Therapist -FFT-FC

Functional Family Therapy- Foster Care Therapist

Functional Family Therapy- Foster Care (FFT FC) is an evidenced based in-home clinical intervention with a relational focus on the family unit for DCF-involved children receiving clinical treatment within a Therapeutic Foster Care setting. In addition to clinical treatment, FFT FC also offers corresponding case management services. Birth Families and Foster Families are the primary unit of intervention. FFT FC is built on the core FFT model; it is completed once with the foster family and again with the birth family when the youth is reunified.

The FFT-FC Therapist Coordinates all aspects of outreach clinical treatment for assigned clients in therapeutic foster care, utilizing the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model. Provides family therapy, case management and crisis intervention. Works with foster care team members to coordination care. Maintains contact with and consults with relevant collaborative parties. Participates as full member of the clinical team and the program and is responsible for maintaining client records.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments including review of referral information, identifying and engaging key participants, identifying protective and risks factors, and developing analysis of hierarchy and relational assessment within the family
• Provides assessment and treatment interventions consistent with fidelity to evidence-based model.
• Provides reunification services to child in placement and family of origin
• Performs home and community-based care to address clinical needs of clients through model adherent FFT FC interventions.
• Continually assess for levels of engagement of all key participants and collaborate with supervisor and stakeholders to overcome barriers to engagement
• Documents ongoing client progress and outcomes consistent with model fidelity.
• Demonstrates competency in age related or specialty issues and developmental needs for each population served.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with family members and other service providers.
• Provides crisis assessment and intervention to monitor status of clients in crisis.
• Participate in on-call rotation system, responding to families via phone during times of crisis
• Works with clients to develop appropriate discharge plans consistent with model and contract requirements with step down to support services and readmission to FFT as needed.
• Maintains clear and concise model adherent documentation of sessions and collateral contacts that promote monthly supervisory review according to agency policy
• Participates in weekly supervision, consultation, and meetings to review client and program progress.
• Attends all required FFT trainings and utilizes videotaping as required
• Complete Care4 documentation as required

Essential Qualifications/Skills

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Psychology, or related Behavioral Health field of study.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and at least one year experience providing clinical services to children and/or families.
• Preference given to candidates that have the following knowledge base:

1. Home based therapy,
2. Family Systems theory
3. Cognitive Behavioral therapies
4. Trauma reactions and impact on brain development
5. Managing emotional dysregulation due to complex trauma
6. Knowledge of racial disparities within behavioral health services,
7. Child development and its application in treatment.
8. Experience providing Function Family Therapy.

Licensure/Certification/Registration: At minimum LMSW, LMFT-A, LPC-A. Licensed preferred as LCSW, LMFT, LPC, or Licensed psychologist.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bi-lingual (Spanish)

Supervisory Responsibilities

• N/A

Physical Demands

• Must be able to climb several flights of stairs
• Must be able to work with clients in a variety of settings
• Must be able to lift 35lbs

Working Conditions and Environment

• Must be willing to drive to off-campus sites for in-home visits and collaborative meetings
• Must be willing to conduct client activities during late afternoon and evening times and/or weekend hours.