Associate Therapist

Sierra Health + Wellness; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sierra Health and Wellness in California is seeking an Associate Therapist to treat, assess, and develop comprehensive plans for clients in chemical and alcohol treatment. You will deliver weekly individual and group therapy, assist with crisis response, and contribute to aftercare planning.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team, document in the medical record, uphold HIPAA standards, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with best practices in mental health and SUD care.

Qualifications

• Must obtain and maintain a state board registration (ASW/AMFT/APC).
• Master’s degree in related field (social work, marriage & family therapy, or counseling).
• At least 1 year of drug and alcohol counseling experience; HIPAA familiarity; CPR/First Aid; valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy.
• Assess and monitor client progress; contribute to treatment planning.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment planning and aftercare.
• Respond to clinical emergencies and maintain detailed EMR documentation.
• Attend trainings to stay current with SUD and mental health practices.

Skills

Therapy delivery

Crisis response

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling

Job description

Licensed Therapists or Associate Therapist opportunity. (please note: Licensed Therapists, LMFT, LCSW or LPCC, will also be considered. The list of essential functions reflects that of Associate Therapists) Sierra Health and Wellness use evidence-based methods to accomplish the restoration of families, relationships, and self-worth. By transforming the character, we give life back to the people who have lost it through substance abuse and mental health issues.

Job Description

The Associate Therapist is responsible for treating, assessing, monitoring, and developing a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of clients while in treatment for chemical and alcohol abuse and dependency. The Associate Therapist is responsible for providing ongoing direct client care through weekly individual and group therapy, as well as responding to immediate clinical needs such as AMA prevention, crisis response, and milieu management. In addition, the Associate Therapist provides family therapy to clients who request this service and where clinically indicated. The Associate Therapist is a primary member and participant in weekly multidisciplinary treatment planning and works collaboratively with the certified SUD counselor to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan post-discharge. Documentation within the electronic healthcare record is required for all clinical interactions and relevant case management activities. The Associate Therapist may also provide ongoing clinical consultation and support for the certified SUD counselors.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Performs professional mental health and substance use disorder services with clients in treatment for chemical and alcohol abuse and dependency.
• Provides individual, group, and family therapy services.
• Assesses and monitors client’s progress and behavior while in treatment.
• Participates in multidisciplinary treatment planning and aftercare planning.
• Participates in collaborative treatment with representatives of other agencies.
• Responds to clinical emergencies and acute client needs.
• Responds to client complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Records noteworthy events involving clinical services and client activities in the electronic medical record.
• Reviews client chart for completion of all paperwork with appropriate signatures; may complete weekly audits.
• Attends conferences, workshops, and training to maintain current awareness of mental health and SUD methodologies and issues.
• Maintains confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
• Operates a personal computer and other office equipment.
• Communicates effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
• May be assigned some lead and special work coordination responsibilities.

Competencies

• Principles, procedures, techniques, trends of clinical and casework services, therapy, and treatment.
• Social aspects and characteristics of mental and emotional disturbances and substance use disorders.
• Principles of mental health and substance use disorder education.
• A wide variety of therapeutic and treatment approaches for persons with mental and emotional problems.
• Scope, availability, and activities of community resources, including other mental health and social service agencies.
• Current trends in mental hygiene, mental health, public health, and social services, including State and Federal programs in these areas.
• Expert communication skills and counseling abilities
• Commitment to the philosophy of recovery, continuity of the program, and to affirming the dignity and respect of all clients.

Work Environment

• Office and Health care setting with clients and other employees present.
• Working indoors primarily and outdoors occasionally.
• Working in close proximity to others.
• May walk on slippery and uneven walking surfaces.
• Excessive continuous noise at times.
• Typical office and group counseling environment.
• Mostly indoor office environment with windows and lights.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Attending conferences or training session.

Travel Required

• Ability to travel to various office or facility locations.

Affirmative Action/EEOC Statement

Sierra Health and Wellness is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Required education and experience

• Must obtain and maintain a registration number regulated by a state board (ASW, AMFT, APC)
• Must possess a master’s degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling.
• Have at minimum one-year experience in Drug and Alcohol counseling.
• Very familiar with HIPAA/client confidentiality and personal rights.
• Must possess a current CPR and First Aid certification.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License

Preferred Education And Experience

• Two to three years of experience in drug and alcohol counseling
• BA or MA degree in related field.