BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

TUOLUMNE ME-WUK INDIAN HEALTH CENTER

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Behavioral Health Therapist (LMFT, LCSW, Psychologist, or Associate Level)

REPORTS TO: Director of Behavioral Health

SUPERVISES: None

POSITION STATUS: Exempt

BENEFITS: Per Policy

UPDATED: 10/29/2024

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavioral Health Therapist serves as a crucial member of the primary care and behavioral health team, providing comprehensive assessment, treatment, and management of patients experiencing behavioral health issues. This role involves conducting evaluations and delivering therapeutic services to both Native and Non-Native populations within the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center's service area. In addition to in-clinic services, the Therapist collaborates with local schools and the Tribe's Educational Department to extend care into the community, enhancing mental health support across various settings. Emphasis is placed on skill-building through psycho-education and patient education strategies.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (will include, but not be limited to)

The Therapist will support primary care and educational providers in the early recognition and management of mental health conditions, providing evaluations, diagnoses, and treatments across all age groups.

Responsibilities include identifying at-risk patients, creating preventative plans, and developing behavioral change strategies through psycho-educational groups. Close collaboration with the Behavioral Health Director is essential, especially in community outreach, staying informed of local needs, and building rapport with educational and community organizations.

Documentation and patient records must meet billing, certification, and regulatory standards, and all activities should promote continuous quality improvement aligned with the clinic's Quality Assurance Plan. Professional licensure maintenance and adherence to HIPAA requirements are essential.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Pattern I: Master's degree in social work or related field and three (3) years of clinical experience, along with state licensure.

Or

Pattern II: Doctorate in Psychology and one (1) year of clinical experience, along with state licensure.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working with Native American population in a healthcare setting 2 years preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs, step-stools, etc.; stooping, kneeling, crouching, balancing, and reaching; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 30 pounds; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity for operation of computer and phones; hearing, talking, and good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers; subject to outside environmental conditions of heat and cold; and walking on uneven ground. The position requires the ability to safely operate and drive a motor vehicle.

INDIAN PREFERANCE:

Preference in filling vacancies will be given to qualified Native American or Alaskan Native Applicants, in accordance with the Indian preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472 and 473) and Public Law 93-638, provided the applicant has submitted appropriate verification of Indian preference for employment. In House postings include Tribal Voting Members.

All positions require sensitivity to Indian traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs, and ability at times to meet and deal effectively with numerous tribes and varied cultures, which requires tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and good judgment in handling functions of a sensitive nature.

• Employment is contingent on passing pre-employment TB test, background check and drug testing.

Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.