Clinical Therapist

Job Description

Overview: 

The Therapist provides clinical assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy services to individuals with Mental Health Disorders, Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders within outpatient and residential/detox levels of care. The therapist utilizes evidence-based practices, facilitates individual, family and group therapy, coordinates multidisciplinary care, and ensures compliance with Joint Commission standards, state regulatory requirements, and organizational policies. The Therapist promotes recovery-oriented care, trauma-informed practices, and patient-centered treatment while maintaining accurate clinical documentation and participating in quality improvement activities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Follow all facility policies and procedures and conduct selves in a way conducive with Elevare Behavioral Health’s employee handbook. 

Maintains a high level of customer service demonstrating versatility and flexibility with quick changes of priorities. Carries a caseload as assigned by the Clinical Director coinciding with state regulations, capacity and census needs. 

Provide individual, group, and family therapy utilizing evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, MI, Seeking Safety). Facilitate psychoeducational and process groups in accordance with program curriculum. 

Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, admission assessments and contributes to ASAM-aligned level of care determinations. Assess, Manage and Report risk factors including: suicidality, self-harm and relapse. 

Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary team. 

Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment interventions accordingly. Support crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed. 

Complete all clinical documentation within required timeframes (assessments, progress notes, treatment plans, discharge summaries). 

Ensure documentation demonstrates medical necessity using ASAM dimensions and DSM-5 criteria. Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records in the electronic health record (EHR). Adhere to all federal, state, and accreditation standards (TJC, HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2). 

Attends and participates in continuing education opportunities to maintain and expand knowledge and credentials. 

Participate in weekly multidisciplinary treatment team meetings. 

Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings. 

Collaborate with medical, nursing, case management, and support staff to ensure coordinated care. 

Communicate effectively with referral sources and family members (as appropriate and authorized). 

Assist in discharge planning, including aftercare and relapse prevention planning. Coordinate transitions between levels of care to support step-down continuity. 

Ensure appropriate referrals and links to community resources. This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the Therapist role. 

Additional duties may be assigned based on program needs and operational requirements. 

The Therapist is responsible for maintaining compliance with all applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements including facility policies and procedures, patient confidentiality under HIPAA, and substance use treatment confidentiality protections under 42 CFR Part 2. 

The Therapist must maintain professional boundaries and always uphold patient rights. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education: Master’s degree in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy or related behavioral health field from an accredited institution. 

Experience/Knowledge: 2+ years’ experience in substance use or mental health treatment Experience working in detoxification, inpatient or residential behavioral health settings Must have knowledge and experience working in Microsoft suites, including but not limited to: Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint 

License/Certifications: 

Active and unrestricted state licensure required, such as: LPC – Licensed Professional Counselor LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker LMFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist LCPC / LPCC / LMHC (state equivalent) Licensure must allow independent clinical practice within the state of employment. 

A valid driver license in the residing state with a clean driving record Current CPR certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire Crisis prevention or de-escalation training (CPI or equivalent) as required by facility policy. Competencies: Knowledge of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. Understanding of ASAM criteria and levels of care. Ability to demonstrate medical necessity in documentation. Crisis management and de-escalation skills. Documentation timeliness and quality audit scores. 

Patient engagement and retention (e.g., reduced AMA/ATA rates). Group facilitation effectiveness. Treatment plan completion and updates. 

Patient satisfaction scores. 

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods 

• Ability to assist patients in emergency situations 

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds 

• Ability to respond quickly to behavioral or medical emergencies

• Carries a caseload as assigned by the Clinical Director coinciding with state regulations, capacity and census needs.
• Provide individual, group, and family therapy utilizing evidence-based modalities (e.g., CBT, DBT, MI, Seeking Safety).
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, admission assessments and contributes to ASAM-aligned level of care determinations.

• 2+ years’ experience in substance use or mental health treatment
• Active and unrestricted state licensure required
• EducationMasters Degree/Ph.D
• ExperienceEntry Level (0-2 years)

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision

Elgin, IL