Job Abstract

PHMC is proud to be a leader in public health. PHMC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before the first day of employment. We will offer the vaccination at no cost via our Health Centers.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Mental Health Professional (MHP) serves as the primary therapist to the children and families participating in the program. The MHP functions as the team leader, providing and coordinating community-based mental health services along with the Mental Health Worker (MHW).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and implement systemically based interventions utilizing structural family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavior modification, psychoeducation, and other research-based approaches.
• Provide family and individual treatment to families on the caseload in accordance with FBMHS regulations, agency policies, and good practice standards.
• Work collaboratively with the MHW as well as other systems impacting the family (i.e. family court, child welfare, educational systems, mental/behavioral health providers, etc.).
• Provide services in the client’s home/environment during “non-traditional hours” according to the needs and schedules of families, including evenings and weekends if necessary.
• Conduct initial and ongoing assessment of the client and family, including review of referral information.
• Identify and engage key participants while identifying systemic strengths and needs.
• Complete functional analyses of targeted behaviors/problems within the ecological context.
• Engage the primary caregiver and other key participants in active, change-oriented treatment by identifying and overcoming barriers to engagement and attainment of identified goals.
• Develop and implement initial and ongoing treatment plans with a focus on utilizing strengths and reviewing outcomes regularly using an analytic process.
• Maintain clear and concise documentation of treatment interventions and case development in accordance with reporting and documentation regulations and agency policies.
• Collaborate with all relevant systems and key participants within each system to ensure their “buy-in” and cooperation throughout treatment.
• Provide direct clinical treatment using methods compatible with program principles and practices.
• Participate in all supervision, training, and consultation activities as directed.
• Provide crisis interventions and stabilization 24/7 to clients/families on the caseload.
• Complete all program paperwork to agency standards and submit according to determined time frames.
• Achieve a level of productivity (service hours) within the established range set by the program director.
• Adhere to a professional code of ethics and follow existing federal and state guidelines and laws pertaining to mandated reporting procedures.
• Facilitate the use of Family Support Service Funds within program guidelines.
• Attend all mandatory trainings.
• Complete required in-office hours. Attend weekly group and individual supervision as well as other meetings or appointments as scheduled.
• Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures including confidentiality and reporting suspected child abuse.
• Participate in training/supervision programs as part of the agency's professional development initiative.
• Adhere to the program’s “Whatever It Takes” philosophy.
• Step outside of primary role when necessary for the sake of advancing client progress and/or maintaining program integrity.
• Transport clients to and from appointments, meetings, tasks of daily living, etc.
• Provide direct case management services in collaboration with, or in the absence of, the MHW.

Partnerships and Collaborative Relationships:

• Establish and maintain relationships with provider organizations, regulatory and licensing representatives, and referral sources, establishing effective and productive working relationships while promoting PHMC.
• Represent the organization before various stakeholder groups to maintain visibility.
• Manage regulatory and accreditation contracts.
• Serve on, participate in, and attend various committee meetings.

Contributing to the Team:

• Participate in regular meetings with staff to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good, and communication is open. Develop additional methods for ongoing effective communication.
• Cooperate and communicate as a multi-discipline staff member through formal meetings, informal consultations, and committee participation.
• Model traits of a responsible team member. Execute job responsibilities, open communication, and good follow-through. Support team members to do the same.
• Respond promptly to the concerns and interests of clients, parents, guardians, funding entities, and other PHMC staff.

Trauma-Informed Behavior:

• Demonstrate a commitment to being trauma-informed. Maintain a therapeutic environment and community that promotes safety and nonviolence as the basis for all we do with clients and staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and utilize trauma-informed practices including emotional intelligence, effective communication, understanding of the impact of trauma on development, strengths-based and person-centered practice, resilience focus, and commitment to growth and change.

Administrative Activities:

• Ensure compliance with all of PHMC’s policies and procedures, including confidentiality and acting as a mandated reporter in accordance with the law, policies, and procedures.
• Implement all documentation requirements. Ensure that reports are complete, thorough, timely, and written in the prescribed format. Ensure that team members do the same.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Ability to utilize a collaborative, team-oriented approach
• Knowledge and understanding of:
  • CASSP Principles
  • Social/ecological theory and application
  • Family systems theory and application
  • Cognitive-behavioral theory and clinical application
  • Child and family development
  • Crisis intervention and management
  • DSM-IV TR
• Basic knowledge/understanding of common psychotropic medications
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Strong computer skills in all Microsoft Office applications

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must meet ONE of the following:
  • Graduate degree in psychology, counseling, family therapy, social work, nursing, theology/pastoral counseling, or rehabilitation counseling AND 12+ gradute credit hours in therapy and/or counseling AND 2+ years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services
  • Graduate degree in any other field of human services approved by the Office of Mental Health AND 12+ credit hours of education in therapy and/or counseling AND 3+ years of experience in child and adolescent mental health services
  • Without a graduate degree: Certification in the department-sponsored Family Based Mental Health Services training program AND 4+ years of experience in Family Based Mental Health Services
• 2+ years of experience providing individual and family therapy in community settings
• Experience developing and implementing interventions across multiple systems/settings (i.e. family, peer, school, community, other providers, DHS, Juvenile Probation, etc.)
• Preferred: Licensure in Pennsylvania as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), or Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Criminal background check, child abuse, FBI, and medical clearances, as well as any other required clearances
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle, current registration, and auto insurance

SALARY GRADE: 18

EOE