ACT Team Therapist

This is responsible professional work providing case management services to adults who are on an ACT team (Assertive Community Treatment). ACT is an intensive, community-based service that provides comprehensive, coordinated and personalized treatment to adults with serious mental illness. The case manager is a member of an interdisciplinary team that includes nursing, therapy, case management, and psychiatric services. This is a full-time position. Carastar Health has two ACT teams, one with a case load up to 48 that covers four counties, and a second with up to 36 for individuals in Montgomery County. This second team is for individuals who are under an outpatient civil commitment who are participating in Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES: Perform the function of a mental health therapist by providing mental health services individually to each client on the team's caseload. Services include evaluation/assessment, individual and group therapy/counseling, medication monitoring and education, family services, and other clinical services, focusing on mental disorders, environmental stress and family relationships Provide assertive community treatment services to clients assigned to team. Participate in staffing of all assigned cases at least twice weekly 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, assessing the client's problems and needs, and developing treatment plans using strength based, client-centered interventions. Update treatment plans as appropriate, reviewing objectives, goals and interventions. Provide crisis intervention and assessments for clients seen on an emergency basis. Provide mental health consultation to other agencies or provider's assisting Carastar's clients. Document all services within the Electronic Health Record. Provide Family education and support as outlined in the client's treatment plan. Perform mental health evaluations or other therapeutic services at assigned locations (emergency room, courts, schools, jails, community, etc.). Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. REQUIREMENTS: Considerable knowledge of individual and group behavior with special emphasis on mental and emotional disorders. Knowledge of 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: Master's degree in behavioral science from a recognized college or university with a clinical practicum. Salary scale is dependent on licensure status. 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 Carastar's auto 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. Therapist Level Hourly pay rate: Therapist I- Unlicensed Therapist- $16.78 - $25.53/hour Therapist II- Provisionally Licensed (ALC, LMSW, etc.)- $17.20 - $26.17/hour Therapist III- Fully Licensed (LPC, LCSW, etc.)- $19.23 - $29.26/hour February 2021 October 2021 September 2025 n.