Primary Therapist

Advantage Behavioral Health; Cathedral City (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantage Behavioral Health in Cathedral City, CA, seeks a licensed therapist to provide individual, couple/family, and group psychotherapy. You will assess new admissions, plan treatment, and deliver crisis intervention when required, while maintaining thorough documentation and collaborating with the care team.

The role requires a CA-licensed LMFT, a Master’s degree in a related field, and at least two years of clinical experience in mental health or substance use treatment.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in psychology or related field; licensure as LMFT in California.
• Must maintain licensure with CEUs and stay current with treatment modalities.
• Criminal background clearance, health screening, TB test, and necessary trainings.
• Proficient in creating treatment plans, documenting sessions, and coordinating with teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual, couple/family, and group psychotherapy.
• Conduct admissions assessments and periodic reassessments.
• Provide crisis intervention and 5150 determinations as needed.
• Develop weekly clinical schedules and participate in case conferences.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and contribute to staff training.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written and verbal English

Documentation and record-keeping

Computer skills (MS Office, EHR)

Education

Master's degree in Psychology or Social Work

Licensed LMFT in California

Tools

MS Office

Electronic Health Record (EHR) software

Job description

Statement of Purpose

The primary therapist fulfills direct service, including individual, couple/family and group psychotherapy, consultations, and crisis intervention to the clients who are attending the program. The therapist works closely with the behavioral health technicians providing education and support when needed.

• A. Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities
• Knowledge of mental health disorders, drug and alcohol co-occurrences, family systems and 12 step/recovery resources in the community. Conducts property searches of clients as required by program standards.
• Maintain appropriate documentation as required.
• Conduct assessments of clients at the time of admission and reassessments as required.
• Provide appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations based on a review of the client’s history, signs, and symptoms.
• Will be proactive in developing a weekly clinical schedule that includes goodbye groups that the therapist of record can attend.
• Will provide support and training to the facility personnel.
• Provide individual, couple/family, and group psychotherapy as needed.
• Ability to demonstrate respect for cultural and lifestyle diversities of clients and staff.
• Crises intervention services, including 5150 determinations.
• Treatment Planning for clients.
• Participation in Case Conference Reviews.
• Provide Utilizations Reviews as required.
• Knowledge of current legal standards pertaining to professional practice, reporting requirements, professional boundaries, and related issues.
• Provide in-service training to staff and/or trainees on mental health topics as needed.
• Knowledge of the philosophy and approach of the 12-step model of recovery (AA, CA, NA, Alanon).

B. Additional Duties

• Assists and covers other staff when necessary to maintain high productivity and efficiency in the department.
• As the company grows, additional responsibilities essential for the department to be successful will be assigned accordingly.

C. Interpersonal Relations

• Create Meaningful Connections: Demonstrates ability to function effectively as a part of team. Uses outstanding oral and written communication with employees at all levels of the business for support and sharing of information.
• Take Accountability: Take constructive feedback and prevent discourse among our peers.
• Live in the Solution: Critically thinking should be the solution when problems arise. Having the ability to accept constructive criticism well in an open and non-defensive manner.
• Be Professional: Wear business casual attire (please see dress code policy).

Performance Standards & Measurement

• Compliance with essential and incidental duties; compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Compliance with state and federal laws and regulations applicable to the business.

Equipment, Tools & Machines

• Use of computer, telephone, and other office equipment such as a printer and fax.
• Use of company network and email domain.

Working Conditions

• Air conditioned and well-illuminated office environment and outdoor environment.
• May have several responsibilities at once. Interaction with others is constant and can be interruptive.
• Work may be stressful at times due to high level workflow.
• Availability to work flexible hours including weekends, holidays, and evenings as is required to comply with the purpose of the job and accommodate client needs.
• Participates in educational training, orientations, or compliance programs as needed to maintain competency.
• If you must leave your employment with our company, we request employees to give us at least 30 days resignation notice in writing.

Demands

• Enthusiastic self-starter operating with sustained energy and showing great initiative.
• Comfort working with a diverse base of support, including members, employers, providers, colleagues, community leaders, volunteers, non-profit organizations, vendors, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to read, write, spell in English legibly and without excessive grammatical or communication errors.
• Talk and hear both by person and by telephone; ability to speak clearly and effectively using proper grammar before patients, employees, and business partners, among others.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Accepts constructive criticism well in an open and non-defensive manner.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities. Ability to maintain a positive work ethic and a congenial attitude in the face of a high-pressure environment.
• Ability to function independently and with flexibility.
• Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks and interruptions.
• Occasional lifting of moderately heavy office supplies; ability to lift supplies for community events, trade shows, conferences, and other marketing opportunities applicable to the organization; ability to lift, push or pull up to 25lbs.
• Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time.Must have strong computer skills to meet Microsoft Office and Electronic Health Record software requirements.

Qualifications

The following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• Vision, hearing and manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties. Able to move about the facility to observe clients and staff.

Modality Specific Job Responsibilities

• Duties may vary based on assignment. Employees shall receive, concurrent with this job description, the specific orientation necessary for their specific job.

Prerequisite Qualifications: Specific qualifications may vary based on assignment.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a valid California driver license and liability insurance if driving personal vehicle on Center business. Generally short distances and reimbursement of mileage.
• First Aid and CPR certification required and maintain current during employment.
• Criminal Background Clearance
• Health Screening
• Negative TB Test results
• Medication training required within 30 days of employment. Licensed nursing staff only.
• Develop computer skills adequate to perform word processing duties within 90 days of employment.

Education

• Master’s Degree from a university with a degree in Psychology, Social Work or any other major which allows the person to be licensed.
• Licensed by the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an LMFT, LCSW, AMFT, ACSW, LPCC or other qualifying licensure allowing them to practice therapy in the state of California.
• Must maintain their licensure by attending the CEU’s required by their licensure and must stay current with new and updated treatment modalities for those suffering with mental health disorders.

Experience

• Must have a minimum of two years’ experience in evaluating and/or treating persons suffering from mental illness and/or substance abuse.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Computer literate: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) required.

Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm

Required rotating weekend support