Behavioral Health Therapist

• Major Responsibilities:
• Conducts comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, formulates, facilitates, and monitors individualized treatment plans and treatment interventions which are clinically appropriate to the stated problems, developmentally focused, measurable and achievable within current anticipated lengths of stay, as well as in accordance with the department's Provision of Care and the departmental policies.
• • Provides quality individual, couple, family and/or group therapy, which are focused on the patient's identified diagnosis and needs. Provides crisis intervention to new and current patients as needed.
  • Provides clinical/therapeutic services to a diverse client population.  Accepts and treats all patients as identified or assigned willingly and with professionalism. Applies brief therapeutic intervention model as appropriate.
  • Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team and contacts families for collateral information and discharge planning.  When appropriate, facilitates family meetings with members of the interdisciplinary team consistent with patient need and/or program standards. 
  • Acts as a liaison with referral sources to ensure continuity of care and discharge planning.  Facilitates timely and appropriate referrals to other AAH levels of care and community resources.
  • In collaboration with clinical supervisor, provides and documents individual and/or group psychotherapy to patients and families. Obtains feedback and documents review from clinical supervisor for all clinical services provided.
  • Provides services consistent with the definition of Qualified Treatment Trainee, DHS 35.03 (17m) (b) and 35.127(2).
  • Accurately completes all documentation responsibilities as outlined in department/service area procedures within established timelines.  Documentation responsibilities include but are not limited to: treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, aftercare plans, records for billing, etc.
  • Actively participates in clinical supervision and peer review activities. Provides consultation with other professionals, including ongoing clinical team treatment staffing.
  • Works cooperatively with other professional and non-professional staff to identify and resolve problems in the service delivery systems, ultimately improving the quality of patient care.
  • Provides community education and outreach, including referral development and marketing efforts to generate new business.  Willingly accepts this as a necessary part of their job above and beyond caseload requirements.
  • Assists with crisis intervention and interviewing with emergencies utilizing proper procedures.
  • Maintains clinical expertise through attendance at appropriate education sessions and periodic case presentation during clinical consultation.
  • Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. 
  • Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures.  Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.
  • Promotes constructive approaches to problem solving within the department and takes an active role in quality improvement programs.

  Licensure, Registration and/or Certification Required:

  • Professional Counselor Training license issued by the state of Wisconsin, or
  • Marriage and Family Therapist Training license issued by the state of Wisconsin, or
  • Social Worker, Adv Practice license issued by the state of Wisconsin or
  • Interim Psychologist License issued by the state of Wisconsin.

  Education Required:

  • Master's Degree in Social Work, or
  • Master's Degree in Counseling, or
  • Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, or.
  • Master's or Doctoral Degree in Psychology, Clinical, or
  • Master's or Doctoral Degree in Psychology, Educational, or
  • Master’s Degree in a related clinical social services field

  Experience Required:

  • Supervised clinical rotations/practicum as part of academic training.

  Supervision Required:

  • Must actively participate in routine clinical supervision provided by a qualified clinical supervisor and outlined by DHS 35 and/or DHS 75 supervision requirements related to the relevant in-training license

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

  • Some positions may be restricted to individuals with Master's Degree in Social Work and the Advanced Practice Social Worker Training License upon hire.
  • Some positions may also require one of the following Substance Abuse licenses upon hire, Substance Abuse Counselor-In-Training, Substance Abuse Counselor, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, or Clinical Supervisor-In-Training.
  • Must exhibit good command of social work knowledge, principles and methods and the ability to apply these in a behavioral health setting.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability to function in a complex mental health delivery system.
  • Demonstrate understanding and operate under DHS 35 and/or 75

  Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

  • Will frequently be required to lift up to 25 lbs. without assistance.
  • Will occasionally be required to lift over 25 lbs. with assistance.
  • May be exposed to the following hazard: mechanical, electrical, chemical, blood and body fluids.
  • Must be able to sit, stand, walk, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist.
  • Must be able to restrain and control patients who are outwardly psychotic or physically combative.
  • Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
  • Any exception to the above requirements must be demonstrated through Employee Health.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.