CLINIC THERAPIST

(COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH)

Distinguishing Features of the Class:  These duties require the performance of social work in helping patients with social, emotional and related difficulties associated with their disability.  The work is performed within prescribed routines with some leeway permitted in determining the scope of work to be performed in helping the patient to adjust into his old or a new environment.  The Clinic Therapist functions under the direction of the Clinic Coordinator or designee, who may define or limit the work to be performed.  Employees in this class are expected to meet with professionals of agencies in or outside of the community to obtain assistance and guidance for patients.

Typical Work Activities:

• Conducts the intake and screening of new patients, evaluating and diagnosing the patient and problems.
• Conducts individual, group and family therapy.
• Provides appropriate mental health services to help patients adjust or resolve their mental health concerns and related factors.
• Refers clients to other governmental and non-governmental agencies, as appropriate.
• Coordinates various activity and treatment programs with other social agencies, as appropriate.
• Prepares and maintains accurate and timely required documentation.
• Plans with the community mental health team and with community agencies to relate the patient’s treatment and recovery program prior to discharge.
• Collects and maintains appropriate data from various sources, such as professional staff and patients’ families, to establish an overall approach to the solution of patients’ mental health problems.
• Maintains information on community and health resources which can be utilized during the patient’s care and subsequent to discharge.
• Participates in the process of transfer of patients to other levels of treatment as appropriate.

Full Performance Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Personal Characteristics:

• Thorough knowledge of clinical therapy practices, and of the psychological, social, environmental, physical and psychiatric factors affecting mental illness or disability;
• The ability to organize work effectively;
• The ability to interpret federal, state and local laws affecting the medical and health programs;
• The ability to properly prepare in a timely manner required documentation, such as assessments, treatment plans, discharge summaries, contemporaneous progress notes, etc.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position;
• Familiarity with and ability to understand all policies of the Department;
• Ability to be sensitive to any situation that could lead incumbent or others to engage in actions that would violate said policies;
• Willingness to report promptly any violations or suspected violations of Department policies;
• Willingness to attend and ability to comprehend all mandated Department training.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Master’s degree in social work or mental health counseling.

Special Requirement:

Master of Social Work

Licensure as a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), LCSW-R, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), or in possession of a Limited Permit to practice as a LMSW or must apply for a Limited Permit to practice as a LMSW within two weeks of hire and obtain same.  Must obtain the LMSW within twelve (12) months following the hire date or prior to the expiration of the Limited Permit, whichever comes first.

OR

Master of Mental Health Counseling

Licensure as a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), or in possession of a Limited Permit to practices as a LMHC or must apply for a Limited Permit to practice as a LMHC within two weeks of hire and obtain same.  Must obtain the LMHC within thirty (30) months following the date of hire or prior to the expiration of the Limited Permit, whichever comes first.

01/29/1988

01/06/1998

02/02/2005

12/22/2006

12/12/2007

04/25/2008