Childrens St. Clair County DHR Therapist

JOB DESCRIPTION: St. Clair County DHR Outpatient Therapist

WORKING TITLE: Therapist/Counselor

This Master's Level Therapist will be serving St. Clair County through a contract with the St. Clair Department of Human Resources. This counselor will provide assessment, individual/family therapy and group therapy, conflict resolution and other mental health services to identified clients working with St Clair County DHR with severe emotional and/or behavioral problems that are interfering with their functioning at home and/or school. This counselor will also provide mental health consultations to St. Clair Co DHR staff.

Division: Children's Services

Normal Working Hours/Days: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with flexibility to meet client/family need.

Primary Job Functions

Responsible for interviewing, evaluating and assessing for mental health and other appropriate needs of children/families.

Responsible for properly assessing the unmet needs of the target population and devising an individualized service plan for each client.

Collaborates closely with the staff of the St. Clair County DHR, as well as other community resources, in order to provide or access appropriate services to meet the needs of the target population (mental health services, school/special education service, etc.)

Responsible for individual group and family therapy with emphasis on behavior modification, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Strategic Family Therapy, parent education and other therapeutic approaches as appropriate to treatment needs.

Provides accurate documentation of charts on a daily basis, including clinical assessments, case plans, treatment plans, referrals, data collections, case reviews and follow up tracking via electronic medical record system

Responsible for providing and presenting clinical assessments and treatment goals at weekly staffings with supervisor.

Provides transportation to children and families when appropriate.

Performs other administrative duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's degree in psychology, social work or counseling with an emphasis on clinical services for children and adolescents. A completed Master’s level internship required. Licensed professionals preferred.

Two years’ experience working with children/adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance and their families in a community setting with an emphasis on clinical services is preferred.

Valid Alabama driver's license and driving record acceptable to agency automobile insurance carrier for inclusion on agency policy. Suitable automobile to permit the required travel. Must show and maintain car insurance equal to or in excess of the State of Alabama standards for automobile insurance coverage.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the special needs and behavioral characteristics of children/adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance and their families.

Knowledge of psychotherapy principals and techniques.

Knowledge of psychotropic medications, including their uses and side effects.

Ability to perform individual, group and family therapy to include behavior modification, R.E.T., parent education and problem-solving skills.

Ability to make clinical decisions/recommendations in crisis situations regarding children/adolescents with a serious emotional disturbance and their families.

Ability to communicate effectively (expressive and written) with a multi-disciplinary team to include Department of Human Resources, Juvenile Probation Office/Family Court, School Staff, and other mental health professionals.

Ability to use technology to perform job duties, to include maintaining charts, notating billable services, and documentation of travel.

Ability to organize and manage one’s own activities with a minimum of direct supervision.

Ability to work flexible hours due to the special needs of the target population and their families.

Participate on a rotation 24 hour on call roster.