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 service to 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.

We are recruiting for the following position: Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization Full-time Child and Family Therapist position available at Sea Mar's Behavioral Health Department in Bellingham, WA.

The Child and Family Therapist provides individual and/or family therapy, case management, crisis stabilization, treatment planning, and may lead groups. Additionally, will provide referrals and coordination 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 in Whatcom County. This position is based 2 days in rural schools. It requires your own transportation and mileage is reimbursed. Clinical supervision hours towards licensure is provided for free.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in insuring agency compliance with WAC's, RCW's, and other pertinent laws, regulations, and contracts.
• Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures as directed by the Program Director.
• Educates staff regarding the process for mental health service referrals and regarding 'psycho educational topics' (suicide risk assessment, behavior modification, etc.) as directed by the Program Manager.
• Maintains 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 the collaborative partners regarding outcomes and recommendations. It is suggested that this individual communicate with the Primary Care Physicians, Substance Abuse Counselors, schools, case workers, or others involved in the care of the patient.
• 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 the 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 (See Policies and Procedures). Actively collaborate with the psychiatric service provider to insure accuracy of presentation and that identified needs are addressed.
• Provide monitoring regarding the effects of medications, and feedback to the psychiatrist regarding effects/sideeffects.
• 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 as follow-through.
• 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.

Produce a minimum of 80 encounters that will equal at least 80 hours of face-to-face contact.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An understanding of the Behavioral Health Organization, County, and/or MCO contracts with the ability to tier clients in a managed care system. The ability to work effectively with all persons and groups with an open mind towards cultural differences and knowledge of cultures.
• The ability to accurately diagnose mental health issues and develop treatment plans based upon diagnoses. The ability to NOT diagnose behavioral problems as mental illnesses unless appropriate.
• An understanding of chemical dependency treatment and an 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.
• The Child and Family Clinical Therapist must sign a permanent oath of confidentiality covering all patient related information.
• This person must pass a background check.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Master's degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, or social work, which includes course-work in psychological diagnostics.
• For a licensed therapist, must have a license in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT), Mental Health Counseling (LMHC), or Social Work (LICSW or LASW).
• License or mental health Associate License (includes Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, and Clinical Social Worker).
• Must possess a Child Mental Health Specialist credential or be working towards credential.
• MUST meet WAC requirements for a Mental Health Professional.
• 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.
• Bilingual Spanish/English highly desirable.

Hourly - Hourly Plan, 33.23 USD Hourly

What We Offer:

Sea Mar offers talented and motivated people the opportunity to work in a dynamic and growing community health organization. Working at Sea Mar Community Health Centers is more than just a job, it’s a fulfilling career with opportunity for advancement. The fringe benefits surpass most companies. For example, Full-time employees working 30 hours or more, receive an excellent benefit package of:

• Medical Dental 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 Community Health Centers, 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 service to Latinos in Washington State. Sea Mar proudly serves all persons regardless of their ability to pay for services. Sea Mar's network of services includes more than 90 clinics.