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The primary function involves serving as the main therapist for eligible children and families dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, providing comprehensive clinical assessments and utilizing evidence-based treatments in individual, family, and group settings. Responsibilities also include providing emergency crisis intervention, consultation, education services, and maintaining thorough documentation in the Electronic Health Record.
Requirements summary
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in a behavioral health field from an accredited university and hold an active North Carolina license (LCSW, LPP, LCMHC, or LMFT), though provisional licenses may be accepted. Required knowledge includes evidenced-based practices for children/adolescents and competence in substance use treatment, with three years of relevant experience preferred.
postgraduate degreePatient AdvocacyDocumentationCollaborationTreatment PlanningCrisis InterventionElectronic Health RecordIndividual TherapyGroup TherapyConfidentiality AdherenceFamily TherapyClinical AssessmentUtilization ReviewConsultation ServicesIn-Service TrainingUrine Drug ScreensEvidence-Based Treatments
Job description
Primary Function
Serves as primary therapist for children and their families with mental health and substance abuse disorders, including dual diagnoses, who are Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian (EBCI) and Indian Health Services (IHS) eligible.
This position will primarily to serve children and families.
Services include comprehensive clinical assessment of client and family needs and utilization of evidence-based treatments for psychiatric and substance use disorders.
Employee is expected to provide individual, family, and group therapy using brief focused therapy methods as well as more traditional methods of treatment.
Employee will also provide emergency, crisis intervention, consultation, and education services as needed.
The employee will provide services in various locations in the community as assigned.
If the employee is assigned to a specialty population or agency service location, specific instructions and limitations may apply.
If an employee is assigned to an enhanced service, such as Family Intensive Treatment, the employee will provide services according to the service definition requirements and CIHA policy.
Job Description
Provide direct clinical services to EBCI and other eligible persons in all approved locations, including the hospital, child outpatient office, Graham and Cherokee County offices, as well as other satellite locations.
Clinical services offered will include the following: 1. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment – The CCA is a term used to include a number of assessments and evaluations that are administered based on the patient's clinical presentation. Some of the elements of the CCA are general health and behavioral health history, bio-psycho-social history, description of current challenges, strengths, recommendations for services, clinical summary of information/data gathered about the patient, as well as other needed dimensions of the patient’s life. 2. Person Centered Treatment Planning – The Planning process will include the patient, and they should be the ones guiding the session. Additionally, it will include input from family members and community supports whenever possible. The planning process will be based on clearly defined problems and needs. The goals in the plan should be based on patients’ needs, strengths, and limitations. Additionally, goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-limited 3. Individual Therapy – Therapy sessions will utilize currently accepted models, theories, and/or approaches to therapy. 4. Family Therapy – Whenever possible, as much of the patient’s family will be involved in Family Therapy on a regular basis as part of the patient’s treatment. 5. Group Therapy – When appropriate and available, the patient will attend group sessions. Group sessions can be accessed in conjunction with and/or replace Individual Therapy depending on the patient’s clinical needs. 6. Crisis Services – Crisis Services are offered through an On-call warm line. The patient will be informed of the number to the warm line. Therapist will share the responsibility of staffing the warm line. 7. Referral to clinical services outside of Analenisgi – If/when the patient has needs that are not offered or currently available at Analenisgi, the clinician will support the individual in receiving the needed service by referring them to an agency that offers the service.
Collaborate with treatment teams, medical staff, and other health professionals to determine the patients’ needs and resources (including both family and community).
Ensure interdisciplinary teams stay informed of changing therapeutic needs relating to their involvement with the client.
Ensure documentation of all treatment and clinically significant events in Electronic Health Record as prescribed by CIHA policies and procedures and quality assurance standards.
Collaborate with other professionals and agencies to develop a viable therapeutic team network to facilitate patient care, discharge, and follow-up.
Adhere to all applicable confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for the maintenance and release of patient records.
Responsible for completion of intake forms, identification of community resources, patient assessment, provision and coordination of supportive services, and patient advocacy.
Follows the provisions contained in all applicable privacy/confidentiality policies, procedures, and practices for maintenance and release of patient records and clinical information, including EBCI, CIHA, IHS, DHHS, HIPAA, CHR 42, or other licensing bodies.
Responsible for attending clinical staffing as an integral component of a treatment team, facilitating the discussion of patient data, and formulating changes to the treatment plan.
Shall perform limited administrative duties, which include maintaining statistical records of clinical workload, utilization review, and quality assurance, participating in education programs, and participating in clinical quality assurance functions.
Assists in attaining and maintaining accreditation by the Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations.
Participates in division/program meetings to review and identify opportunities to improve the program and treatment provided, and recommends corrective action when problems are identified. This includes assisting with changes in policy and procedure, which would improve the care of service delivery.
Participates in the provision of periodic in-service training for nonhealth care practitioner members of the clinical and administrative staff on subjects germane to clinical and case management services. This shall include responsibility for developing and implementing psycho educational programs, community relations, information and referral.
Participate in community planning and implementation of programs to help resolve such complex issues as improving the coordination of services. Represents the CIHA Analenisgi at regular team meetings for progress review and during emergency meetings dealing with High-risk situations.
Expected to obtain continuing education both through in-service training and through access and tuition payment for approved training seminars and workshops.
