Therapist

Wage Range - Associate: $75,000.00 - 80,000.00

Wage Range - Licensed Provider: 87,000.00 - 89,000.00

POSITION SUMMARY: (will include, but not be limited to)

The Therapist, as part of the primary care/behavioral health treatment team, identifies, assesses, treats and manages patients with behavioral health problems. The Therapist will provide adult, adolescent, and child behavioral health evaluations and treatment to the Indian and Non-Indian population within the service area of the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center. Services will be provided to patients within our clinic, as well as within the public school system, and the Educational Department at the Tribe. The Therapist will provide skill training through psycho-education and patient education strategies.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: (will include, but not be limited to)

1. Assist primary health/behavioral health care providers in recognizing and treating mental disorders and psychosocial problems.
2. Provide comprehensive behavioral health care to all age groups, servicing patients within the clinic as well as within the public school system and at the Educational Department at the Tribe. Care provided shall include evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
3. Assess the clinical status of patients referred by primary care providers or educational professionals through consultative contacts.
4. Assist in the detection of at-risk patients and development of plans to prevent further psychological or physical deterioration.
5. Provide skill training through psycho-educational groups. Develop specific behavioral change plans for patients.
6. Keep Behavioral Health Director abreast of community activities and situations within the behavioral health program.
7. Maintain good rapport with Indian community and stay abreast of community needs.
8. Maintain good rapport with Public School officials and stay abreast of student needs.
9. Keep current with new techniques relating to all aspects of the behavioral health field and related areas of clinical operations; maintain appropriate certifications and continually updates professional knowledge.
10. Collaborates with multidisciplinary treatment team regarding patient plans and progress.
11. Reviews and documents progress of all patients.
12. Consults with and educates patients, family members, and other medical providers concerning treatment and recovery plans; consults with medical providers on plan variation.
13. Completes required forms and records in a legible, clear, concise and timely manner.
14. Follows documentation requirements in accordance with billing, regulatory, certification and accrediting agency guidelines.
15. Promotes continuous quality improvement for both patient care and service within the guidelines of the clinics Quality Assurance Plan.
16. Maintains professional licensure requirements.
17. Works collaboratively with other providers and peers working in the community.
18. Be familiar with the aims and objectives of the Health Center and express a genuine enthusiasm for its success.
19. Adherence to protocols will be in accordance with HIPAA regulation requirements.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

1. 1. QUALIFICATIONS:

   2. Masters degree in Social Work or related program or doctorate in Psychology.
   3. Current state licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Psychologist or Associate in the process of becoming licensed.
   4. Current CPR certificate.
   5. One year of experience in a clinical setting (may include internship).
   6. Must have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; and the ability to follow oral and written instructions. Must possess sufficient written and verbal communication skills to be able to interact with medical professionals, vendors, and agencies in a professional manner, developing rapport and enhancing business relationships.
   7. Must have the ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner and assume individual initiative. Must be willing and have the ability to accept supervision and to follow directions.
   8. Must possess skill in using computers and other office equipment; in composing correspondence; managing filing systems; gathering and summarizing information; and in planning, organizing, prioritizing, and executing complicated and continuing assignments. Must have the ability to correctly enter narratives and medical information into RPMS and the electronic health records system.
   9. Experience with and the ability to operate Microsoft Office software is required. Experience working with the RPMS computer system is preferred.
   10. Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with discretion and tact. Must have a general knowledge of and the ability to maintain HIPAA privacy requirements. Must sign a confidentiality statement.
   11. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
   12. Must have a valid, current California drivers license; a personal automobile; and personal auto insurance with $100,000/$300,000 BI coverage and $100,000 property damage or combined $300,000 single limit. Must have a clean driving record and be insurable on the TMWIHC auto policy.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Walking, standing, and sitting for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs, step-stools, etc.; stooping, kneeling, crouching, balancing, and reaching; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 30 pounds; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity for operation of computer and phones; hearing, talking, and good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motions of the wrists, hands, and fingers; subject to outside environmental conditions of heat and cold; and walking on uneven ground.

INDIAN PREFERANCE:

Preference in filling vacancies will be given to qualified Native American or Alaskan Native Applicants, in accordance with the Indian preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code Section 472 and 473) and Public Law 93-638, provided the applicant has submitted appropriate verification of Indian preference for employment. In House postings include Tribal Voting Members.

All positions require sensitivity to Indian traditions, customs, and socioeconomic needs, and ability at times to meet and deal effectively with numerous tribes and varied cultures, which requires tact, courtesy, discretion, resourcefulness, and good judgment in handling functions of a sensitive nature.

*Employment is contingent on passing pre-employment TB test, background check and drug testing.

Tuolumne Me-Wuk Indian Health Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I have received and reviewed a copy of this job description and understand the requirements and responsibilities of the position.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Excellent working knowledge of behavioral medicine and evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions. Ability to make quick and accurate clinical assessments of mental and behavioral conditions. High level of comfort in working with primary care medical providers using a consultative style. Ability to design and implement clinical pathways and protocols for treatment of selected mental and behavioral conditions. Ability to design effective psycho-educational curricula and lead effective psycho-educational classes. Ability to train and teach effective behavioral health interventions and the primary behavioral health model. Ability to work effectively as a team, interfacing with patients, primary care providers, consulting psychiatrist and mental health specialists, as well as with administrative and support staff. Ability to exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions, and to handle difficult or confrontational situations in a calm, consistent and equitable manner. Ability to effectively represent TMWIHCs interests in the community and maintain effective working relationships among co-workers, public, private and professional groups. Ability to reach, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Experience working with limited resource population. Ability to resolve interpersonal conflict in a straightforward and timely manner. Knowledge of grant writing; must be able to identify sources, prepare, and administer.