Intake Clinical Therapist

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES*

The Intake Clinical Therapist is responsible for conducting admission assessments on students for consideration to ACS programs. This includes meeting with referral sources, collection of psychological/psychiatric/ bio-psychosocial and family histories. The Intake Clinical Therapist is responsible for performing mental status evaluations, completing the admission assessment form(s) and providing a written recommendation based on the results of the admission assessment. The Intake Clinical Therapist is responsible for presenting the results of the admission assessment to the director of admissions and to the program director or his/her designee(s) for the final decision. The Intake Clinical Therapist adheres to standards and regulations as set forth by the agency, JCAHO and OCS licensing. The Intake Clinical Therapist is expected to abide by all safety rules and regulations of the facility. The responsibilities of the Intake Clinical Therapist are carried out according to ACS policies, and mission of ACS and its philosophy of care.

*All positions at Alaska Children’s Services may have responsibilities altered during the course of employment due to agency imperatives.

SUPERVISION AND COORDINATION OF SERVICES

The Intake Clinical Therapist reports to the Director of Admissions. Clinical supervision for assessments is performed by the program director, who is a Licensed Independent Practitioner. The Intake Clinical Therapist is a member of the admissions department and works collaboratively with other members of the department. The Intake Clinical Therapist adheres to the professional ethics of the American Psychological Association or the National Association of Social Workers (MSW only). The Intake Clinical Therapist collaborates and coordinates services with all staff via established committees and performance improvement activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: The Intake Clinical Therapist must have the ability to relate to and experience in working with emotionally disturbed children/adolescents and the families. Knowledge of psychiatric diagnosis and assessment, child/adolescent development, family systems, separation and loss, physical and sexual abuse, and trauma is essential. The Intake Clinical Therapist must demonstrate psychosocial assessment, advocacy skills and case management skills and must have excellent written, interpersonal and oral communication skills. The ability to function on an interdisciplinary team is necessary, and s/he must demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to serving a culturally diverse and/or special needs population.

Education and experience: The Intake Clinical Therapist must hold at minimum a Masters Degree in psychology, counseling, or social work from an accredited school is required. Two years post-graduate experience in working with emotionally disturbed children/adolescents and their families is preferred. Experience working in a residential setting as well as demonstrated knowledge of outpatient settings is preferred. Demonstrated knowledge in cognitive therapy, sexual abuse treatment, individual and family therapies is preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Intake Clinical Therapist must be able to: efficiently access all buildings on all campuses for meetings, training, reviews, etc.; drive a vehicle between campuses, to referral sources, meetings, other job related duties; do both data entry and word processing with a personal computer at a minimum of 45 words per minute; work with files stored in cabinets to 55" high; use copy machines that are 44" high; handle and transport records and notebooks weighing up to 20 lbs. and utilize standard telephone for long periods of time.