Masters Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or related field.

· Must have a valid Illinois driver’s license, the ability to drive a van, maintain a clear driving record, and maintain a driving approval through DCFS.

· LCSW/LCPC preferred.

· At least 3 years of clinical experience working with adolescents and/or families is preferred.

· Experience in diagnostic interviewing and conducting therapy/counseling with individuals and families.

· Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

· Bilingual (Spanish speaking) skills preferred.

· Knowledge and understanding of childhood and older adolescent/young adult growth and development needs, and familiarity with trauma and other variables impacting typical development patterns.

· Knowledge of other professional interventions, community resources, community-based services, and supervised independent living.

· Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches and/or open to learning models (i.e. DBT, Motivational Interviewing, NMT, TF-CBT, ARC, family systems/ecological/wraparound model)

· Regular and predictable attendance, as well as flexibility when needed

· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as an active team member.

· Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

· Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.

· Ability to maintain professional demeanor while exercising judgment and discretion in work

· Ability to write reports, present cases with treatment teams, and maintain strong correspondence.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as the ability to become proficient in other software and programs.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality.

· Commitment to the mission, values, and goals of the Agency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Facilitate the admissions process from beginning to end and gather pertinent information along the way.

· Conduct clinical interviews and diagnostic assessments with youth and families who seek residential placement at Mercy Home.

· Review psychological, educational, familial, vocational, legal, substance abuse, and other pertinent records to assess the appropriateness of placement.

· Make collateral calls or visits to conduct steps of the process or corroborate information gathered during the assessment.

· Prepare thorough written reports for each youth assessed in a timely manner.

· Provide an interpretation of psychological testing measures in each written report.

· Act as advocate for and facilitator of youth at multi-disciplinary staffings for Agency decision regarding determination and treatment planning.

· Develop genograms and eco-maps.

· Participate in meetings with individual Residential Program coworkers when requested.

· Facilitate parent support groups, engage in individual and family therapy and supervise clinical interns.

· Employ all aspects of de-escalation and behavior management techniques as outlined in CPI protocol.

· Actively participate in regular supervision meeting, monthly clinician meetings and Family Therapy Initiative (FIT) meetings as well as regular clinical supervision meetings with Clinical Director

· Actively engage in learning and integrating developmentally appropriate, attachment-informed, and trauma-responsive theory and practice consistent with the Mercy Model of Care.

· Learn, align with, and execute the treatment philosophies, modalities and practice.

· Provide safe transportation for youth and their support systems, following agency policy and state laws.

· Assist with crisis management and de-escalation as needed with individual/families in admissions procession, transition from Admissions to program, and supporting programs as needed

· As needed, to conduct individual and/or family therapy sessions on short-term basis to support program in crisis and when short-staffed.