Under general supervision, the Lead Therapist provides direct therapy services, including evaluations and assessments as well as group and individual counseling in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, addiction and other behavioral health challenges. This position also has responsibility for program development, clinical supervision, and ensures compliance with regulations that govern the certification of the outpatient therapy programs. Work is performed under the general direction of the Clinical Services Manager.
It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed on a regular basis, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties that an employee may be required to perform. The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive.
Utilizes a trauma-informed approach to provide counseling services and/or addiction therapy to individuals and groups including crisis management.
Conducts DOT assessments and DOT safety plan development, including additional required paperwork by the agency and State DOT.
Manages electronic health record entries including treatment plans, case notes, and discharges.
Leads client and team staffings, and provides clinical supervision to therapists and substance abuse counselors.
Serves as contact for the Health and Human Services Department relative to assigned external agencies, programs, or services and represents the department at professional meetings and community events as required.
Maintains the confidential nature of client and business information.
Complies with all local, state, and federal laws governing clients and the rendering of services.
Completes and maintains necessary documentation according to applicable requirements, codes and policies.
Participates in the after-hours crisis system.
Performs other related functions and duties as assigned or required.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Master's degree in marriage/family therapy, professional counseling, social work, or related field and extensive experience counseling in behavioral health, substance use disorders, marital and family wellbeing, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of Substance Use Disorder certification and Marriage/Family Therapist, Professional Counselor, or Social Work certification upon hire. Independent Clinical Supervisor certification required within two years of hire. Valid driver's license in the State of Wisconsin.OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESComprehensive knowledge of County and department policies and procedures, including emergency and inclement weather protocols. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent projects with strong attention to detail, effective time management, and adaptability to changing circumstances. Proficient in providing individual and group counseling, including crisis management, conducting diagnostic and DOT assessments, and assessing, evaluating, and diagnosing chemical dependency and related issues. Thorough understanding of alcohol and other drug abuse dynamics, treatment theories, programs, methods, and state and federal AODA confidentiality laws. Skilled in maintaining accurate electronic health records, reports, and documentation, and reliably working required hours. Proficient in arithmetic computations and the use of standard office equipment and position-specific software. Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, families, coworkers, supervisors, other departments, professionals, and the general public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens is considered low for this position.