Job Summary:
The Mental Health Therapist is responsible for constructing treatment plans and delivering appropriate behavioral health supports and services for all students served by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit Partial Hospitalization Program.

Essential Functions:

• Receive and process admissions.
• Act as the lead therapist in the program, overseeing and directing the Mental Health Technician.
• Prepare and obtain authorizations for treatment from the insurance companies.
• Conduct group therapy including social skills, anger management, recreation, art, and other topics/modalities appropriate to meet the needs of participants.
• Conduct individual therapy.
• Conduct family therapy and maintain ongoing communication with family.
• Develop treatment plans and discharge plans.
• Identify supports in the community and refer for other services as appropriate.
• Complete daily progress notes and other documentation as needed.
• Actively communicate and collaborate with other agencies and school personnel.
• Collect and document data as directed by supervisor and/or director of treatment.
• Crisis management.
• Ensure all prescriptions are up to date and complete prior authorizations for medication as required by insurance companies.
• Communicate and collaborate with billing staff.
• Ensure charts are up to date and align with insurance requirements.
• Prepare charts and other documents for state and insurance company inspections.
• Ongoing focus on quality improvement and compliance with regulations and requirements.

Other Duties: This position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department, as needed, to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Supervisory Responsibility: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time, 220-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. Hours are dependent on the needs of the districts. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel: There will be traveling between schools.

Education and Experience:

• Level of Degree:
  • Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling or related field.
  • Licensed as Professional Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, or Psychologist

• Experience: Five years of counseling experience w/children/adolescents in a mental health setting, preferred. Two years of experience is required.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Cognitive behavioral therapy, knowledge of the community mental health system and medical assistance managed care.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state or local laws.