Position Details

Therapist - Crisis Services

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Monday-Friday
12 Paid Holidays each year (in addition to time off accrual)
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GULF COAST CENTER - JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Therapist for Youth and Adult Crisis Services

Location: Serves Brazoria and Galveston Counties. This role will be approximately 50% remote and 50% in person (with an office in Texas City, TX)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Working Status: Full Time w/benefits

Summary:

Reporting to the Crisis Services Director, the therapist for crisis services provides therapeutic services to individuals enrolled in Gulf Coast Center adult or youth crisis services from Brazoria and Galveston Counties. Primary responsibilities will be to provide therapeutic services based on the CBT model and other evidence based practices and within the scope of the therapist's license and training. As assigned the therapist will provide assessment and recovery oriented, individual or group, counseling working within a team environment. The therapist will work within a person centered planning oriented services model, with supports, practices and beliefs into publicly funded mental health delivery systems. As part of an interdisciplinary team, and within the scope of the team, the therapist will be responsible for consultation with other team members on clinical issues to assist to develop a full range of options in community settings and to assist the clients to meet goals and objectives on their person centered recovery plan within the scope of the therapeutic intervention. The therapist will maintain a caseload of clients inclusive of creating person-centered recovery plans and be skilled to collaborate with clients to develop and utilize therapeutic interventions based on the client's presenting problems and symptoms. May be asked to conduct diagnostic evaluations and admission assessments for inter-agency referrals.

Gulf Coast Center operates under a trauma-informed approach based on the six key principles of Safety, Trustworthiness & Transparency, Peer Support, Collaboration & Mutuality, Empowerment & Choice, and Cultural, Historical & Gender issues.

The Therapist for Crisis Services will be responsible for the following:

  •   Provides therapeutic management strategies and clinical coordination to individuals, groups, and family members as defined by GCC using evidence based strategies within the TRR model of care. Complete Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) training and achieve competency as outlined in the current HHSC performance contract.

  •   Will complete LPHA assessment necessary to determine eligibility for admission (inclusive of priority population). Complete the required diagnosis form indicating all five diagnostic categories. Accurately complete all LPHA Center required documentation necessary for admission process. Conducts service delivery in accordance with Mental Health Adult (MHA) standards as defined by state and local authority. Assures services are not provided on assigned adults should the Recovery plan and/or ANSA not be valid.

  •   Conducts the Adult Needs & Strengths Assessment (ANSA) every 6 months or as clinically indicated for individuals as required & assigned. Responsible for ensuring completion of the initial & annual ANSA recertification in accordance with the Praed Foundation & HHSC performance contract requirements. A lapse/expiration of certification will result in termination of employment. Exception: If certification lapse/expiration is reported to supervisor within 24 hours of expiration date, employee will be granted opportunity to recertify by close of following business day. Any lapse/expiration greater than 24 hours will result in termination of employment. Additionally, all certified ANSA users are required to participate in semi-annual quality assurance training activity conducted by identified ANSA/CANS Super User.

  •   Identifies, arranges, advocates and collaborates with other agencies to assure an effective planned referral, discharge or transfer of services. (Includes completion of service summary.).

  •   Serve as member of the interdisciplinary treatment team providing individual/group therapy and crisis intervention services as needed and authorized by valid ANSA and Recovery Plan.

  •   Provide crisis services to adults and walk-ins as needed. Utilize Smartcare reports in order to consistently monitor and complete required documentation as indicated by contract standards.

  •   Provides weekly individual counseling to clients enrolled in substance use disorder outpatient services, identifying any progress and providing any required documentation to the appropriate referral source. Facilitates group and individual counseling services for clients who have been assigned to their caseload, documenting all adult direct services in CMBHS., youth in Smartcare.

  •   All documentation is complete, accurate and clear as required by GCC Consumer Records Procedure within 2 business days and ready to be uploaded/entered into EMR within 7 days.

  •   Display professionalism and team membership when representing program throughout daily work. Participate in team meetings as requested to provide clinical continuity. Consistently practice provision of follow up and communication related to all services provided.

  •   This is inclusive of other agencies, families and team. Meets or exceeds the established performance requirement for entire caseload each month.

  •   Meets all productivity measures determined by leadership staff.

  •   Participate in team meetings as requested to provide clinical continuity.

  •   Consistently practice provision of follow up and communication related to all services provided. This is inclusive of other agencies, families and team. Effectively communicate with assigned team, collaborative agency members and leadership staff regarding service delivery, continuity of care and employment/administrative issues.

  •   Maintain current status of all required trainings as directed by GCC. Will complete LPHA assessment necessary to determine eligibility for admission (inclusive of priority population).

  •   Complete the required diagnosis form indicating all five diagnostic categories. Conducts the Child & Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS) every 3 months or as clinically indicated for youth as required & assigned. Responsible for ensuring completion of the initial & annual ANSA/CANS recertification in accordance with the Praed Foundation & HHSC performance contract requirements. A lapse/expiration of certification will result in termination of employment. Exception: If certification lapse/expiration is reported to supervisor within 24 hours of expiration date, employee will be granted opportunity to recertify by close of following business day. Any lapse/expiration greater than 24 hours will result in termination of employment. Additionally, all certified ANSA/CANS users are required to participate in semi-annual quality assurance training activity conducted by identified ANSA/CANS Super User.

    •   Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position. Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC's Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.

