Mental Health Resident

Mental Health Resident/Supervisee (LPC, LCSW, LMFT)

Reports to: Assigned Clinical Supervisor Approved by the Board of Professions

Shift: Based on Contract

Job Summary:

A Mental Health Resident/Supervisee provides supervised intensive, postgraduate training to develop expertise in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, offering hands-on experience in diverse settings (inpatient, outpatient, crisis), and learning various therapies (medication, psychotherapy) under experienced mentors, preparing new professionals for independent practice with diverse populations

Importance of Role

• Integrated Care: Residents learn to see the whole person, understanding the links between physical and mental health and providing holistic care, especially in primary care settings.
• Bridging Gaps: They act as crucial links between primary care and specialist mental health services, supporting complex cases and ensuring smooth transitions.
• Essential Skills: They develop vital interviewing, assessment, and cultural sensitivity skills, improving overall patient outcomes.
• Advocacy: Residents learn to advocate for patients and implement innovative care models, improving healthcare systems.

Key responsibilities

• Assessment & Diagnosis: Conduct interviews and evaluations to understand clients' backgrounds, needs, and mental health conditions, diagnosing disorders as needed.
• Treatment Planning: Develop personalized, evidence-based treatment plans with goals and objectives, modifying them as client progress dictates.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Provide individual, couples, group, and family therapy using various techniques (e.g., CBT, stress management).
• Crisis Intervention: Offer immediate support and services for clients in acute distress or crisis.
• Skill Building: Teach coping strategies, life skills, and healthy emotional expression.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, confidential client records and progress notes.
• Collaboration: Coordinate care with other healthcare providers, community agencies, and family members.
• Referrals: Refer clients to appropriate social services or specialized professionals when necessary. 
• Professional Development: Stay current with counseling techniques, research, and ethical/legal standards.
• Populations: Individuals, couples, families, groups, and other populations as the assigned supervisor determines.

Supervision & Professional Development

• Supervision: Regularly meet with Board approved supervisor for case review, guidance, and feedback.
• Training: Attend team meetings, case consultations, and professional development workshops.
• Self-Reflection: Engage in personal growth and self-exploration, particularly regarding cultural competency, power, and privilege. 

Documentation & Administration

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, including progress notes and treatment plans.
• Administrative Support: Assist with clinical projects, preparing documents, and other agency operations as needed.

Key Competencies:

Active Listening & Communication: Accurately reflecting, paraphrasing, and summarizing; appropriate questioning; observing nonverbal cues; clear verbal and written expression.

Rapport Building: Establishing genuine, warm, and trusting therapeutic relationships.

Empathy & Cultural Competence: Understanding and validating the client's cultural, social, and developmental context.

Assessment & Intervention: Conducting intakes, identifying patterns, applying interventions, and developing treatment plans.

Crisis Management: Remaining calm and providing support during psychological emergencies.

Self-Awareness & Growth: Recognizing personal biases, managing countertransference, seeking feedback, and practicing self-care.

Ethics & Professionalism: Adhering to legal/ethical standards, confidentiality, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Collaboration: Working effectively with supervisors, staff, and potentially other disciplines.

Professional Development: Engaging in ongoing learning, supervision, and self-evaluation.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Master's degree in counseling or a related field from an accredited university accepted by the Virginia Board of Professions.
• Have met required internship hours by the Virginia Board of Professions such as “x” amount required by the type of licensure the resident/supervisee is working towards.
• Have met required coursework by the Virginia Board of Professions such as “x” amount of semester/quarter hours required by the type of licensure the resident/supervisee is working towards.
• Eligible to obtain provisional license from the Virginia Board of Professions.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a standard office environment with extensive computer work and prolonged sitting time
• Shift time: Based on Contract

** This job description indicates the general nature and levels of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, responsibilities, or competencies required of an incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required. **