Mental Health Therapist

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois

Effective Date: March 1, 2024


NON-MANAGEMENT JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Mental Health Therapist

Exempt/Non-exempt: EXEMPT


Immediate Supervisor: Clinical Manager


Salary Range: $62,515 - $67,515

Benefits: Click Here to view LCFS' Full-Time Employee Benefits.

Essential Functions:

1. Primarily responsible for conducting individual, family and group counseling sessions to assess clients' needs, concerns, and goals and provide appropriate therapeutic interventions. This includes being an effective member of the child and family team and advocating for those served and working closely with other identified team members to meet the goals of those served. May work extended hours evenings and weekends. May travel in high-risk communities.


2. Works independently and consistently exercises discretion and sound judgement in providing counseling services as well as stabilization and support. Perform thorough assessments to understand clients' emotional, mental, and social backgrounds and create personalized treatment plans.


3. Demonstrates the ability to function autonomously and manage workload with minimal administrative supervision. Demonstrates ability to conceptualize advanced therapeutic treatment models and utilize there on clients behalf through the course of treatment. Completes all required documentation including high quality program prescribed assessments, treatment plans, confidential client records, and progress notes in compliance with legal and ethical guidelines in the required timeframe.


4. Ability to navigate electronic health record system and create electronic health records.


5. Plans and organizes work schedule to meet clinical and consultation responsibilities. Responsible for thorough, timely and accurately written documentation for the client file. Consults with Collateral contacts as needed and ensures confidentiality of client in accordance with applicable laws and agency policy. Records all necessary information in the prescribed data systems.


6. Meets with and provides clinical supervision to students or staff as assigned by the Manager of Clinical Services or the Clinical Director, meeting all requirements of the student's placement.


7. Meets annual expectations for training and certification. Acquires ongoing skills and knowledge through participation in the supervisory process, and attendance to meetings and conferences both within and outside the Agency.


8. Prepared to address critical situations and provide immediate crisis intervention and support to clients in distress.


9. Serves as an expert on trauma informed treatment for those served and all other team members


10. Secures and maintains evidence of expertise as a trauma-informed clinical service provider.


11. Develops a working knowledge of community resources which may be beneficial to those served.


12. Provides professional presentations as requested or required.


13. Develops collaborative, ongoing professional relationships with other professionals both within and external to the agency, who are involved in the welfare of those served.


14. Perform other duties as assigned.


Background and Driving Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy. Candidates must also possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver's license and must not have had a suspended or revoked driver's license within the past three years.

Knowledge and Ability Requirements:
• Knowledgeable of and experienced with a variety of evidence and trauma -informed treatment approaches to clinical work with individuals, couples, families and groups. All treatment approaches utilized must be approved by the Agency.
• Performs their work in a consistent manner and demonstrates the WIDE (Welcoming, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) values of LCFS. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and competence; appreciates the impact on groups that have been historically marginalized (people of color, LGBTQ community, women, migrants) and works actively to address these issues
• Ability to complete quality documentation including Individualized Assessments and Treatment Plan and Medicaid billing notes.
• Knowledge of and ability to understand the Illinois Mental Health Code, Confidentiality Act and the Illinois Child Abuse and Reporting Act.
• Ability to lead discussions, conceptualize well and communicate effectively; advocate for families and youth served; mobilize and educate families about formal and informal resources to support them.


Education and Experience:

Must meet the qualifications of a Qualified Mental Health Professional as defined in Rule 132 of the Illinois Mental Health Code. One of the following:
• A licensed social worker (LSW) possessing at least a master's degree in social work and licensed under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act [225 ILCS 20] with specialized training in mental health services or with at least 2 years' experience in mental health services;
• A licensed professional counselor possessing at least a master's degree and licensed under the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing Act [225 ILCS 107] with specialized training in mental health services or with at least two years' experience in mental health services;
• An individual possessing at least a master's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, or family therapy or related field, who has successfully completed a practicum or internship that included a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised direct service in a mental health setting, or who has one year of clinical experience under the supervision of a QMHP.
• Experience working in a child welfare agency preferred.


Physical Demands and Other Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms. Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to have valid driver's license, auto insurance and must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. The work environment characteristics include a noise level which is usually low to moderate.


Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making:

Diversity and Inclusion/ Professionalism: In all aspects of their work presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.


Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintain confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/ oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.


Communication/ Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors. Able to successfully share skills and concepts with others and works effectively with others under time and environmental pressures.


Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.


Other Responsibilities: All other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.


LCFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer