What are the responsibilities and job description for the TST-R Mental Health Therapist position at Jewish Family Service?
ABOUT JFS
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.
OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time”
Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful
Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience.
SUMMARY
Trauma Systems Therapy for Refugees (TST-R) is an interdisciplinary team of providers, both staff of JFS and community partners, to provide wrap around services to refugees and immigrants in WNY. The TST-R Mental Health Therapist will be responsible for providing low-barrier, flexible mental health therapy to all youth enrolled in programming in Tiers 1-4.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
A representative summary of tasks to be performed is provided below. The employee may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and operating principles of Jewish Family Services.
- Assist cultural brokers and case managers with helping clients meet basic needs when needed and appropriate.
- Participate in Tier 1 Outreach and Education events including presentations, trainings, and other Tier 1 activities.
- Partner with cultural brokers to conduct Tier 2 Skills-Based Groups in schools and the community.
- Conduct Tier 3 individual counseling in partnership with cultural brokers as appropriate.
- Conduct Tier 4 counseling focused on safety-planning in partnership with cultural brokers.
- Coordinate linkages to mental health services based on mental health assessments and complete on-going and/or additional assessments as needed.
- Participate in the development of an individualized and culturally responsive mental health response plan for each client.
- Participate in planning meetings, group supervision, and dyad supervision with team members to increase collaboration and improve outcomes for clients.
- Participate in planning meetings with service providers to increase collaboration and improve outcomes for clients.
- Participate in regular individual supervision with Program Manager.
- Assist clients in accessing and maintaining needed services as identified in the mental health response plan.
- Monitor the client’s mental health-related goals while working to identify and address barriers to care.
- Advocate and facilitate direct crisis intervention services for clients as necessary.
- Collaborate across JFSWNY programs to ensure integration of services and maximize use of client resources including referrals to internal programs when appropriate.
- Coordinate translation and interpretation services where appropriate.
- Document activities, response planning, and results in an effective manner including high level case notes that outline goals, barriers, action plans, treatment plans and compliance.
- Maintain written and electronic documentation of all client contacts in the case record; maintain case files in compliance with program requirements and other funding sources.
- Assist Program Manager in the completion of all reporting forms and other requirements including NOMS assessment.
- Support the work of the team and JFSWNY mental health clinic as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Minimum LMSW, LMHC or related field and licensure.
- Experience working with diverse populations and individuals who have experienced trauma.
- Experience in direct client service providing mental health support and referral linkages preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Knowledge and understanding of community and health promotion resources for refugees and immigrants.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in the care coordination field.
- Ability to effectively provide medical case management services.
- Exhibited ability to effectively work within an inclusive and culturally and linguistically diverse environment.
- Knowledge of strategies to assist trauma survivors to overcome barriers to health care.
- Strong internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based health information systems.
- Bilingual skills desirable
Competencies:
- Client Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity).
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considers relative pros and cons of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Time Management – Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done efficiently and effectively.
- Adaptability & Flexibility - Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities, personal willingness, and ability to respond to change and ability to meet deadlines.
- Initiative - Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Will work in the office and in the community; able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and provide support services.
- Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment.
- Visual acuity sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents.
- Auditory acuity sufficient to communicate with staff, clients, and others by phone and in person.
- Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment and community.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive salary of $55,000 to $58,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%.
- 13 observed holidays annually.
- Early close on Fridays.
Salary : $55,000 - $58,000