Community Services Therapist (Part-time/PRN) - Master Level

About the Role

The Intensive Community Services Clinician provides clinical behavioral health services in the community to DGS clients. Therapists in this program offer mental and behavioral health support to clients and their families, assisting them in stepping down to a less intense level of care.

Responsibilities

• Attend and actively engage in weekly individual supervision and monthly group supervision.
• Provide evaluative, diagnostic, and psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents, and their families; collaborate with DPBHS and other area providers as needed.
• Conceptualize course of treatment inclusive of appropriate modalities, interventions, frequency, and duration of clinical services.
• Assess clients' needs and risks by utilizing crisis intervention skills and/or services.
• Apply knowledge related to developmental factors, family, and community systems to develop and implement treatment planning.
• Maintain an assigned caseload in compliance with agency standards related to direct clinical care.
• Demonstrate comprehensive skills in providing evaluation, diagnosis, and therapeutic services to build resilience in children, adolescents, and families.
• Provide feedback and suggestions for program improvement.
• Engage and collaborate with community resources, make appropriate referrals, and consult with other agencies on behalf of clients.
• Collaborate with school staff regarding behavioral health services for students.
• Complete required documentation for clinical records within established timeframes.
• Participate in scheduled supervision with the direct People Leader.
• Participate in relevant professional development and learning activities.
• Adhere to professional code of ethics and conduct.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all stakeholders.
• Demonstrate continuous commitment to DGS’ core values.
• Hold a valid Driver’s License.

Work Environment

• Community settings as assigned, with the ability to utilize office locations as needed and partial telecommuting.
• Prolonged periods of driving possible, sitting and working on a computer for documentation, and possible telehealth.
• May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• May need to engage in physical activities with clients as part of increasing their skill-building in community settings.
• Daily travel required based on seeing clients in their homes and schools, and taking them into the community.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree which qualifies for licensure in the state of Delaware as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Psychologist.
• Provide a minimum of 10 hours of service per week.
• Eligible for and working toward clinical licensure in the State of Delaware.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of relevant full-time post-graduate experience working with children and families.
• Bilingual.

Competencies

• Knowledge and application of therapeutic interventions.
• Clinical judgment/decision making/problem solving.
• Crisis intervention skills.
• Effective practice management.
• Adaptability/continuous improvement.

About Delaware Guidance Services

Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. (DGS) is the largest provider of outpatient behavioral health services to children and families in Delaware. We operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford, and we are the only statewide not-for-profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO. In 2020, we were honored as a Compassionate Champion for our dedication to serving youth and families using a trauma-informed approach.

Through DGS, clients and families have access to outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and school-based services. Our community-based service lines serve youth and families who require a more intense therapeutic protocol. DGS’ 24-hour statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) dispatches skilled crisis intervention clinicians to provide immediate care to children experiencing behavioral health crises.

Therapeutic options are available for a wide range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress-related disorders, and suicidal ideation. In 2021, DGS clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours to children, youth, and families in Delaware. Over 93% of clients report improvement in their level of functioning following treatment, and therapeutic benefits derived from trauma-informed care extend to clients’ siblings, caregivers, classmates, and peers.

Our client population is racially and ethnically diverse; 80% of DGS clients are Medicaid recipients and 90% have household incomes under $30,000. Many of our clients present with significant treatment challenges including learning impacts due to missed school and negative economic impact due to parental missed work. We provide care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay for care. DGS also provides services specifically tailored to meet the unique behavioral health care needs of child welfare-involved families and foster youth.

Why Work at Delaware Guidance Services?

DGS strives to build a collaborative, flexible, and client-focused work environment. Employee wellness is a top priority. A flexible work environment allows you to make your own schedule with a minimum of 10 hours dedicated to DGS per week.