BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

Therapist Position

Hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. Days and hours are subject to change.

Job Summary

The therapist functions as a member of a multidisciplinary team to provide treatment, both in group and individually, with the primary purpose of facilitating the development of skills and competencies necessary for the patient's successful community adjustment.

Essential Job Functions

• Completes patient assessments.
• Interviews patients/families/significant others at time of initial presentation to complete psychosocial history and assessment.
• Documents clinical activities within established time frames according to department, hospital and regulatory agency standards.
• Assists the Department's compliance with state, JCAHO and other regulatory agencies.
• Participates in preparation for inspections, surveys and audits.
• Participates in ongoing unit Performance Improvement Activities.
• Communicates effectively with patients/peers/families/treatment team.
• Returns patient/family phone calls and documents.
• Provides peer/treatment team consultation when asked.
• Uses computer as required for E-mail, scheduling, authorizations, insurance tracking, etc.
• Provides and participates in Educational Activities.
• Provides and documents patient/family education.
• Participates in staff education both as participant and presenter.
• Makes recommendations for staff development.
• Serves on Hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Complies with requirements for credentialed status as required.
• Completes timely credentialing/re-credentialing.
• Maintains active licensure.
• Completes C.E.U.'s required for continued licensure.
• Delivers presentations to other agencies and groups pertaining to the services provided by the PHP.
• Serves on hospital committees and participates in other related projects as directed.
• Orders program supplies, maintains inventory of supplies.
• Orients, assigns and supervises volunteers used in the program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialty Functions

1. Participates as a multidisciplinary team member.
2. Develops individualized treatment plans.
3. Shares clinical input with peers.
4. Provides input in the development of overall program planning and policy development.
5. Implements individual treatment plans.
6. Conducts psychoeducational, verbal and creative/expressive groups.
7. Records patient's understanding and level of participation.
8. Functions as a primary therapist.
9. Utilizes major treatment modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT, and insight oriented therapy.
10. Documents patient's understanding, level of participation and response to therapeutic modalities.
11. Maintains clinical records in accordance with the policies of Excela Health and all other accrediting and licensing agencies.
12. Participates in periodic chart audits.
13. Maintains record of authorization and reauthorization for service by managed care entities.
14. Regularly interfaces with psychiatrist.
15. Provides summaries of patient's progress and response to treatment.
16. Develops discharge strategies and plan for follow-up treatment.
17. Maintains knowledge of community resources.
18. Coordinates and integrates use of community-based services to support patients and augment therapeutic efforts.
19. Develops and maintains resource library for patients and families.
20. Maintains ongoing liaison with the inpatient unit in order to assure continuity of care.
21. Presents in group format on inpatient, programs about the PHP.
22. Collaborates with social workers to link inpatients appropriate for the PHP.
23. Provides orientation to clients entering the program.
24. Explains treatment philosophy and areas of patient responsibility.
25. Assists patients in making insurance, transportation or other arrangements supportive of program participation.
26. Utilizes agencies and community-based services as necessary

Required Qualifications

• Master's Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related Human Service degree.
• One (1) or more years' experience in clinical setting or equivalent work-related experience.
• At least one (1) years' experience in the provision of psychiatric rehabilitative services to seriously and persistently ill adults. One (1) or more years prior experience in provision of individual and group psychotherapy in a clinical setting/or equivalent work-related experience.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

• Knowledge of Payor/Insurance Benefits
• Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office)
• Knowledge of basic Office Equipment such as copier, fax machine, etc.
• Creativity in treatment in various settings including inpatient, skilled nursing and outpatient clinics
• Ability to transition smoothly between various treatment settings.
• Ability to understand and react effectively to the unique needs of the population served.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a managed care environment.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program.
• Professional Licensure (LCSW, LSW, LPC, LMFT or licensed psychologist).
• Act 33 with renewal
• Act 34 with renewal
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal
• Ability to be credentialed with local insurance providers

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between Excela Health locations.

LEAN

• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements. Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one's own motivation, morale, performance and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela's missions, vision and values.

AAP/EEO

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.

Work Environment

Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.