Community Action Treatment (CAT) Team Therapist

Position Summary Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking applicants for the Community Action Treatment (CAT) Team Counselor who will work with a multi-disciplinary team that provides intensive, comprehensive community-based services to youths ages eleven (11) to twenty-one (21). The CAT Team is a safe and effective alternative to out-of-home placement for children with serious behavioral health challenges. The CAT Team supports the goals of the youth and family by enabling them to sustain themselves within their family system and community. Youth involved in the juvenile justice system are required to receive and are benefited from mental health and substance use services. These services include peer-led, social-skills groups and opportunities to practice those skills in the thoughtful decision-making. If you are willing to take the challenge of leading a group of eight to ten teenagers with criminal charges as they navigate anger management and the decision-making process regarding their substance use, in addition, be willing to attend court and meet kids individually to assess their mental health and substance use needs; and finally, provide case management thorough collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and connection to community resources to assist youth in compliance with probation sanctions and expectations, this is a position for you. The CAT Team Therapist provides services that help referred families and clients link to needed medical, social, educational, psychiatric, psychological, and other services. This includes direct assistance accessing services, care coordination, the entire case’s oversight, and linkage to appropriate services. BCI’s CAT Team Therapist, using evidenced-based service models, conducts screenings, assessments, and group sessions for persons experiencing substance use and often co-occurring mental health disorders. Applicants must be outgoing and enjoy working with the public, professional, and para-professional team. Have the ability to collaborate and communicate with BCI departments and external stakeholders. Must be able to multi-task and remain professional at all times to ensure that each client has a positive and helpful therapeutic experience. Duties / Responsibilities Some of the job tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Provide community and office-based behavioral health care services for individuals with substance use disorders through the Intensive Outpatient CAT Team Program. Communicate with community-based partners, complete initial triage assessments, and recommend levels of care for adolescent referrals made to the CAT Team. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, facilitate substance use groups using evidence-based practices, and complete clinical documentation for each participant. Engage in collaborative treatment planning within a Recovery Oriented System of Care (ROSC) approach. Provide linkage to other community services as needed through direct Care Coordination. Ensure a safe, therapeutic environment while adhering to all safety standards, Federal and State regulations, and corporate policies. Demonstrate the ability to work as an active team member and perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Complete comprehensive evaluations addressing youth needs, abilities, strengths, and preferences, including relevant family dynamics. Develop treatment plans and reviews collaboratively with other team members, addressing youth and family factors. Work with families to implement treatment plans, emphasizing resilience and autonomy. Provide individual, family, and group treatment sessions. Participate in staffings and consultations in community settings such as schools, workplaces, and recreational environments. Assist families in establishing natural support systems to provide ongoing support during and after program participation. Educate and support family members to increase knowledge about mental illness, promote collaboration in the treatment process, and enhance youth progress. Regularly attend organizational staff meetings to review client progress, coordinate treatment activities, and support team problem-solving. Participate in ongoing staff training focused on developing skills to treat youth with Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED) and young adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI). Complete all client-related documentation in accordance with BCI policies, component guidelines, and contract provisions. Make referrals for client services as indicated. Maintain flexibility to meet client needs, including working a non-traditional schedule as directed. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to display sensitivity all persons and cultures. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills. Minimum Requirements Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related human services field. Two (2) years of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families preferred. Bilingual/bicultural English and Spanish preferred (not required). Applicants must be able to pass an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Medicaid and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Level II background check, National Sex Offender Registry search, Office of Inspector General (OIG) check (if you have previously worked for DCF (including Contract or Subcontract Provider)), drug screen, and Tuberculosis (TB) test. Applicants must be at least twenty‑one (21) years old and possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with no more than three (3) points on their driving record to be insured under BCI’s automobile insurance policy. Benefits Offered Eleven (11) Paid Holidays Seventeen (17) days per year of PTO 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Health Care / Dependent Care Reimbursement Program Employer Paid $15,000.00 Life Insurance Teladoc Health Insurance Vision / Dental Insurance Working Conditions Work Schedule: Monday – Friday; forty (40) hours per week Work Location: Travel between Fort Walton Beach (FWB) and Crestview (CV) locations Wage: The wage for this position is $25.00 per hour Important Information NOTE: APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT MEET MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. ALL APPLICANTS ARE SUBJECT TO DRUG TESTING. BRIDGEWAY CENTER, INC. (BCI) IS A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AND AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER #J-18808-Ljbffr