Mental Health Therapist

MyMichigan Health; Alma (WI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MyMichigan Health is looking for a therapist to work in the Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program in Alma, Wisconsin. The successful candidate will serve as a case manager and therapist, providing therapy and educational services to patients and their families while monitoring patient behavior to ensure safety.

The position requires a Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or professional counseling, along with at least one year of relevant experience. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for effective communication with patients and staff.

Qualifications

• Must hold a Master's degree in social work and possess strong interpersonal skills.
• At least one year of experience delivering mental health services within the past five years.
• Knowledge of recipient rights and ability to handle stressful situations.

Responsibilities

• Assess, develop, implement, and document patient treatment programs.
• Collect data to evaluate patients and maintain accurate medical records.
• Provide group or individual therapy to patients and their families.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Mental health services experience

Critical thinking skills

Education

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or professional counseling

Tools

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Techniques for Effective Aggression Management

Job description

Summary

Essential functions of this position include serving as a therapist and case manager for patients in the Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization Program. The role also serves as a liaison for therapy services needed by hospital inpatients or emergency room patients awaiting placement on a Behavioral Health Unit. The therapist is responsible for planning and delivering therapy and educational services to patients, and, if indicated, to their families and significant others; monitoring and managing patient behavior to maintain a therapeutic environment and patient safety; performing admission, discharge, and utilization review functions; and effectively marketing the program. Other functions may be assigned.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for assessment, development, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of patient treatment programs (25%).
• Assess patients upon admission and collect data to determine current status (20%).
• Participate in improving patients' physical health and maintaining their safety in all settings (20%).
• Screen program applicants as needed and provide or recommend appropriate treatment and setting (15%).
• Maintain program patient medical records and record information legibly, accurately, using approved format, timely, and following procedures (10%).

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the admission process, including orientation of new patients.
• Provide group or individual therapy for patients when indicated in the partial program or in other areas of the hospital as needed.
• Document Bio Psycho Social Assessments, Continuing Care Plans, Admission Reviews, Problem Lists, Discharge Summaries, and Treatment Planning.
• Serve as group therapy facilitator for patients, family members, and significant others.
• Conduct group and individual educational sessions for patients, family members, and significant others.
• Provide individual/conjoint therapy to patients, family members, and significant others.
• Participate in patient progress review meetings.
• Respond appropriately to patient conditions utilizing critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate effective and pleasant interpersonal relations.
• Demonstrate flexibility in a changing work environment.
• Verify patients’ insurance, obtain authorization to bill for treatment, and ensure program meets insurance company criteria for reimbursement.
• Participate in data collection to analyze the success of the Liaison program and other quality metrics.
• Adhere to all policies and procedures related to employment, safety, program provision, and operations.
• Be familiar with the Michigan Mental Health Code regarding recipient rights, confidentiality, abuse and neglect, and duty to warn.
• Demonstrate competency in infection prevention and control practices and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education

Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or professional counseling. Must hold a Master’s degree in one of these fields. Specialization in social work (SOCWRK) is required.

Licenses and Certifications

• BLS: Basic Life Support.
• PCSW: Licensed Master of Social Work, Licensed Master of Psychology, or Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan. If holding a limited MSW or professional counseling license, must obtain full licensure in Michigan within three years of hire.
• TEAM ADVANCED: Techniques for Effective Aggression Management. Must complete within six months of hire; employees prior to 12/31/2023 have 24 months to complete.
• FINGERPRIN: Fingerprinting.

Required Experience, Training, and Skills

• At least one year of experience delivering mental health services within the past five years.
• Complete recipient rights instruction within 30 days of hire.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with individuals and groups, and with people at all levels.

Physical, Mental Requirements, and Typical Working Conditions

• Exposure to stressful situations, trauma, grief, and death.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including latex.
• Ability to move freely around the facility and perform job functions as outlined.
• Vision and hearing necessary, with or without assistance.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking for long periods; requires postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potential infectious materials; must follow bloodborne pathogen and TB testing requirements.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, and stay alert.
• Dexterity required for handling, reaching, grasping, and repeated movements.
• Physical demand level: light. Occasionally lift or carry 11–20 lbs.; frequently 10 lbs.; walk, stand, push, pull as needed.