    • Will be responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the agency compliance policy and will require communication with various departments to foster, develop and continue our community partnerships as it relates to the position.
    • Treat all individuals with the utmost courtesy, decency and respect.
    • Provide responsive, and efficient services.
    • Interact with staff, consumers, local entities and advocacy groups to provide a service that meets local needs.
    • Provide highest level of Customer Service for both internal and external customers.
    • Required to report personnel leave; flex time and emergency leave to assigned supervisor.
    • Strict adherence to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements set forth in GCC's Business Code of Conduct as well as the Corporate Compliance Plan.
    • Consistent adherence to the Center's Dress Code.
    • Consistent adherence to Center safety guidelines and expectations.
    • May be required to travel within Brazoria and Galveston Counties.
    • Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.
    • Must maintain a clear driving record and driver's license in accordance with our Driver Policy.
    • Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation and must maintain current auto liability insurance.

    Non-Essential Job Duties:

    •  Assist when crisis director is on personal leave with assigned tasks.
    • Crisis staff will also respond to calls from law enforcement, jails or judges requesting assistance with mentally ill and/or IDD individuals in need of jail diversion. Crisis staff will assist the jail diverted individuals with crisis assessment, LOC5 enrollment, linkage to clinic enrollment, referrals and follow up services.
    • Crisis staff will be expected to respond to crisis at Gulf Coast Center clinics and facilities as requested in order to provide crisis support to those programs.
    • Crisis staff are responsible to use the designated crisis assessment, safety planning tool, progress notes and to conduct a Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment or the Children's Need and Strengths Assessment.
    • Crisis staff are required to maintain acceptable productivity during work hours and to complete all tasks assigned by Director of Crisis Services.
    • Crisis staff are expected to utilize collaborative documentation as much as possible to have their crisis assessments completed by the end of the service and the other clinical documentation within 24 hours.
    • All crisis staff are required to serve on the after-hours crisis rotation as needed to meet program needs.
    • Responsible for ensuring completion of the initial and annual ANSA/CANS recertification in accordance with the Praed Foundation and HHSC performance contract requirements. A lapse/expiration in certification will result in termination of employment. Exception: If certification lapse/expiration is reported to supervisor within 24 hours of expiration date, employee will be granted opportunity to recertify by close of following business day. Any lapse/expiration greater than 24 hours will result in termination of employment. Additionally, all certified practitioners are responsible for participating in semi-annual quality assurance training activity conducted by the identified ANSA/CANS Super User.
    • Responsible for completing any and all other tasks as assigned by the Director of Crisis Services.

    Supervision:

    • Receives direct supervision from Crisis Director

    Required Education:

    • Minimum of a master's degree with an LCSW or LPC licensure

    Preferred Education:

    • LCSW Licensure preferred

    Required Experience:

    • One year experience with mental health crisis work in a community setting.

    Preferred Experience:

    • Two years full-time experience providing human services is preferred.

    Required Licensure/Certifications:

    • LCSW or LPC licensure

    Abilities/Traits:

    • General knowledge of mental health disorders
    • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • Self motivated with good time management skills
    • Ability to multi-task
    • Good interpersonal skills
    • Must learn and use the Trauma Informed Principles in performing assessments with persons in crisis so as to not add any further traumatic experiences
    • Ability to express self clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
    • Requires ability to work within a team approach.
    • Requires proficiency with computer skills, programs and email.

    Working Conditions:

    • Work will be performed in the Office, Field and/or Remotely setting(s).
    • May require varied work hours depending on need of clients.
    • Out of region travel may be required to attend trainings.
    • May require travel to various locations within Brazoria and Galveston Counties. Requires current Texas Driver's License, reliable transportation safe and current with all state requirements, and liability insurance.

    Special Projects:

    • Assist supervisor when requested to complete special projects and complete all assignments within a time frame negotiated with the supervisor. Completion of other duties as assigned by supervisor as it relates to the program and position.

    Job Related Physical/Mental Requirements & Environmental Conditions:

    Physical:

    • Ability to transport, adjust and/or move items up to 55 lbs.
    • Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
    • Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
    • Ability to handle objects.
    • Ability to operate office equipment.
    • Ability to move around within an office setting and/or other locations as needed; may include ability to bend/twist, kneel/stoop and/or reach for items.
    • Ability to push/pull, crawl/squat as it relates to PMAB requirements; may be required to perform PMAB restraints as it relates to program requirements.
    • Ability to detect and write effectively.
    • Ability to hear (with or without aid).
    • Ability to have visual acuity to operate a motor vehicle and observe objects within work setting.

    Mental:

    • Ability to accept constructive criticism.
    • Ability to maintain regular attendance.
    • Ability to understand, communicate and comprehend accurate information with others in English.
    • Ability to reason and analyze effectively.
    • Ability to solve practical problems as it relates to position.
    • Required to pass and maintain all Center mandated trainings.

    Work Site/Environmental Conditions:

    • Ability to work alone.
    • Ability to work closely with others.
    • Ability to work closely with clients and/or family members with poor hygiene.
    • Ability to work long and/or irregular hours.
    • May be subjected to hostile environment.
    • May be subjected to high crime environment.
    • Potential exposure to tobacco products.
    • May be subjected to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
    • Subject to standard noise levels within working environment.
    • Travel by motor vehicle, van, bus or plane may be required.
    Qualified individuals must be able to perform these functions with or without reasonable accommodations as based on ADA requirements