FQHC Clinician - Child & Adolescent Focus

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Behavioral Health, the Child and Adolescent Therapist (clinician) provides individual, family, and group therapy services to children and adolescents in an outpatient behavioral health setting. This position addresses a range of emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and adjustment concerns. The Child and Adolescent Therapist/Clinician collaborates closely with families, schools, and other providers to support healthy development and promote resilience.

Essential Functions

To succeed in this role, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below reflect the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1. Comply with MSHS standards, including the Code of Conduct, Compliance Program, and policies and procedures; compliance will be evaluated in regular performance reviews.
2. Conduct biopsychosocial assessments, establish diagnoses, and develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with youth and caregivers.
3. Provide individual, group, and family therapy using developmentally appropriate, evidence-based interventions.
4. Incorporate play therapy, art therapy, and/or cognitive-behavioral techniques as clinically appropriate.
5. Deliver therapy and case coordination via in-person and telehealth modalities, ensuring quality and confidentiality in compliance with state, federal, and MSHS guidelines.
6. Per MSHS’ grant agreement with DBH, demonstrate competencies in providing phone and face-to-face psychiatric emergency consultations in daytime crisis response; make tentative diagnoses, assess safety and level of care needed, and make recommendations.
7. Demonstrate competencies in the provision of after-hours, 24/7 emergency services and/or daytime crisis coverage; complete and submit all crisis intervention documentation promptly with minimal errors.
8. Provide crisis intervention and risk assessments, including safety planning with clients and families.
9. Provide clinical consultation and/or training to Rehabilitation Services staff as requested.
10. Coordinate care and maintain regular communication with parents/guardians, school staff, case managers, and other providers.
11. Complete accurate, timely clinical documentation per MSHS and regulatory standards.
12. Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings, case consultations, and quality improvement activities.
13. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices and participate in professional development activities.
14. Promote a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach to care.

Nonessential Functions

1. Conduct in-service trainings or presentations as requested.
2. Other position-related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

1. Work is performed primarily inside a heated, ventilated, and well-lighted environment.
2. The job is considered low-risk for hazard exposure.
3. MSHS is a non-smoking campus.

Physical Demands

1. Requires sitting, standing, bending, reaching, lifting under 50 lbs., and driving.
2. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office and other equipment.
3. Requires a normal range of hearing, ability to speak, and vision acuity.

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

1. Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
2. Current Alaska license (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, or equivalent) or license-eligible and able to obtain Alaska licensure within 90 days of hire.
3. Minimum of two years’ experience providing therapy to children and/or adolescents in a clinical or community behavioral health setting.
4. Non-licensed clinical staff must complete one hour per week and reach licensure within three years.
5. Specialized training or experience in child and adolescent therapy techniques (e.g., play therapy, art therapy, CBT for youth) preferred.
6. Experience with trauma-informed care and crisis intervention preferred.
7. Experience working with diverse populations and collaborating with schools, families, and community partners preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

1. Knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and evidence-based treatment approaches for children and adolescents.
2. Understanding of co-occurring disorders and the impact of family dynamics on child development.
3. Ability to develop individualized treatment plans and measurable goals in collaboration with youth and their caregivers.
4. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage children, families, and multidisciplinary team members.
5. Ability to manage crisis situations and implement safety planning as needed.
6. Excellent organizational and documentation skills.

General

1. Clear background check; subject to DHSS background check.
2. Current driver’s license; clear driving record history.
3. Current tuberculosis screening test result.
4. Current First Aid and CPR certifications or must be obtained within 2 weeks of hire.
5. CPI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) certification must be obtained when offered through the agency; may substitute the current MANDT certificate for CPI.

Employment Practices

MSHS is an Equal Opportunity institution and does not discriminate against any person in employment or in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs and benefits based on race, color, national origin, creed, ability to speak English, disability, sex, age, or marital status.

Employees are expected to be mindful of the Agency’s Mission, Vision, and Values and conduct business in the best interest of the Agency.