Associate Therapist
Sierra Health and Wellness
Summary
The Associate Therapist is responsible for treating, assessing, monitoring, and developing a comprehensive plan to meet the needs of clients while in treatment for chemical and alcohol abuse and dependency. The Associate Therapist is responsible for providing ongoing direct client care through weekly individual and group therapy, as well as responding to immediate clinical needs such as AMA prevention, crisis response, and milieu management. In addition, the Associate Therapist provides family therapy to clients who request this service and where clinically indicated. The Associate Therapist is a primary member and participant in weekly multidisciplinary treatment planning and works collaboratively with the certified SUD counselor to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan post-discharge. Documentation within the electronic healthcare record is required for all clinical interactions and relevant case management activities. The Associate Therapist may also provide ongoing clinical consultation and support for the certified SUD counselors.
Job description
Essential Functions
- Performs professional mental health and substance use disorder services with clients in treatment for chemical and alcohol abuse and dependency.
- Provides individual, group, and family therapy services.
- Assesses and monitors client's progress and behavior while in treatment.
- Participates in multidisciplinary treatment planning and aftercare planning.
- Participates in collaborative treatment with representatives of other agencies.
- Responds to clinical emergencies and acute client needs.
- Responds to client complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
- Records noteworthy events involving clinical services and client activities in the electronic medical record.
- Reviews client chart for completion of all paperwork with appropriate signatures; may complete weekly audits.
- Attends conferences, workshops, and training to maintain current awareness of mental health and SUD methodologies and issues.
- Maintains confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations.
- Operates a personal computer and other office equipment.
- Communicates effectively with others in person and over the telephone.
- May be assigned some lead and special work coordination responsibilities.
Competencies
- Principles, procedures, techniques, trends of clinical and casework services, therapy, and treatment.
- Social aspects and characteristics of mental and emotional disturbances and substance use disorders.
- Principles of mental health and substance use disorder education.
- A wide variety of therapeutic and treatment approaches for persons with mental and emotional problems.
- Scope, availability, and activities of community resources, including other mental health and social service agencies.
- Current trends in mental hygiene, mental health, public health, and social services, including State and Federal programs in these areas.
- Expert communication skills and counseling abilities.
- Commitment to the philosophy of recovery, continuity of the program, and to affirming the dignity and respect of all clients.
Requirements
- Must obtain and maintain a registration number regulated by a state board (ASW, AMFT, APC)
- Must possess a master's degree in social work, marriage and family therapy, or counseling
- Have at minimum one-year experience in Drug and Alcohol counseling
- Very familiar with HIPAA/client confidentiality and personal rights
- Must possess a current CPR and First Aid certification
- Must possess a valid Driver's License
- Preferred: Two to three years of experience in drug and alcohol counseling
- Preferred: BA or MA degree in related field
Company overview
Sierra Health + Wellness is a leading provider of comprehensive behavioral health services dedicated to empowering individuals and families on their journey towards healing and wellness. With a compassionate and holistic approach, the company offers a range of evidence-based treatments for mental health and substance abuse disorders, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Their experienced team of clinicians, therapists, and support staff provides personalized care and support to help clients build resilience, improve coping skills, and achieve lasting recovery. The organization operates multiple treatment centers in California, offering services including dual diagnosis care, medication-assisted treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and family therapy. Sierra Health + Wellness emphasizes a mission to restore families, relationships, and self-worth through character transformation, giving life back to those who have lost it through substance abuse and mental health issues. The company accepts most major insurance plans and provides various levels of care from residential treatment to outpatient programs, demonstrating a commitment to making quality behavioral health services accessible to the communities they serve.