Child and Family Therapist

Sea Mar Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) founded in 1978, is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in serving Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons without regard to race, ethnicity, immigration status, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 medical, dental, and behavioral health clinics and a wide variety of nutritional, social, and educational services. Behavioral Health Child & Family Therapist - Posting #26162 Position Summary: Sea Mar Behavioral Health in Monroe, WA is hiring a full‑time Child and Family Therapist. The Child and Family Therapist provides individual and/or family therapy, case management, crisis stabilization, treatment planning, and may lead groups. In addition, the therapist will provide referrals and coordinate with medication providers, primary physicians, and other community partners. Must have the ability to accurately diagnose mental health issues and develop treatment plans based upon diagnosis. Must be willing to work later hours (after 5 pm) on some days, and will require work within schools or other non-traditional settings. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist in ensuring agency compliance with WAC’s, RCW’s, and other pertinent laws, regulations, and contracts. Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures as directed by the Program Director. Educate staff regarding the process for mental health service referrals and psycho‑educational topics (suicide risk assessment, behavior modification, etc.) as directed by the Program Manager. Maintain documentation of mental health services, and follow through in patient charts. Provide developmentally and culturally appropriate formal and informal diagnostic assessments for each patient during the program. Document outcomes, justify diagnoses, and communicate with collaborative partners regarding outcomes and recommendations. Demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, specifically children and families. Provide information about assessments and involve family members as active participants in the assessment process and in treatment planning, where appropriate. Collaborate with other professionals in conducting family‑centered assessments and treatment planning, when appropriate. Demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span. Able to identify and categorize each patient’s age‑specific grouping of needs, such as those for infant, adolescent, adult or geriatric patients. Refer patients to psychiatric and medication management services as appropriate. Gather record materials and background information as needed by the community mental health center and actively collaborate with the psychiatric service provider to ensure accuracy of presentation and that identified needs are addressed. Provide monitoring regarding the effects of medications, and give feedback to the psychiatrist regarding effects/side‑effects. Provide individual and/or family counseling, in coordination with other system as needed. Provide suicide risk assessment and develop treatment plans to address suicidal ideation or gestures. Use case management as needed to provide follow‑through and build community support. Provide other crisis stabilization as needed. Gather information regarding past mental health services to be used in the individual’s treatment plan development. Provide mental health services referrals to patients prior to or following admission, and exchange information with outside service providers. Support other staff regarding mental health needs of staff or patients. Maintain confidentiality, prevent splitting between staff and patients, and offer concrete ideas on handling challenging situations. Productivity Standard Produce a minimum of 80 encounters that will equal at least 80 hours of face‑to‑face contact. Qualifications Understanding of the Behavioral Health Organization, County, and/or MCO contracts with the ability to tier clients in a managed care system. Ability to work effectively with all persons and groups with an open mind towards cultural differences and knowledge of cultures. Ability to accurately diagnose mental health issues and develop treatment plans based upon diagnoses. Ability to NOT diagnose behavioral problems as mental illnesses unless appropriate. Understanding of chemical dependency treatment and ability to coordinate mental health services with chemical dependency treatment providers if necessary. Must complete an annual clinical competency test as a mental health therapist. Must sign a permanent oath of confidentiality covering all patient‑related information. Must pass a background check. Education/Experience Master’s degree in psychology, counseling, or social work which includes coursework in psychological diagnostics is required. Must meet WAC requirements for a Mental Health Professional. CMHS preferred or must be willing to work towards this. English/Spanish bilingual preferred. Computer proficiency with Cerner and MS Office and other medical software. Experience with evidence‑based models and wrap‑around services preferred. Experience working with children and families required. What We Offer Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people a fulfilling career with opportunities for advancement. Full‑time employees working 30 hours or more receive an excellent benefit package of: Medical Vision Prescription coverage Life insurance Long‑term disability EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Paid‑time‑off starting at 24 days per year + 10 paid holidays We also offer 401(k)/Retirement options and an exciting opportunity to work in a culturally diverse environment. Sea Mar is an Equal Opportunity Employer Sea Mar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is represented by Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU). External candidates will be considered after 2/29/2024. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sea Mar Community Health Centers