Collaborative Care Therapist

The primary role of the therapist will be to provide trauma-informed, culturally

competent and affirming care to a diverse patient population using the Collaborative Care

Model of care (CoCM) of integrated behavioral health care.  The therapist will complete intakes

for medication management for psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatrists, complete

WPATH surgery letters, and maintain a caseload of patients as a Behavioral Health Care

Manager (BHCM).

General Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide trauma-informed and culturally competent care in a primary care clinic that serves a diverse patient population using the CoCM model of integrated behavioral health.
• Work collaboratively with the mental health team and primary care providers to facilitate patient engagement and education.
• Participate in daily morning huddle, weekly group supervision, and weekly integrated care team meetings.
• Complete intake assessments for patients scheduled for medication management.
• Complete psychiatric assessments for gender affirming surgeries and write letters in alignment with WPATH and/or other appropriate standards
• Complete intake assessments, assess psychosocial needs, and screen for common mental health and substance use disorders.
• Use evidence-based therapeutic techniques and brief behavioral interventions, such as CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, problem solving therapy, etc., to assist patients in improving their mental and physical health and wellbeing and support medication management.
• Treat patients using the collaborative care model for 6-12 months, decreasing the frequency of patient visits as they improve.
• Systemically track treatment and responses over time using validated scales and maintaining a patient registry.
• Assess risk of harm to self and others and document interventions including a safety plan
• Coordinate referrals and follow-ups, if needed, for services such as drug & alcohol treatment, IOP or PHP, support groups, social services, etc. 
• Provide patient education about common physical, mental health, and substance use disorders and treatment options
• Communicate changes in clinical symptoms and treatment needs to the patients’ treatment team.
• Complete and update a plan of care, including relapse prevention plan in preparation for completion of the CoCM program.
• Re-engage patients who have dropped out of care.
• Maintain a patient registry and outreach to patients as needed.
• Complete documentation and billing in the Electronic Medical Record in a timely manner. 
• Assist with outreach to community behavioral health organizations to create partnerships and collaborations for patient care needs. 
• Provide back-up to BH interventional therapist, if needed
• Provide weekly clinical supervision to unlicensed Behavioral Health Care Managers.
• Complete documentation and billing in the Electronic Medical Record in a timely manner. 
• Lead at least 1 therapeutic group per week for patients of the health center.

Licensure and Clearances:

•  LCSW, LPC, PhD, or PsyD licensure.
• PhD preferred
• Active and unrestricted license to practice in Pennsylvania. 
• Successful passing of Child Abuse and FBI Clearances.

Requirements:

• LGBTQ+ cultural competency, including being gender sensitive and pronoun aware
• Familiarity with WPATH guidelines and/or other applicable guidelines and requirements for gender affirming surgery letters
• Ability to work in a fast paced and, at times, excited atmosphere.
• Non-judgmental approach to patient care and trauma-informed.
• Experience working in community mental healthcare or integrated behavioral health preferred.
• Knowledge and comfort working with patients with drug and alcohol use disorders. 
• Knowledge and comfort using evidence-based treatment modalities such as Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, CBT, DBT skills 
• Knowledge of basic computer skills and how to use Electronic Medical Records.
• Punctuality and impeccable attendance.
• Understand the healthcare privacy laws as outlined in HIPAA.