Provides clinical care and support to identified patients in the other departments at Cherokee Indian Hospital.
Learn and effectively utilize an electronic medical record and other software required for operation in the CIHA system.
Provides Crisis response to the CIHA Emergency Department as needed.
Adhere to ASAM, LOCUS, CSLOCUS, or other criteria when referring a client to the appropriate level of care recommended.
Assist with observed urine drug screens as outlined in Analenisgi's policies and procedures.
Provides written, telephone, and face to face consultation services to various persons and organizations that affect the patient. These include schools, courts, probation officers, physicians, hospitals, medical care providers, law enforcement officers, social services, and community agencies. Regular progress reports are required for communicating with the court and judicial supervisors. Represents the Analenisgi Center at regular team meetings for progress review and during emergency meetings dealing with high-risk situations.
This position is expected to provide sufficient billable/reimbursable services to achieve the 55% productivity standard established for this primary therapist position.
Assist in attaining and maintaining accreditation by the Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations.
Participates in division/program meetings to review and identify opportunities to improve the program and treatment provided, and recommends corrective action when problems are identified. This includes assisting with changes in policy and procedure, which would improve the care of service delivery.
Follow all relevant CIHA policies and procedures, as well as specific written and verbal direction from the supervisor.
Operate in a support role as assigned in the Beauty for Ashes program and services
Other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications
Master’s Degree in the behavioral health field, such as Social Work, Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, or Counseling, required. Degree must be obtained from an accredited university that is accepted by the appropriate licensing agencies in NC.
NC license LCSW, LPP, LCMHC, or LMFT. A provisional or associate license may be accepted.
Knowledge of evidenced based practices used for children and adolescents such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF CBT), parent child interactive therapy (PCIT), child parent psychotherapy (CPP), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing and anger replacement therapy (ART).
Must show competence in Substance Use either by licensure/certification from the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board or experience in substance abuse treatment. Specific positions may require licensure/certification from the NC Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board.
Must be approved for and maintain medical credentialing, upon hire
Three years of diagnostic, therapeutic experience preferred.
Specific experience working with Native Americans preferred.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Job Knowledge
Knowledge of individual, group, and couples/family modalities with expertise in crisis intervention with individuals and families experiencing acute episodes of distress.
Ability to ascertain the potential lethality of a situation and respond and refer accordingly.
Ability to learn computerized treatment systems such as the Electronic Medical Record, RPMS, and ability to maintain records and files manually and on the computer.
Displays originality and initiative to complete daily performance of tasks.
Knowledge of principles, techniques, and practices, and their application to complex casework, group work, and community problems.
Knowledge of a wide range of medical, behavioral, and psychosocial problems and their treatment.
Knowledge of governmental and private organizations and resources in the community.
Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and policies that govern the program.
Knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes, and their treatment as they relate to decisions regarding clinical interventions and appropriate therapies based on medical or psychological diagnosis.
Knowledge of substance abuse to include diagnostic criteria for abuse, dependence, intoxication and withdrawal of all drug classifications, methods of evaluation and assessment, impact of behavioral health issues on patients ability to negotiate treatment recommendations, current treatment approaches, modalities of care, and substance abuse and other programs or services available to patients.
Skill in establishing rapport with a patient and in applying techniques of assessing psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial aspects of a patients problems.
Willingness to learn more about Cherokee culture/population and to have considerations for this when identified.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the caseload and their families, other professional disciplines, and a variety of governmental and private resources and organizations in the community.
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely and to plan and execute work effectively.
Complexity of Duties
This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions when a precedent is not available. Duties require the application of clinical judgment and problem-solving skills to be effective. Judgment often involves decisions that may have life-or-death consequences.
Supervision Received
Works under the direct guidance of the Child Services Manager, where goals, objectives, policies, and procedures are well defined. Works independently within applicable licensing regulations where latitude for creative thinking, initiative, and discretion is given to achieve department goals and objectives.
Responsibility for Accuracy
Most clinical errors would be detected with proofing and review procedures.
Failure to properly manage and direct activities could result in ill will for the department, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations.
Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources.
The accuracy of data and research is critical in the allocation of tribal resources.
Responsible for the adherence to policy and procedure.
Inappropriate actions or inaccuracies in judgment could result in improper diagnosis and treatment, serious liability for the tribe, or more serious health risks to patients.
Contacts with Others
Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, and other health professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards and advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality is required when dealing with patients and families.
Confidential Data
The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to patient records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost integrity to safeguard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy, HIPAA, and other federal law requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result in inter-disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations.
Mental/Visual/Physical
Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times, given the complexity of the duties, management and supervision of staff and the clinical areas being addressed with the people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods of time. Some physical exertion and stamina are required, such as those required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
Position requires: stand (under 1/3 time); walk (under 1/3 time); sit (to 2/3 time); talk or hear (over 2/3 time).
Weight lifted or force exerted: none.
Special vision requirements: Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).
Emergency Privileges
In the case of an emergency, any member of the Medical Staff, to the degree permitted by his/her license, shall be permitted to do everything possible to save a patient’s life or save a patient from serious harm, regardless of the individual’s clinical privileges. This shall be defined as those situations in which a delay could result in serious harm or death and in which a more qualified member is not immediately available.
Customer Service
Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.
