Position Details

Mental Health Therapist Intern

POSITION TITLE:  Mental Health Therapist Intern

FLSA STATUS:  Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:  Intern Supervisor and/or Clinical Department Supervisor

JOB PURPOSE:  Provides clinical assessment, evidence-based psychotherapy and crisis intervention to both children and adults to address client's functional impairment. Manage caseload of clients and provide services in accordance with funding guidelines and requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides evidence-based treatment utilizing strengths based, client centered and brief treatment framework.
  • Provides evidence based individual and group psychotherapy as appropriate for individual, implements evidence-based treatment practices.
  • Develops individualized treatment plans with measurement-based outcomes that improve clients functioning.
  • Provide case management and crisis response as needed to promote stability, recovery and community.
  • Participates in case consultation with other staff as needed.
  • Participates in client-centered care coordination with internal and external partners, including primary care providers.
  • Maintains familiarity with and handles client information in accordance with Federal Regulations (42 CFR, Part 2), the Revised Code of Washington (RCW 71.05.390 and RCW 71.24), and other applicable laws pertaining to confidentiality of client and staff information.
  • Maintains physical security of confidential materials and assigned Agency property.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Performs relevant clinical and administrative tasks according to agency policies.
  • Participates in team meetings and program development.
  • Provides information and education to community members.
  • Maintains high standards of professional conduct in interaction with clients, staff, and other community members.
  • Maintains professional competency through a program of professional development, clinical supervision, peer consultation and in-service training.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or requested.
  • Demonstrates flexibility in adapting to changing work demands.
  • Attends Performance Improvement Meetings on a regular scheduled basis.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

  • Meets attendance and punctuality standards necessary for effective client care.
  • Maintains accurate, timely chart information in compliance with State, funding source, and agency quality assurance guidelines.
  • Meets agency productivity expectations of 55% consistently.
  • Coordinates and prioritizes work assignments so that tasks are completed on time.
  • Available to work one evening shift per week (until 7pm) as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, LICENSE(S), CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:   Near completion of Master's degree in counseling, social work or related field

Experience:  Counseling experience working with adults with serious, persistent mental illness

Licensure:   Eligible for licensure in Washington State as an Agency Affiliated Counselor

Additional requirements:

  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug test and background check
  • Must be able to provide vaccination records for HepB, MMR, Tdap and recent flu shot

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Essential:

  • Knowledge of the classification of mental disorders contained in the current DSM.
  • Ability to educate clients about signs, symptoms, and recovery from mental illness.
  • Awareness of the impact of trauma on human development and psychopathology.
  • Acquaintance with treatment methods used with victims of trauma.
  • Knowledge of family systems.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Capability to use sound judgment in problem solving and clinical intervention.
  • Basic knowledge of psychotropic medications and side effects.
  • Practice of respectful communication with clients to enhance rapport and positive outcomes.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Physical Demands:

  • Moderate physical effort occasionally lifting up to ten pounds
  • Must be able to tolerate working in an office setting for the required number of hours in a workday

Cognitive Skills:

  • Advanced verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to enter data into a computerized electronic medical record.
  • Ability to effectively apply counseling theories and skills within a clinical environment.

Working Environment:

  • May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases
  • Occasionally exposed to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors
  • Works in a clean, well lit, ventilated office

Working Demands:

  • Frequent pressure due to schedule demands
  • Contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances
  • Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
  • Handles emergency or crisis situations
  • Will be required to work some evenings

Principal Challenges:

  • Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary staff.
  • Working collaboratively with clients, family members, and other community members.
  • Ensuring compliance with agency and funding standards for documentation and delivery of services.
  • Working with a wide variety of clients with serious, persistent mental illness.


*Peninsula Behavioral Health does not discriminate because of a person's presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity including transgender status, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions, age (40), honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, state employee or health care whistleblower status.