POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE & CODE:	Mental Health Therapist – Sharpe (88199)
DEPARTMENT:	Behavioral Health
REPORTS TO:	Clinical Services Director
FLSA STATUS:	Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY: Under general supervision, the Mental Health Therapist (MHT) performs full-performance level inpatient mental health clinical services. This position involves the application of principles, methods and theories of counseling, psychotherapy, human development, learning theory, group and family dynamics, rehabilitation and the etiology of mental illness and dysfunctional behavior to render professional counseling services to individuals and groups. Work is typically performed as part of an interdisciplinary team and is evaluated by the improvement of client status during treatment. Mental Health Therapist will exercise considerable latitude to choose methods and approaches.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1.	Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or Education required.
EXPERIENCE:
1.	One (1) year full-time or equivalent part-time or volunteer experience working with the mentally ill.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
1.	Interview clients to obtain social history and develop a plan of care.
2.	Ensure client/family involvement in treatment planning.
3.	Provide individual, couple, family and/or group therapy in accordance with the developed treatment plan.
4.	Update client treatment plans when applicable with change of condition and client response to care.
5.	Work with Treatment Team to ensure treatment plans include specific measurable goals, objectives/interventions and defining actions unique to each client’s needs and personal growth.
6.	Document findings and client response to treatment in a clear, complete and timely manner.
7.	Write recommendations concerning treatment and expected progress for clients.
8.	Provide crisis intervention when necessary.
9.	Complete admission scales and aid in ensuring patient safety.
10.	Conduct background interviews with new admissions.
11.	Conduct individual and/or group therapy sessions to facilitate treatment.
12.	Develop, maintain and monitor treatment programs.
13.	Attend treatment team meetings and provide information concerning client progress.
14.	Collect data and review literature for reports.
15.	Comply client information files that include information such as client intake histories, treatment plans, progress documentation, reports written to agencies and courts and discharge summaries.
16.	Assess client needs for discharge referrals.
17.	Ensure documentation on reviews is based on treatment plan goals/objectives and reflects progress or failure to progress towards goals.
18.	Communicate on a regular and timely basis with relevant members of the treatment team and family members, as appropriate.
19.	Instruct new Mental Health Therapist staff in the guidelines and duties of the position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1.	Knowledge of the standards, practices and methods in applied experimental, clinical, counseling, educational, measurements, or social psychology.
2.	Knowledge of agency, state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
3.	Knowledge of departmental programs and goals.
4.	Knowledge of behavior modification techniques and philosophies.
5.	Must possess strong computer skills.
6.	Ability to communicate effectively and tactfully with clients, other employees, employers and the public.
7.	Ability to observe changes in behavior.
8.	Ability to maintain accurate records, progress notes and coordinate with other care providers
9.	Ability to establish and maintain client rapport.

Date Reviewed/Revised: November 2020