Mental Health Primary Therapist

Job Summary:

The Mental Health Primary Therapist provides therapy to patients and their families in order to maintain and restore the highest level of functioning. This position provides general and specialized therapeutic counseling services as needed and works in conjunction with the Director of Mental Health Services to create therapeutic interventions for their caseload.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work with the Director of Mental Health Services to deliver therapeutic services and interventions that align with the organization’s philosophy of treatment
• Conduct initial assessment of all new patients; interview and evaluate patients
• Work directly with prospective patients and, in some cases, coordinate care with family members
• Complete all intake documents including patient screenings and biopsychosocial assessment
• Develop, implement, and maintain patient management plans which include an initial treatment plan, progress notes and the provision of continuity of care
• Maintain patient records that comply with Maryland state and federal regulations
• Provide individual, family, and group therapy under the supervision of the Director of Mental Health Services
• Identify factors which may interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from treatment and provide appropriate therapeutic services to assist patients and families in coping with presenting symptoms and problems
• Develop and implement patient treatment plans, including the coordination of referrals to specialty and social services, the recording of progress notes and correspondence notes, and the provision of continuity of care
• Complete a discharge summary upon completion or termination of treatment
• Participate in monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of patient care through supervision and participation in interdisciplinary clinical rounds meetings
• Prepare and maintain reports and documentation concerning patients, reporting on information as appropriate
• Conduct crisis intervention; intervene and de-escalate crisis situations with patients; assess risk of harm to self or others and arrange needed resources
• Comply with company and department policies and procedures, quality assurance, safety, environmental, infection control, and with requirements of accreditation and regulatory agencies
• Conduct specialized in-service training in area of expertise for various audiences
• Attend/complete annual mandatory trainings as assigned by the company
• Establish and maintain appropriate network of professional contacts
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment

Education and Experience:

• At least 2 years of experience in the field of mental health/substance abuse/rehabilitation
• Preferred experience running groups
• Experience with EMR system preferred

License/Certification:

• Maryland licensure as a Social Worker or Professional Counselor
• CPR certification preferred
• Experience facilitating groups preferred