Job Title: Mobile Therapist (MT)

FLSA: Exempt * If part time then Non-Exempt

Reports To:  Administrative Director and Clinical Director of IBHS 

Department: IBHS

Summary

The goals of the Mobile Therapist are to provide individual and family therapy for children, youth, young adults and their families in settings other than a traditional office, including, but not limited to, home, community, school, or activity center. The MT assesses strengths and therapeutic needs of the child and family. The MT ensures that child, youth, or young adult participates in treatment and that parents are involved in treatment planning, efforts, and meetings as appropriate.  The MT develops and revises the individual treatment plan (ITP), assists with crisis stabilization, and assists with addressing problems the child, youth or young adult has encountered. MT may participate in treatment team meetings as needed. MT completes required clinical Medical Assistance documentation. The Mobile Therapist should have the ability to resolve crisis and conflict situations and develop positive relationships with clients.

In addition to the details and requirements for the employee listed below, Laurel Life. expects the employee be committed to incorporating principles of trauma informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles in trauma treatment will be required through attendance in trainings and use of identified evidence-based practices. Trauma informed care includes cultural sensitivity and emphasizes a safe and respectful environment for all clients and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide assessment of strengths and therapeutic needs of the child and family. Active listening, motivational interviewing, and exchanging information with the child and family are critical elements of the assessment.

Provide child-centered, family-focused, individual and family psychotherapy, as agreed upon by the therapist and family. Utilize a strengths-based approach in addressing defined problems.

Provide therapy in formats that vary according to the individualized needs of the child. Formats may include sessions with the child individually, the entire nuclear family, the family and a community resource person (minister, scoutmaster, mentor, or other), or subsystems of any of the above, as clinically indicated and agreed upon.

Ensure that each child participates in his/her own treatment and that the family or other caretakers participate in an on-going manner as partners in treatment.

Develop an individualized treatment plan for each client that includes social, emotional, and behavioral objectives and goals, and assist in implementing a behavioral intervention plan.

Completes progress notes, treatment updates, and all other forms of required clinical documentation. Document client activities and progress for every period of service. Prepare professionally written summaries and documents describing a client's behavior and progress in achievement of treatment plan goals.

Collaborate with the family, case manager, and other involved professionals in determining the need for delivery of special services, such as psychological testing, medication assessment, or family support services. Collaborate with child, family, and all others in developing a plan to deliver these special services, designing a 24 hour crisis plan, and providing unified services and continuity of care to the child and family.

Develop cooperative relationships with community agencies that will facilitate treatment services provided to all clients.

Attends both individual and group supervision.

An individual who provides mobile therapy services will complete at least 16 hours of training annually that is approved by the PA Department of Human Services as outlined in the individual training plan.

Work as a positive team member supporting the team's mission and goals, consistently working in a trusting and cooperative manner with fellow team members and supporting the team's common operating approach.

Accepts professional responsibility and serves as a role model for positive, pro-social behavior; modeling respect, responsibility, integrity, empathy, impulse control, emotional self-awareness, and professional boundaries.

Demonstrates commitment to professional growth by attending all required meetings, trainings and organizational trainings.  

Candidate will have to successfully complete and maintain certification of ESPI training. ESPI techniques are only used in compliance with Laurel Life policy and procedure and within guidelines established by third-party experts in the proper and legal use of ESPI.

Maintain an active valid driver's license issued by state in which they reside and must immediately notify their supervisor or Human Resources if their license is suspended or revoked for any reason.

May perform other special projects or duties as requested by the clinical or administrative supervisor.

Skills

Must utilize sound clinical interventions and counseling skills. Good interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to develop effective and meaningful relationships with clients. Must be able to remain calm in a crisis situation, identify underlying causes of problem situations, resolve conflicts, and de-escalate potentially explosive situations. Must be a team player.

Educational and Experience Bachground

Qualifications must meet one of the following:

1.  Licensed in Pennsylvania as a psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or clinical social worker.

2.  Licensed in Pennsylvania as a social worker or a behavior specialist AND have a graduate degree that required a clinical or mental health direct service practicum from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or have an equivalent degree from a foreign college university.

3.  Have one-year minimum full time experience in providing mental health direct services to children, youth or young adults AND a graduate degree with at least nine credits specific to clinical practice in psychology, social work or counseling from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or have an equivalent degree from a foreign college university.

4.  Completed a clinical or mental health direct service practicum AND have a graduate degree with at least nine credits specific to clinical practice in psychology, social work, education, counseling or a related field from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or have an equivalent degree from a foreign college university.

The Mobile Therapist will have an updated Act 33 Child Abuse Clearance, Act 34 Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Background Check, and Act 31 CPSL Mandated Reporter Training prior to working alone with a child.

Working Conditions

Work settings can include, but are not limited to, school buildings, home, community, church, activity centers, or extended or kinship family home. Working conditions during the summer program and recreational programs may involve physical activities. Clientele may at times be verbally or physically abusive.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required or personnel so classified.

This job description is not intended to be a contract of employment with the employee. The employee covered by this job description is an at-will employee of Laurel Life.