ABA Therapist (Foster Care)

Position Title: ABA Therapist 

Department: Behavioral Health Services - Foster Care 

Reports to: Licensed Clinical Supervisor

Position Summary:
Under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Supervisor, the Therapist provides individual, group and family psychotherapy services in-home, in a community setting and in-office to assigned clients. While utilizing UCAN’s Clinical Philosophy, the Therapist facilitates healing through Trauma Informed practice and Positive Youth Development. 

Essential Responsibilities:

Assessment and Service Planning

• Performs assessments, diagnostic ratings and evaluation of clients referred for services; interviews clients and individuals closely related or connected to the client, such as family members and other determined people.
• Evaluates assessment and diagnostic ratings to plan treatment program and approaches.
• Effectively applies clinical knowledge to evaluate client situations and needs.
• Develops clear and specific individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) goals for each client based upon his/her individual needs.
• Identifies at-risk clients and behaviors that may require a developed safety plan with defined interventions.

Therapeutic Intervention

• Effectively conducts in-home, community-based and in-office individual, family and group psychotherapy.
• Successfully engages and develops rapport with a wide range of clients.
• Utilizes clinical knowledge and skills to provide appropriate and effective therapies.
• Structures therapy sessions in accordance with ITP goals.
• Creates a therapeutic environment by providing adequate, varied, culturally competent and developmentally appropriate activities/materials.
• Maintains consistency and safety throughout the session, both in-home and in-office.

Planning and Organization

• Plans time effectively and efficiently to meet all job commitments and documentation requirements.
• Keeps information organized as to quickly respond to information requests about their clients.
• Organizes caseload to meet expected level of productivity and billable contacts on a monthly basis.
• Effectively balances multiple responsibilities, including in-home, community based and in-office sessions.
• Obtains and evaluates information necessary to implement client services.
• Responds in a timely manner to all written correspondence, email and phone call inquiries regarding clients.

Building Relationships and Networks

• Consults with supervisor, other psychotherapists and consulting psychiatrists on details of cases and treatment plans.
• Contacts other social service agencies, schools, hospitals, courts and public mental health organizations; makes referrals or obtains case-related information.
• Contacts caseworkers assigned to client or client’s family; discusses progress of case; obtains case-related information.
• Works effectively with others in a multi-disciplinary setting.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with other social service agencies, schools, courts, etc.
• Provides timely information to teachers, probation officers and others as needed.
• Regularly consults with caseworkers regarding client progress.
• Actively listens to others and their points of view and treats others with sensitivity.

Documentation and Reporting

• Notifies supervisor of critical incidents, problems, concerns, and needs in a timely manner.
• Clearly documents actions taken in a timely manner and in a format consistent with legal requirements.
• Completes all documentation, reports and correspondence in the Evolv database within defines timeframes.
• Concisely and professionally writes clinical documentation and reports that accurately reflect clinical interventions and progress made in the therapeutic process.
• Delivers written information to appropriate parties.
• Maintains accurate, complete and timely client records as required by UCAN policy and procedures.
• Reports client progress in court proceedings through clear written reports submitted as required, and through accurate verbal testimony when required.
• Enters, updates, and maintains accurate data in the Evolv database as required.
• Reports all possible critical incidents and unusual incidents to supervisor, management, or DCFS as required by UCAN or by mandated reporting law.
  

Education/Job Experience/Certification:

• MSW or MA/MS in Human Services/Psychology/Counseling.
• 0-2 years of experience providing therapy in a clinical or related setting.
• Two (2) years of experience in child and adolescent individual and group therapy.
• LPC or LSW a plus. 

Special Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Experience in working with Juvenile and Adult Sex Offenders
• Experience and/or certification in Domestic Violence
• Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
• Has an understanding of trauma-informed practice
• Has an understanding of Positive Youth Development.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of the child welfare system.
• Ability to work both independently and a part of a high functioning team.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary setting
• Ability for time management for compliance with documentation and productivity requirements
• Sensitivity to special populations and ability to interface with the community
• Experience and ability to use computers for data entry, communication and report writing
• Car and valid Illinois driver’s license and insurance required.
• Ability to transport children in accordance with IDCFS regulations.