Position Summary:
The Clinician will conduct mental health assessments, screen for human trafficking concerns, and provide crisis intervention services. Additionally they will be responsible for intake assessments, and will provide weekly therapy to the youth and to facilitate group therapy. The Clinician is also responsible to provide clinical guidance to both the case managers and direct care staff, as needed. They will provide additional professional support at treatment team meetings concerning mental health and behavioral issues.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
- Responsible for strong collaborative relationships with the Case Managers working with the UC to reunify them with a family member/sponsor.
- Is responsible for constant and open communication with Case Managers regarding family/sponsor contacts, family sessions, phone calls, and safety plans, as needed, and in accordance with ORR policy.
- Is sensitive to and supportive of the youth's cultural and ethnic heritage and values.
- Plans with the Lead Clinician and Case Managers for staffing meetings to discuss service plans, progress and other issues concerning youth.
- Completes a full biopsychosocial and risk assessment for all youth on the caseload, and provides routine updates.
- Ensures that Clinical notes are completed on a weekly basis and are entered into the system in a timely manner.
- Provides ongoing mental health assessment as per UC documentation regulations as well as developmentally and culturally sensitive and trauma informed therapy services.
- Assists in the process and coordination of discharge or transfer of each child in collaboration with program staffing and ensures the delivery of appropriate summaries in each case.
- Is responsible for the respective UC Portal documentation and oversees the preparation of summaries, maintenance of current progress notes and ensures relevant information regarding visiting and other significant incidents are incorporated into the case record and are placed into UC Portal.
- Ensures that both paper case records and electronic case records are completed in a timely manner and stored and protected to remain in compliance with CHP and ORR procedures.
- Ensures that they are effectively developing rapport and maintaining professional and therapeutic relationships with all youth on their caseload.
- Facilitates regular psychoeducational groups with youth, in accordance with ORR expectations.
- Provides clinical assistance and support for other staff members in the program to ensure that therapeutic and trauma informed approaches are applied for all youth in the program.
- Serves as a support for youth and as a liaison between the public school counseling department and the program.
- Responsible for continued professional development through attendance at inservice seminars, participation in conferences and workshops and/or continued study at higher education institutions.
- Attend all agency mandatory training as scheduled, and must complete 40 hours annually of ORR (Office of Refugee Resettlement) training.
- Fulfill Mandated Reporter responsibilities according to NYS Justice Center and OCFS regulations.
- Is familiar with and adheres to all agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Child Care Manual, Employee Handbook.
- Remains current regarding Children’s Home policies, OCFS policies, and ORR policies to ensure program compliance.
- Maintains on call responsibilities to the UC program including calls from ORR.
- Accepts any other tasks as delegated by the Program Director or as required by ORR.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
- Must be bilingual in English and Spanish
- Ability to assess mental health status
- Competency in administering standardized screening tools
- Ability to understand the importance of cultural humility in clinical work
- Competency in writing case notes and assessment
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently
Critical Work Relationships:
This position reports to the Lead Clinician. They will receive clinical supervision for licensure, as needed, and will also take directives from the Program Manager and collaborate with the Case Manager.
- Works cohesively with department heads and members of their UC respective team.
- Works closely with ORR Case Coordinator, Federal Field Specialist, and any other organization/professional as indicated.
- Works closely with the UC Lead Clinician to staff cases and ensure compliance with ORR policies and procedures.
- Relates to Clinical Program Director for program areas including setting and achieving client service goals and objectives and coordination of program activities.
The Children's Home offers an outstanding benefit package which includes medical, vision, dental, life insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a great work environment! Paid time off includes 4 weeks of vacation, 3 personal days, 12 holidays and 9 sick days annually.