Mental Health Therapist

Essential Functions

• Conduct individual, family and group counseling sessions to assess clients' needs, concerns, and goals and provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Work independently and consistently exercise discretion and sound judgement in providing counseling services as well as stabilization and support.
• Complete thorough assessments to understand clients' emotional, mental, and social backgrounds and create personalized treatment plans.
• Manage workload with minimal administrative supervision and utilize advanced therapeutic treatment models.
• Document all required information in compliance with legal and ethical guidelines in the required timeframe.
• Navigate electronic health record system and create electronic health records.
• Plan and organize work schedule to meet clinical and consultation responsibilities.
• Maintain thorough, timely, and accurate documentation for the client file.
• Consult with collateral contacts as needed and ensure confidentiality of client in accordance with applicable laws and agency policy.
• Provide clinical supervision to students or staff as assigned by the Manager of Clinical Services or the Clinical Director, meeting all requirements of the student’s placement.
• Maintain ongoing skills and knowledge through participation in the supervisory process, and attendance to meetings and conferences both within and outside the Agency.
• Address critical situations and provide immediate crisis intervention and support to clients in distress.
• Advocate for those served and work closely with other identified team members to meet the goals of those served.
• Develop a working knowledge of community resources which may be beneficial to those served.
• Prepare to provide professional presentations as requested or required.
• Develop collaborative, ongoing professional relationships with other professionals both within and external to the agency, who are involved in the welfare of those served.

Knowledge and Ability Requirements

• Knowledgeable of and experienced with a variety of evidence and trauma-informed treatment approaches to clinical work with individuals, couples, families and groups.
• Completes quality documentation including Individualized Assessments and Treatment Plan and Medicaid billing notes.
• Understands the Illinois Mental Health Code, Confidentiality Act and the Illinois Child Abuse and Reporting Act.
• Communicates effectively; advocates for families and youth served; mobilizes and educates families about formal and informal resources to support them.

Background and Driving Requirements

• Required to pass all required background checks, including but not limited to criminal background checks and CANTS (Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System) checks, as required by law and agency policy.
• Must possess a reliable vehicle and have a valid driver’s license and not have had a suspended or revoked driver’s license within the past three years.

Education and Experience

• Must meet the qualifications of a Qualified Mental Health Professional as defined in Rule 132 of the Illinois Mental Health Code.
• One of the following: A licensed social worker (LSW) possessing at least a master's degree in social work and licensed under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act [225 ILCS 20] with specialized training in mental health services or with at least 2 years’ experience in mental health services; A licensed professional counselor possessing at least a master's degree and licensed under the Professional Counselor and Clinical Professional Counselor Licensing Act [225 ILCS 107] with specialized training in mental health services or with at least two years’ experience in mental health services; An individual possessing at least a master's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, or family therapy or related field, who has successfully completed a practicum or internship that included a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised direct service in a mental health setting, or who has one year of clinical experience under the supervision of a QMHP.
• Experience working in a child welfare agency preferred.

Physical Demands and Other Requirements

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties listed in the job description satisfactorily.
• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to sit.
• Occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, or controls; reach with hands and arms.
• Capable of operating standard office equipment, including a computer and keyboard, calculator, typical business machines such as a fax machine and copier.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Position Responsibilities/Program Execution and Decision Making

• Diversity and Inclusion/Professionalism: Presents as a role model to others, behaving in a way which actively supports LCFS as a welcoming community, promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace and collaborates with others to further equity and dismantle barriers to a more inclusive experience of community. Participates in annual professional development and/or advocacy regarding inclusion.
• Ethical Conduct: Follows all ethics policies and procedures related to program execution and decision making as defined by the agency as well as any related professional licensing, regulatory or accrediting body. Maintains confidentiality of client, staff, and agency information. Reports any known or suspected breaches of confidentiality in accordance with policy. Reports possible misconduct or relevant errors/oversight in a timely manner and responsibly addresses related issues with chain of command.
• Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Consistently conveys clear, accurate, timely, and respectful communication appropriate for the situation. Informs appropriate management staff when incident occurs or a crisis situation. Maintains professional boundaries with clients/residents, staff, interns, volunteers, and vendors.
• Safety and Agency Resource Utilization: Demonstrates sound judgement and foresight in safety awareness and in daily work. Notifies, in a timely manner, the supervisory chain of any incidents or circumstances that need attention. Report all suspicions or allegations of abuse immediately to their supervisor. Ensures appropriate utilization of materials and resources and minimizes waste.