What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clinical Specialist - Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) position at Capital Area Counseling Services?
Clinical Specialist – Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)
Location: Pierre, SD
Employment Category: Full-time
Employment Type: Hourly / Non-Exempt
Reports To: TFC Director and TFC Clinical Supervisor
Benefits: health, dental, and life insurance coverage; 401K participation; paid holidays; paid YMCA family membership; vacation and medical leave
Perquisites: continued education and certification opportunities; flexible work schedule; supportive team environment that promotes staff wellness and self-care
*CACS is a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) approved site which can provide opportunities for student loan reimbursement.
Position Description
The Clinical Specialist provides mental health support and case management services to youth and treatment parents as part of a collaborative team. Opportunities to serve individuals, groups, and families as part of the Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) program.
Duties / Responsibilities:
Provides mental health support services for youth and families within an integrated system of care.
Provides increased therapeutic services, case management, and supportive services to clients and treatment foster families, biological families, and treatment teams.
Works within a team including client’s family and other community partner agencies (State agencies, law enforcement, legal entities).
Facilitates monthly home visits and quarterly team meetings.
Participates in regular meetings with client formal support(s) as needed (i.e. Individualized Education Plan meetings).
Facilitates/supervises visits in person, by Zoom or by phone.
Transports clients/children locally and on occasion, out of town.
Applies evidenced-based interventions according to strengths and needs of the youth/family.
Utilizes culturally responsive approaches in working with diverse populations.
Completes comprehensive mental health assessments.
Develops, implements, and regularly reviews treatment plans.
Completes progress notes and other necessary documentation within Electronic Health Record (EHR) according to agency, state, and federal guidelines.
Completes documentation specific to TFC requirements, including monthly reports, quarterly treatment reviews and professional correspondence letters when needed.
Coordinates client care with other professionals and community partners.
Has knowledge of mental health diagnoses within the DSM-5-TR or its successor.
Delivers services in home, community, office settings, or wherever necessary to best meet youth/family needs.
Responds to crisis situations compassionately and appropriately.
Provides emergency on-call treatment parent support.
Opportunity to facilitate group sessions.
Participate and complete training relevant to the position, i.e. Mental Health First Aid.
Attend and participate in regular department meetings and supervision.
Other relevant duties as assigned.
Required Skills / Abilities:
Clear screening for substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect.
Willingness to develop a thorough understanding of mental health services.
Meet annual TFC training requirements.
Adhere to HIPAA guidelines and confidentiality.
Be self-directed while also seeking clinical supervision when appropriate.
Maintain calendars and manage workload effectively.
Demonstrate effective communication and organizational skills.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and colleagues.
Proficient in computer applications and related technology.
Meet deadlines.
Follow all local, state, and federal laws.
Adhere to agency code of ethics, policies, and procedures.
May provide services in local or surrounding communities.
May need to use personal vehicle for work-related tasks when agency vehicles are unavailable.
Work hours may include some evening and weekend hours.
Must have a valid driver’s license and must provide proof of insurance.
Education and Experience:
Minimum of a bachelors degree in a human services / social sciences field with two years of relevant experience preferred.
Knowledge of mental health services with willingness to further develop skills and understanding.
Experience working with youth, such as in a school setting or a case manager role preferred.
Physical Requirements:
Requires periods of moving throughout the office and traveling to other locations within the community/designated coverage area
Requires periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Prolonged periods of standing and frequent bending
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time