The Therapist provides specialized individual and group therapies for clients with alcohol and drug abuse diagnoses. They are responsible for conducting chemical dependency evaluations and collaborating with a treatment team to develop recovery and relapse prevention plans.
Requirements summary
Requires a health-related degree or Florida state certification, with a Master's degree preferred and at least 2 years of experience with chemical dependency or dual-diagnosed clients. Candidates must be licensed or working toward certification and possess knowledge of DSM V and Joint Commission Standards.
INTERRELATIONSHIPS: Maintains open communication lines with Program Directors, Director of Operations, Executive Director, Case Managers, HR, other corporate staff, attending clinicians and physicians, clients and families. Liaisons with client’s family members, significant others, community agencies, payers of health care services, and others, as assigned by the Clinical Director.
Position
PURPOSE: The Therapist is responsible for providing specialized individual and group therapies for those clients whose diagnosis includes the presence of an alcohol and/or other drug abuse or dependence diagnosis. He or she is also responsible for conducting Chemical Dependency Evaluations and working closely with other treatment team members to address the client’s alcohol/drug issues. He/she functions under the guidance of their licensure, registration and/or certification and in accordance with the regulations, rules, and requirements of State of Florida and Federal government and accrediting organizations. WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT 1.
Environmental
CONDITIONS: Hours of work are structured in an eight (8) hour block but may be subject to irregular hours based on the facility’s needs and on call schedule. Position requires work in a temperature controlled environment; 80% - 90% of the time spent indoors. Potential exposure to violent situations. Routine tasks do not create potential exposure to airborne/blood-borne pathogens or other potentially infectious materials. 2.
Physical &
MENTAL
DEMANDS: See Attachment 3.
Machines/Equipmentprograms
USED: Computer Calculator Fax/Copy/Scanner Machine Telephone System Microsoft Office Electronic Medical Record 4.
JOB
Category
Universal
PRECAUTIONS: Routine tasks do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues. 5.
Personal
Protective
EQUIPMENT: None 6.
Potential
Workplace
HAZARDS: None 7.
Potential
Workplace
VIOLENCE: Med/High Risk Level OTHER AREAS 1.
Supervision
Provided
TO
POSITION: Direct supervision is provided by the Clinical Director on a weekly basis, and as needed on a daily basis. 2.
Performance/Proficiency
STANDARDS: Performance standards are integrated within the position responsibilities. The principle functions of the position identified shall not be considered as a complete description of the all the work requirements and expectations that may be inherent in the position. 3.
REASON
FOR
JOB
RESPONSIBILTY/FUNCTION: To assist clients understand their problems and what causes them to engage in addictive behavior. To help clients understand ways to cope and potentially incorporate methods, such as the 12-step program, to help clients toward recovery/relapse prevention SPECIFIC AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY TO POSITION Demonstrates knowledge of chemical dependency and addictions and utilizes knowledge and skills to access and meet the client’s treatment needs and requirements. Documents on a regular basis within the electronic medical record - client chart. Facilitates team interaction for discharge planning regarding client chemical dependency issues and needs. Shares pertinent information with treatment team as obtained from client, client’s family members, or significant others. Participates as a team member in all treatment team meetings and provides input regarding clients and chemical abuse and dependency treatment needs and requirements. Discusses with clients relapse warning signs and relapse prevention techniques and strategies and develops plans accordingly. Documents provided services in progress notes in a clear, concise, timely manner. Assist the client(s) in developing measurable chemical dependency related discharge goals and objectives. Provides pertinent client information based on chemical dependency evaluation, and group and individual session interactions, to assist in the client treatment process. Assists in developing chemical abuse and dependency aspects of treatment plans and treatment plan updates in collaboration with other treatment team members. Acts as a liaison to community agencies providing chemical dependency and abuse services. Provides community awareness education and in-services on behalf of the agency. Knowledge of program policies and procedures. Shares pertinent information with team as obtained from clients or family throughout program. Collaborates with the medical staff to provide chemical dependency treatment services. Attends daily staffing meetings. Documents client progress/regression according to established policies and procedures Continues with educational courses and in-services training, per policies and procedures Maintains up to date competencies. Updates knowledge of community resources on a continuous basis. Maintains CPR certification. Conducts chemical dependency group and individual counseling sessions. Responds positively to changing situations in the work setting. Ability to work as a team member, demonstrating maturity under stress and objectivity. Demonstrates good communication skills. Performs in a professional manner and role models a positive image of mental health. Reports abuse of clients’ rights immediately. Participates in obtaining the client’s informed consent for procedures, treatments, and research, as appropriate.
Knowledge re: Baker Act procedure, and knowledge of team member’s responsibilities in Baker Act situations. Provides groups as scheduled. Participates in Performance Improvement monitoring and evaluating activities. Acts decisively and effectively in managing staff, clients, and other employees during emergency situation. Performs other capacities as needed. Recognizes and acknowledges and treats co-occurring issues by helping client to adhere to medication management as well as established protocols for different diagnoses. Participates in the clinical on-call rotation QualificationsPOSITION REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS 1.
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a health-related degree or a certification recognized by the state of Florida. Masters degree preferred. 2.
EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 2 years’ experience with chemical dependency and/or dual diagnosed clients, preferably in an out-patient setting. 3.
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION: Licensed, registered and/or actively working towards certification to practice clinical discipline, if applicable. 4.
SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES: Knowledge of principles and practices of the discipline.
Adheres to: Healthcare Code of Ethics. Knowledge of Joint Commission Standards. Federal And State Regulations. Knowledge of DSM V Demonstrates Proficiency in Verbal and in Written Communication Skills.
