Clinician Offsite

JOB DESCRIPTION

Functional Title: Clinician (Off-site)

Department: Behavioral Health Position Status: Exempt Reporting to: Clinical Supervisor Last revision date: August 2023 Direct Reports: None

Job Purpose/Function: (the main contribution of the function to the total organization.)

Upon a finding of medical necessity for treatment by the staff physician, the clinician serves as the lead coordinating member of an integrated healthcare team focused on helping each client reach his/her optimal emotional, physical, and social wellness within the community. Decisions regarding treatment and advocacy for the client are the clinician's ultimate responsibility. The clinician is charged with delivering exceptional customer care and ensuring the client's experience from beginning to end is positive. It is through the individual, family and group counseling services delivered by the clinician, and the care coordination provided that recovery and integration into the community is enabled.

The treatment goals and personal aspirations of each client are the centerpiece of a care plan to be delivered by all LifeBridge direct care providers. This unique role will require clinicians to use evidence-based practices in a manner consistent with LifeBridge's philosophy, values, policies, and protocols. Clinicians will be required to provide services at both agency-based and off-site partner locations (such as schools, community centers, or other designated sites) to meet program and client needs. All clinicians must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and comply with any ongoing screening requirements as determined by LifeBridge or partnering agencies.

As one of eight outpatient Urban Trauma Centers in Connecticut, and a member of the Urban Trauma Network (UTN), LifeBridge receives coaching, training, technical assistance, and fidelity monitoring from the Urban Trauma-Performance Improvement Center to enhance clinical competencies to best serve the community.

The Clinician plays a key role in building resiliency for clients and the community at large. By providing a welcoming environment for clients and program guests, each will help foster a sense of commitment to client care to enhance client engagement and improve outcomes.

Major Responsibilities:

• The clinician has (3) major responsibilities in accordance with a) agency policies and contractual obligations and b) state/federal regulations/laws and c) accreditation standards:
• Conduct client assessments and establish treatment goals.
• Develop and implement client-centered and client driven treatment plans.
• Plan and facilitate individual, family, and group sessions.
• Evaluate and document client's progress and the effectiveness of therapy interventions.
• Maintain accurate, clear, and complete documentation of all facets of a client's treatment in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Coordinate client care with other members of the treatment team to ensure effective and efficient care delivery and the achievement of desired client outcomes.
• Deliver coordinated services that include assisting the client in accessing community support if needed.
• Participate in professional development training and individual and group supervision.
• Participate in the peer review audit process to support continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Successfully meets agency patient access goals and metrics.

Authorities:

• Determines and implements client engagement strategies to motivate the client to empower change. With the direct input from the person served, determine the type and frequency of interventions.
• Recommends changes in the client's level of care or treatment planning, including enrollment status in program, transfer to another LifeBridge clinician within the same program should that become necessary and referrals to agency medical personnel, with the input of the clinical supervisor.
• Exchanges client protected health information, in writing and verbally to a) social services providers b) healthcare providers and c) family members/other persons when written consent is obtained to advocate with external entities on behalf of the client.
• Works to support marketing and fund development opportunities to highlight the agency's mission, vision, values, and program services by informing agency management of client success stories.
• Prior experience working with underserved and under-resourced children, adults, and families who have experienced trauma, and traumatic events preferred.
• Alignment with trauma-informed care delivery, practices, and principles.
• Alignment with client-centered, "unconditional positive regard" treatment approaches.
• Hands-on experience with computer and electronic health record systems.
• Must have strong oral and written communications skills, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively at all levels of the organization and with all stakeholders.
• Exceptional time management skills.
• Ability to represent LifeBridge in a professional and positive way.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Tasks and Standards:

• Provide substance use disorder and mental health counseling services through duties that include:
  1. Writing treatment plans, referral forms, and discharge plans
  2. Planning and conducting individual & family sessions
  3. Planning and facilitating group sessions
  4. Assuring all clinical records are comprehensive and follow all regulatory and agency guidelines, including timeframes for completion.
  5. Assessing new clients
• Provide engagement and care coordination. Link clients to all available resources and coordinate services to meet the client's needs.

Performance Indicators: (Quantifiable measures that are used to gauge or compare performance in terms of meeting established goals)

• Client engagement outcomes
• Chart Audit Results
• Client Outcomes
• Licensure & Accreditation Survey Results
• Client Satisfaction
• Employee Relations
• Professional Growth & Development

Education and Experience Required:

• Master's degree in a related behavioral health category
• Has verified professional counseling license or eligible in the State of Connecticut (LCSW, LADC, LPC, LPCA, LMFT, LMFTA)
• Can confidently navigate an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Must have a work history that demonstrates an understanding of a consumer-driven delivery system, accomplishment, punctuality, and the ability to collaborate well with colleagues.
• Must have strong communication skills along with interpersonal skills to work effectively at all levels of the organization and its stakeholders.
• Must be computer literate (Office 365).
• Possess a valid driver's license.
• Must complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire and may be subject to additional screenings as required by agency partners.

Confidentiality: The employee will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. Violation of this agreement may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate dismissal.

Physical Requirements : Frequent sitting, the ability to speak and hear. Frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; stoop, crouch, and kneel. The member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 + pounds, work in an office sitting behind a computer, and interact with clients. Required to be free from communicable diseases and work closely with clients.

Work Environment: The noise level in the work environment is typical of any medical or behavioral health outpatient treatment facility, ranging from low to high, with frequent interaction with individuals in the program and community. In addition to agency-based outpatient offices, clinicians will be assigned to off-site locations (e.g., schools, partner agencies, or community-based sites) as part of service delivery. Flexibility and professionalism are required when working across multiple settings.

Agency Disclaimer: The President & CEO may modify this job description based upon agency needs; may require the employee to perform functions beyond those mentioned and may treat the employee as an at-will employee.