The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The HARRIS CENTER”) is looking for a Licensed Therapist (LPHA) to join our team. This person is responsible for performing clinical activities such as independent assessments and service interventions as directed by the treatment plan and/or identified consumer need(s). This position interfaces with Treatment Teams both inpatient and outpatient and authorizes the medical necessity of services as indicated. This position may provide monitoring, clinical supervision and training of staff at certain clinical sites. May be necessary to travel to or transport consumers to homes or other field locations in the provision of services. The ideal candidate will display compassion, education, proficiency and experience while assisting the patient. This critical role assists in creating and managing provider care plans and will participate in the evaluation of current and future medical needs of the client.

What you will do:

• Monitors consumer progress with treatment goals to determine effectiveness of interventions.
• Performs clinical assessments to evaluate the individual’s priority population diagnostic eligibility and treatment needs.
• Provides cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on the reduction or elimination of symptoms of severe and persistent mental illness and increasing the individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living.
• Provides crisis intervention to individuals to reduce symptoms and prevent admission to a more restrictive environment.
• Provides training/education on the nature of mental illness, addressing the symptom related problems interfering with the individual’s functioning, the importance of medications, and other medication related information using the TIMA curricula as well as other trainings as designated.
• Performs activities to assist consumers in gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and services based on individual needs
• Responsible for participation in formulation of consumer’s treatment (inclusive of assessment of needs, treatment planning, admit/discharge planning and service authorization).
• Ensures all services provided meet eligibility criteria and are authorized in accordance with agency and regulatory guidelines.
• Advocates for consumers to ensure that needs are met both within the MHMRA system and in the community.
• Communicates and works with consumers/visitors/other staff in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of cultural diversities.
• Completes reporting/training as designated in an accurate and timely manner.
• Meets divisional productivity standards
• Demonstrates ethical conduct in all clinical and professional activities.
• Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing work requirements.
• Complies with agency policies and procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.

What qualifications you will need:

• Master’s degree (M.A.) from four-year accredited college or university with a major in a social, behavior, or human service field, including but not limited to: psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, human development, and educational psychology.
• Clinical license through the State of Texas for one of the following: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT.
• Licenser credentials plus one to two years of clinical experience post Master’s degree preferred.
• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and be insurable under Agency policy.
• Licenser credentials plus one to two years of clinical experience post Master’s degree preferred
• Knowledge of and ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
• Strong diagnostic skills, the ability to incorporate patient history, symptoms, environmental and related issues to formulate proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average, written documentation is clear, concise, and well- constructed.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Must be able to work autonomously in a fast paced environment.

What we have to offer:

The HARRIS CENTER offers competitive salary, excellent benefits package, retirement plans with company matching , prior service credit towards generous PTO accrual, outstanding wellness programs and professional development.

Employees can also take advantage of business casual dress code, corporate discounts, and gym memberships. New hire referral bonus, discounts are also available on an optional basis. These include mobile phone service, fitness centers and other wellness amenities.

What else you should know:

This posting is associated with position #66431

This position will be under the general direction of the practice manager or designated supervisor.

May be necessary to travel to or transport consumers to homes or other field locations when providing services.

May be exposed to unfavorable conditions.

Interacts with individuals who may be emotional or physically hostile, agitated or uncooperative.

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas. As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.