Assessment Therapist

During these unprecedented times the most vulnerable need Wayfinder more than ever. We are here to stay and we will never give up on those who need us most. Our vital programs continue to operate and we remain as committed as ever to the children youth and families we serve. Those with nowhere else to turn. If you are someone who never gives up join us. Become a Wayfinder. The world needs usnow more than ever.

We are seeking an experienced Assessment Therapist who will conduct initial assessment and treatment planning services to children/NonMinor Dependents (NMD) admitted to Wayfinder Family Services ShortTerm Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP) and sufficiently coordinate assessment and treatment planning services with the members of Child and Family Team (CFT).

This is an exempt position that reports directly to the Assistant Director of Mental Health Services.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure that professional services are rendered to and/or on behalf of clients and families in a manner that promotes their overall safety recovery health and wellbeing and adheres to the mission and vision of Wayfinder. Ensure that all such services are in accordance with all laws rules and regulations governing professional practice.
• Serve as a role model for children youth and families served by Wayfinder. Maintains emotional stability and an ability to function effectively with children adolescents and/or adults who may have mental and/or behavioral health problems at all times. Demonstrate appropriate daily behavior expressions of emotion and professionalism that is free of hostility aggression and/or unnecessary/inappropriate physical actions.
• Responsible for the delivery and coordination of Mental Health Services to clients and families as defined by Wayfinders Policy and Procedure the Core Practice Model and LA County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH). Such services are inclusive of but not limited to conducting intake screenings processing the steps for admission performing full clinical client assessments and developing individualized safety and treatment plans with clients and families.
• Conduct a clinical assessment that is traumainformed and culturally competent for each child/NMD entering the STRTP within 5 days of admission (within 3 days of admission for Emergency Placements) and complete all of the required billing and documentation consistent with policy and procedures.
• Utilize intake documentation including court reports Health and Education Passports transition and permanency plans prior assessments hospitalization records school reports psychotropic medication authorizations IPC referral etc. in the assessment and treatment planning process.
• Participate in the Child and Family Team (CFT) process in an effort to develop sufficient treatment safety permanency and transition plans with and on behalf of each child/NMD in the STRTP.
  Contributes to the development of the Needs and Services Plan (NSP) and completes the initial Client Treatment Plan (CTP) within 10 days of admission.
• Responsible for the assessment of dangertoself (DTS) dangertoothers (DTO) and/or grave disability (GD) at the time of assessment as well as adhering to crisis intervention policy and procedures should a child/NMD require evaluation for a possible involuntary 5585/5150 hold/hospitalization.
• Responsible for the completion and processing of the Psychiatric Referral for clients needing psychiatric evaluation and possible Medication Support Services following the completion of the assessment.
  Completes the Clinical Review Report every 90 days for children/NMDs in the STRTP as directed by the Assistant Director of Mental Health Services.
• Complete all documentation in accordance with deadlines and performance standards established by the Mental Health Policy and Procedures Manual and/or the Director of Mental Health Services. Ensure compliance with and timeliness of documentation productivity standards and service delivery and that documentation is submitted in accordance with established schedules.
• Adhere to LACDMH and Wayfinders Mental Health Policy and Procedures for the billing and documentation practices related to any and all services provided under Early Periodic Screening Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) and Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding.
  
  Required Education Skills and Experience:
• Masters degree in a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed in California as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or PhD/PsyD required.
• Bilingual: (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Must meet eligibility requirements to bill for MediCal services.
• Two 2 years of experience working highrisk children adolescents adults and/or families within the Mental Health Educational Child Welfare and/or Juvenile Probation systems preferred.
• Minimum one 1 year of experience with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health billing and documentation requirements preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:
Competitive salary (DOE)
Health Dental & Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Long Term Disability
Long term Care
Flexible spending benefit options including qualified transportation
401(K) retirement plan with a 4 employer match after qualification
Generous Paid Time Off
10 Paid Holidays
Education Assistance Program

You can apply through this link or submit resume to:
Email:
Fax:

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drugfree workplace and conduct preemployment background and drug screenings.

Visit us online at: www.wayfinderfamily