POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

POSITION TITLE:

      

Child/Adolescent Substance Abuse Mental Health Therapist

 

Classification Title:

 

Clinician I

 

POSITION LOCATION:

 

Winchester Juvenile Detention Center

 

POSITION UNDER THE SUPERVION OF:

 

CYFS Substance Abuse Services Coordinator

 

POSITION SUMMARY:

 

This position is responsible for performing diagnostic assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing effective treatment services for children and adolescents experiencing substance abuse and mental health problems.  Treatment services provided by this position include assessing client needs, developing, implementing, and reviewing service plans, substance abuse prevention, education and early intervention groups, family support and education of substance abuse and mental health, aftercare through the use of community based resources to ensure that client service needs once released are met.

 

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

  1. Participates as directed in the screening of new service requests within the Juvenile Detention Center by means of agency approved procedure which ensures that all individuals are adequately and appropriately served according to their individual needs and in accordance with existing Board policies and procedures.

 

  1. Participates in regular interdisciplinary staff meetings held at the position location.

 

  1. Performs diagnostic assessments and develops appropriate treatment/service plans consistent with the needs of the client and his/her family.

 

  1. Provides on-going supportive and case management functions is accordance with the problems, needs, and the strategies identified within the service plan in order to help the clients achieve the stated goals and objectives.

 

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  1. Documents appropriate client service related information, including  assessments, diagnostic summaries, progress notes, treatment/service plans and reviews, face to face interviews, drug profiles, correspondence, release of information, collateral and networking contacts, special reports and referral forms, as well as maintain client records in compliance with policies and procedures.

 

  1. Provides face to face reviews with the client and or relevant staff on a regular basis to review progress made in reaching service goals so that the service plan can be modified as necessary to ensure that the goals and objectives are being achieved.  Frequency of reviews will be determined by relevant requirements.

 

  1. Participates in interagency planning and service coordination activities as directed to improve and enhance service continuity and effectiveness for clients.

 

  1. May provide emergency and crisis intervention services as required, which may include preadmission screening and intervention with clients across disability groups, when appropriate clinical training and credentials are present.

 

  1. Maintains close communication with the consulting psychiatrist for input regarding medication compliance, side effects of medication, and medication changes and alerts identified staff of any changes in client adjustment which might suggest decompensation and a need for more aggressive intervention.

 

  1. Works with and involves parents and family members in determining appropriate treatment recommendations and referrals.

 

  1. Maintains service logs and turns them in on a weekly basis to that staff and client service information can be reviewed by supervisors and management personnel and can be reported to local and state funding sources to determine if performance contract levels of service have been achieved and or maintained.

 

  1. Receives regular supervision with immediate supervisor as a means of enhancing professional growth, reviewing the provision of clinical services and addressing administrative issues.

 

  1. Meets regularly with Juvenile Detention Staff to ensure comprehensive treatment and open communication.  Follows recommendation of Juvenile Detentions supervisory staff to ensure on going collaborative treatment.

 

  1. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor, which are consistent with the position and in compliance with agency policies and procedures.

 

 

 

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ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 

Knowledge:

 

Considerable knowledge of the nature of serious mental illness and substance abuse/dependency disorders and related treatment modalities, interventions and techniques;  of crisis intervention techniques, of group process, the dynamics of family and group and individual work; of social, emotional and physical development issues regarding children and adolescents which includes unique life stresses and circumstances facing adolescents today;  knowledge of community resources and service delivery systems; of client record documentation requirements and development and implementation of client services plans.

 

 

Abilities:

 

Demonstrated ability to effectively interview and assess clients as wll as observe clients and report on that individuals level of functioning, , perform diagnostic assessments and interventions with children and adolescents and their families; working knowledge of the nature of serious mental illness and substance abuse/dependency disorders and related treatment modalities, interventions and techniques; to assess client/family needs and facilitate change with clients and families where appropriate; to work effectively with community resources in coordinating and maintaining services for youth and their families; to intervene in crisis situations; to effectively engage the child/adolescent and his/her family in a meaningful therapeutic relationship; to accurately produce and maintain client records, reports, and summaries; to maintain confidentiality and ethical standards, and to exercise sound professional judgment, the ability to work independently under general supervision.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Masters degree in relevant human services field, with progressively responsible clinical experience working with children/youth and their families, and or a combination of mental health and substance abuse education, experience and or training indicating the possession of the essential knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the job duties.   LCSW or LPC preferred.  Certification as a substance abuse or addictions counselor also preferred.

 

SALARY RANGE:

 

Level 4H

 

 

 

-4-

 

FLSA STATUS:

 

            Exempt

 

 

VERIFICATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

This is to certify that I have read the above position description and accept the duties and responsibilities required of this position.

 

 

 

_________________________________                                      ________________

Employee Signature                                                                        Date

 

 

 

_________________________________                                      _________________

Immediate Supervisor’s Signature                                                     Date

 

 

 

__________________________________                                     _________________

Chief Operational Officer’s Signature                                             Date

 

 

 

__________________________________                                     __________________

Chief Executive Officer’s Signature                                                Date

 

 

 

Effective Date                  October 2007

Attached:                           Organizational Chart

/lep