Core Competencies

Engagement, Screening, and Assessment

Assesses patients comprehensively, according to needs of embedded team and agency needs; Clinicians should be proficient in diagnosis, formulation, risk assessment, level of care assessment, identifying strengths and areas of ongoing challenges, etc.

Assesses patient/client/participant’s social and family structure in context of patient/client/participant’s presenting problems

Assesses and plans for the patient/client/participant’s aftercare needs

Conceptualizes patients and systems in their social context, taking into account systems stressors as well as intra- and interpersonal problems and strengths

Demonstrates understanding of addiction and recovery, including as it relates to screening, assessment, engagement, clinical interventions and approaches, and ASAM criteria for referrals and placement

Synthesizes and conveys relevant information, include clinical and case formulations, orally and in writing.

Formulates understandings of case material, using all data available as well as understanding of interplay

between stressors and vulnerabilities and presenting problems.

Understands best practices for assessment and treatment of clients with diverse backgrounds and cultural experiences, including intersectionality and the impacts of systemic oppression and marginalization

Assesses and diagnoses patients, using DSM 5 criteria, consulting with team members as necessary

Demonstrates the ability to form a therapeutic relationship with the patient/client/participant and families.

Contacts the patient/client/participant’s providers and referral sources to obtain collateral information for assessment, and to coordinate treatment

Uses standardized assessment and screening tools as necessary, including for depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicide and violence risk

Must be able to use in-person, telephonic, and two-way video telehealth to engage client as needed

Treatment

Demonstrates the ability to provide direct clinical care to patients in order to promote change according to

the patient/client/participant’s treatment plan.

Individual Psychotherapy: In a manner appropriate to the setting and frame, meets with patient/client/participant in a therapeutic relationship to address clinical and psychosocial issues relevant to the patient/client/participant’s diagnosis and presenting problems, and promotes change according to treatment goals.

Family work/family therapy: Engages therapeutically with client family and systems to further client’s treatment and progress toward goals, indicated 

Supportive therapy: Meets with patient/client/participant as necessary to provide support and resolve specific task-oriented problems that may have an impact on treatment.

Group therapy: Meets with patients in psychoeducational or psychotherapeutic group sessions to promote,

through the group process, individual growth according to treatment goals.

Demonstrates the ability to integrate theoretical knowledge of clinical practice, group dynamics and individualized biopsychosocial assessment effectively and ethically in treatment.

Attends and participates in treatment planning/ team planning sessions of assigned patients on a regular basis. Reports

consistently to the treatment team with regard to assessments and the content and focus of therapy.

Documents all interactions with patient/client/participant(s) in progress notes in the electronic medical record.

Documentation will adhere to any policies of embedded agency, as well as Retreat policies where appropriate. 

Maintains contact with referral sources and involved community agencies according to the aftercare needs of the patient/client/participant, using professional judgement and according to the patient/client/participant’s treatment plan, as coordinated with other treatment team members.

Demonstrates an understanding of evidence-based practices for the populations served, and maintains competency in these areas.

Engages actively with community support systems, health care and human service resources, courts and

police, etc., to coordinate care and treatment, when appropriate

Professionalism and Team Engagement

Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

Maintains effective working relationships with program staff as indicated by direct observation of

supervisor

Supports program policies and priorities relating to patient/client/participant care, workflow, and productivity

Demonstrates good organizational and time management skills and ability to work in a fast-paced setting.

Adheres to the Brattleboro Retreat’s code of ethics, standards for service delivery, policies and procedures

as well as the State of Vermont mental health code.

Demonstrates adherence to professional standards and values according to NASW Code of Ethics or other applicable professional Codes of Ethics to assure the provision of ethical care.

Represents the Retreat professionally in all interactions will providers and community members