CEST Therapist II - Carastar Health

This is responsible professional work providing services on an outreach basis to a limited target population as part of a multi-disciplinary Crisis Evaluation and Support Team (CEST) providing treatment, rehabilitation, and support to persons with serious mental illness and severe functional disability.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Conduct crisis intervention and prehospitalization services to individuals who are in crisis or are experiencing acute mental illness symptoms.

Provide consultation and evaluations for individuals who are being recommended for inpatient care and/or civil commitment.

Conduct mental health consults to local hospitals, emergency rooms, jails, and other agencies who are requesting recommendations for appropriate level of care for individuals in crisis.

Provide testimony to court regarding recommendations for level of care.

Participate in staffing of all assigned cases with other treatment team members.

Participate in clinical supervision as required.

Participate in training activities as required by Carastar to increase and enhance professional and therapeutic skills.

Conduct initial intake interviews of clients according to established procedure, assess the client's problems and needs, and develop treatment plans using strength based, client-centered interventions.

Update treatment plans as appropriate, reviewing objectives, goals, and interventions.

Document all services within the Electronic Health Record.

Provide family education and support as outlined in the client's treatment plan.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

There is a 35% productivity requirement for this position.

REQUIREMENTS

Considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior with special emphasis on mental and emotional disorders.

Knowledge of the principles and methods of counseling.

Knowledge of psychotropic drugs concerning their use, misuse, desirable and undesirable effects and research material available on these drugs.

Knowledge of assessing the mental status of individuals in need of mental health services.

Considerable knowledge of mental health services and available resources.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with consumers, families, hospital staff and community mental health center staff.

Ability to work in a proactive, assertive, and energetic manner in fulfilling the duties of this position.

Ability to work effectively as a treatment team member.

Willing to work in non-traditional and in-home settings.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and/or weekends if necessary.

Reliable transportation and willingness to transport clients.

QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a recognized college or university with a master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or Psychology.

ALC, LPC, LGSW, or LCSW preferred (see note below)

Some clinical experience preferred.

Degree and experience must meet requirements for Approved Medicaid Provider status.

Must hold a valid driver's license and maintain a driving record that is acceptable to the Carastar's insurance carrier.

Must maintain at least liability coverage on personal vehicles.

Must hold and maintain a current Red Cross First Aid, CPI and CPR certificate.

****Licensure is not a requirement of this position. If you do not hold one of the licenses above, you may still apply. If hired, you will begin as a Therapist I which is in a classification with a lower salary range. While you are not required to obtain a license; if/when you become licensed, you will advance to the Therapist II classification.****