The Program Therapist performs social services functions to include assisting patients in meeting their bio psychosocial needs while enabling them to access through therapeutic treatment skills to achieve their optimal level of emotional health, including providing basic consultation, teaching, complete specialized clinical social work services for patients/families receiving care, crisis intervention, short-term and long-term family therapy, and providing information and referrals as needed.

Social Services Practices/Competencies:

• Formulate and conduct educational, therapeutic, and/or support groups
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, health care team members and community providers regarding patient status and progress
• Interact and communicate with community agencies in assessment of and service to patients
• Provide liaison and referral services to community agencies and appears in court when requested or subpoenaed
• Maintain confidentiality in compliance with professional ethics according to professional and facility standards
• Identify opportunities for the program and participate in Performance Improvement projects and activities
• Continue professional development in individual, family, and group therapy and maintain professional development in personnel file
• Assist in the orientation of new colleagues and supervising student interns

Therapeutic Services/Competencies

• Utilize a variety of techniques to assist in the resolution of patient problems
• Effectively employ principles of communication, interviewing techniques, problem solving and crisis intervention when performing psychotherapeutic interventions
• Ensure interventions are carried out in the patient’s plan of care
• Utilize appropriate interventions in psychiatric emergencies
• Document and report infections to the Infection Control Nurse
• Assist with reviewing all new admissions to ensure completion of essential paperwork

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Master's Degree from an accredited college or university, in Social Work or a clinical related mental health field preferred

Experience: A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a psychiatric health care facility, with direct experience in family and group therapies, crisis intervention, and treatment skills; and have strong clinical assessment skills preferred.

License: (*For those applying to an outpatient position only) Must possess an Illinois State license in social work or clinical related mental health field

Additional Requirements: 

• CPR certification and management of aggressive behavior training within 30 days of employment prior to assisting in a restraining procedure 
•  Must be able to pass a competency exam for the area upon hire
• May be required to work flexible hours and overtime