Behavioral Health Therapist

Summary

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, serving as a therapist and Case Manager for patients in the Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program. The therapist is responsible for planning and delivery of therapy and educational services to patients, and, if indicated, to their families and significant others; monitoring and managing patient behavior to maintain the therapeutic environment and patient safety; performing admission, discharge, and utilization review functions; and effectively marketing the program. Other functions may be assigned.

Responsibilities (Percentaged)

• 40% Responsible for group therapy and psycho‑educational groups, individual therapy sessions; collateral contacts and family sessions.
• 20% Assess patients upon admission, collect data to determine current status, and collaboratively set treatment goals with patients.
• 20% Screen program applicants, provide admissions information, or make recommendations for alternative appropriate treatment and setting.
• 10% Participate in improving patients' physical and mental health and maintaining patient safety.
• 10% Maintain program patient medical records accurately, legibly, using approved format, timely and following all procedures.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in admission process, including orientation of new patients.
• Provide group or individual therapy for patients.
• Document Bio‑Psycho‑Social Assessments, Continuing Care Plans, Admission Reviews, Problem Lists, Discharge Summaries and Treatment Planning.
• Serve as group therapy facilitator and individual therapist for patients.
• Conduct group and individual educational sessions for patients, family members and significant others.
• Provide individual/conjoint therapy to patients, family members and significant others.
• Participate in patient progress review meetings.
• Respond appropriately to patient conditions utilizing critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate effective and pleasant interpersonal relations.
• Demonstrate ability to be flexible in a changing work environment.
• Verify patients' insurance, obtain authorization to bill for treatment and ensure program meets insurance company criteria for reimbursement.
• Participate in data collection as needed to analyze the success of the program and other quality metrics.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures related to employment, safety, program provision and operations.
• Be familiar with Michigan Mental Health Code (Recipient Rights, Confidentiality, Abuse and Neglect, Duty to Warn).
• Demonstrate competency in infection prevention and control practices and policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

• Recipient Rights: Required within 1 month of hire or transfer and annually.
• BLS (Basic Life Support): Required within 1 month of hire or transfer.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention): Required within 6 months of hire or transfer.
• MSW: Licensed Master of Social Work, Licensed Psychologist in the State of Michigan required. LPC or LLP may also be accepted. Limited‑license employees must actively work to obtain full licensure and obtain it within 1 year of employment.
• Team Advanced: Techniques for Effective Aggression Management: Required within 6 months of hire or transfer.
• Fingerprinting.
• iChat: annually on hire date.

Required Education

• Master's degree is required.
• Master's in Social Work or Doctorate in Psychology.

Required Experience, Training and Skills

• Minimum 1 year of delivery of mental health services within the previous 5 years.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate effectively with individuals and groups at all levels.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions

• Exposure to stressful situations, including public contact, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex or an appropriate substitute.
• Can move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must perform job functions as outlined.
• Vision and hearing sufficient with or without assistive devices.
• Required to sit/stand/walk for long periods; may require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Exposure to blood‑borne pathogens; must follow MidMichigan Health testing requirements.
• Handle multiple tasks, work independently, attend regularly and stay alert.
• Dexterity required for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling; may require repetition.
• Physical Demand Level: Light. Must occasionally (0–33% of the workday) lift or carry 11–20 lbs, frequently (34–66% of the workday) 10 lbs, and/or walk/stand/push/pull arm/leg controls.