Outpatient Therapist

Position Title: Outpatient Therapist (PCIT Clinician)

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor

Department:

Administration Adoption Behavior Health HBDS IPS PEP

Face Forward Foster Care Residential TPII

Program:

FLSA Status: Exempt

Non-exempt

Fee-for-Service

Location: Coulter Street

The Juvenile Justice Center of Philadelphia (JJC) is a non-profit, multi-service organization that serves the needs of disadvantaged children, youth and families. Our mission is to maintain families through supportive services, to prevent children and youth from being placed in care, and also to ready families for reunion with their children.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Outpatient Therapist is an integral team member of the Behavior Health department. An Outpatient Therapist for PCIT delivers child centered, family-focused PCIT sessions utilizing the evidence-based approach and protocols. Services are delivered in an office setting with full PCIT specifications and an authorization is not required for this service. Treatment is focused on strengthening the interactive relationship between the young child and the parental figure through play based interactions. The therapist utilizes strategies derived from the principles of attachment and behavior modification to help the child and family reach their goals. Our programs serves children with diagnoses that include but are not limited to: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, PTSD, and severe emotional disturbance. Therapeutic services assist in integration or reintegration into least restrictive school, home, and community based settings.

EDUCATION/CREDENTIALS/EXPERIENCE

Master’s Degree from an accredited university in a clinical mental health discipline, such as: Psychology, Counseling, Clinical Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, and Marriage and Family therapy, for example. The Master’s Degree must include 12 credit hours of clinical coursework in the foundations of behavioral health and the provision of mental health services (i.e., individual, group and family therapy, abnormal psychology, psychopathology, cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic therapy, crisis counseling, assessment, child development, personality theory, psychotherapy lab, clinical practicum). Other courses may count as determined by a review of the transcript/syllabi. At least two (2) years verified experience in the mental health field. One year post Master’s degree experience providing therapy/counseling to children and youth.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• The therapist is assigned the responsibility to ensure that the needs of allocated children and families are being properly cared for. Any concerns about a family or child must be immediately communicated to the Clinical Supervisor or then the next higher administrative position whether in or out of office hours
• A therapist must accept any case assigned to him/her. Discussion around allocations will take place and there is room for negotiation, but the Clinical Supervisor makes the final decision. Once a case is assigned, the therapist has to maintain the responsibility for the case up until a point of transfer of responsibility, this point of transfer being the decision of the Clinical Supervisor. This is to ensure continuity of care.
• The therapist must carry out all instructions of the Psychiatrist, Clinical Supervisor, and Program Director, precisely and in accord with time-lines. If for some reason, the directives or decisions cannot be carried through, the therapist is responsible for immediately communicating the problem to the Clinical Supervisor and Clinic Director; so that revised decisions can be made. This close communication between the therapist and the psychiatrist and Clinic Director is essential and is a major responsibility for therapists.
• If there is an urgent matter or an issue of crisis, the therapist must call one of the emergency mental health facilities for decision making assistance. The Clinical Supervisor and/or Program Director should be informed of these situations immediately.
• The therapist is expected to maintain close communication with any involved outside agencies including other JJC departments, case manager, placing agency representatives, etc. (whichever is applicable).
• The therapist must meet with the assigned caseload in accordance with program policies and procedures.
• The therapist must participate in initial treatment plans, ongoing treatment plans, case reviews and discharge procedures.
• The therapist is responsible for the maintenance of each assigned client’s record. The therapist must complete all paperwork in accordance with the BH policies
• The therapist is responsible for meeting with the Clinical Supervisor and/or Program Director for clinical supervision according to the following BH policies. The onus is on the worker to agenda any issues that are of concern.
• The therapist must work with outside agencies, informing them of progress, adjustment to treatment, and all other pertinent issues pending appropriate consents.
• The therapist must maintain consistent contacts and show rate with individuals on the caseload. The utilization of services is tracked so that feedback can be given in supervision and expectations can be outlined.
• Other duties as outlined by Clinical Supervisor and/or Clinical Director.
• Makes appropriate referrals for clients and families psychological and psychosocial needs as part of the continuing support plan at discharge.
• Administers and interprets assessment instruments.
• The therapist is expected to document outreach efforts to individuals and families.
• Use creative strategies to encourage individuals and families to participate in therapy.
• Represent JJC at community meetings and participate in recruitment events when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Clinical Supervisor or Program Director pertaining to the needs of the department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Routine community and office environment working with children, adolescents and families.
• Employee may be involved in de-escalating client behaviors using JJC approved techniques. Potential exposure to blood borne pathogens.
• Ability to independently utilize routine office equipment.
• The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Availability to work evenings.

Contributing to the team

• Participates in meetings to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good and communications are open.
• Cooperates and communicates as a multi-discipline staff team member through formal meetings, informal discussion and other participation as necessary.
• Models traits of a responsible team member, executing job responsibilities, open communication, good follow through; supports team members to do the same.
• Responds promptly to the concerns and interests of the clients, parents, guardians and funding entities and other JJC staff.

Administrative activities

Ensures compliance with all JJC’s policies and procedures, including confidentiality and reporting suspected abuse in accordance with CPSL, 23 Pa.C.S. § § 6301—6385, and JJC policies and procedures.