Therapist

FLSA Exemption Statement

This position is classified as exempt under the Learned Professional Exemption of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Therapist position requires advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning customarily acquired through prolonged specialized academic instruction, specifically a master’s degree in a behavioral health field such as psychology, social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or related discipline. The position requires consistent exercise of professional judgment and discretion in the assessment, diagnosis, and clinical treatment of clients with mental health and substance use disorders. The Therapist performs work that is predominantly intellectual in character and requires the application of specialized clinical knowledge in providing individual, family, and group therapy services. The position is compensated on a salary basis at a rate that meets or exceeds the minimum threshold established under federal law.

Summary:

The Therapist provides clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment services to adults receiving mental health and co-occurring substance use disorder services at New Hope CORPS. The position is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapeutic interventions through individual, family, and group counseling. The Therapist monitors client progress maintains accurate and timely clinical documentation and collaborates with internal staff and external providers to ensure coordinated and effective care. This role supports clients in achieving recovery, stability, and improved functioning while maintaining compliance with agency policies, ethical standards, and applicable state and federal regulations.

Essential Responsibilities and Target Outcomes:

·         Completes assessment tool, integrates pertinent information to establish diagnosis, and analyzes data to create clinical formulation within designated timeframe. 

·         Develop achievable goals with clients, with measurable and behavioral objectives within designated timeframes. Monitors treatment progress and provides updates within identified timeframes and as necessary.

·         Performs individual, family and group treatment utilizing evidence-based practices to facilitate positive strength-based change.  Collaborate with other providers by providing all pertinent clinical information in a timely manner.  Completes documentation within designated timeframes.

·         Secures reimbursement through obtaining authorizations; electronically, in writing or on the phone, providing accurate documentation and the timely submission of progress notes.

·         Other duties as assigned.

Principal Customers.

Individuals 18 years and older referred to or seeking mental health and/or co-occurring treatment.

Critical Work Relationships:

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DCF, Probation, Jail Diversion, attorneys, substance abuse treatment centers, all area hospitals, visiting nurse, organizations, conservators, billing, department of Public Health, vocational services, primary care physicians and all other medical providers involved in client care.

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in behavioral health (psychology, social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy or alcohol and drug counseling) preferred.

College Diploma, license eligible or Licensed in the State of FL (LCSW, LMFT, Phd, PsyD)

·         Minimum of two years of group and /or individual experience with the co-occurring population.

·         Demonstrates beginner to intermediate experience with Microsoft Office products including Word and Outlook. 

·         Experience in, or the ability or willingness to learn how to use an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system which includes appointment scheduling, authorization tracking, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes and discharge summaries.

·         Demonstrate knowledge of Harm Reduction Model and resources available to substance abusing population.

·         Demonstrates understanding and / or willingness to learn Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment model.

·         Demonstrate knowledge of physical, medical, and pharmacological issues related to substance abuse. Educates clients on issues associated with chemical dependency treatment.

·         Demonstrate knowledge of Cognitive Behavioral therapy and other evidence-based practices.

·         Express ideas clearly and objectively orally and in writing as is necessary.

·         Communicates information and constructive concerns to appropriate people in appropriate time and manner.

·         Works cooperatively to accomplish group, program and agency wide goals.

·         Maintains client confidentiality in accordance to agency policy and guiding state and federal regulations.

·         Responds to crisis situations and triages appropriately, through communicating clearly with professionals -internal and external – to meet presenting client needs.

·         Provides referrals and linkage to community and internal resources as necessary to address client need.  

·         Meets productivity standards established and documented with supervisor.

·         Demonstrates ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of client information and records in a manner consistent with professional and agency codes of ethics.

·         Demonstrates awareness/sensitivity to all types of issues related to client diversity, including cultural, ethnic, language, gender preference, sexual orientation, physical handicap and spiritual diversity.