Our children's hospital serves children ages 5 to 12 years and adolescent’s ages 13 to 19 years who are in psychiatric crisis. Children whose behaviors are life threatening, destructive or disabling or that require 24-hour monitoring and assessment meet criteria for admission. The program provides assessment and stabilization of psychiatric symptoms. The goal of treatment is to promote the highest level of functioning through an individualized treatment plan. The focus is on returning consumers to their homes or to the least restrictive level of care as quickly as possible, with comprehensive aftercare plans. The estimated stay in this BayPointe program is three to ten days.
ResponsibilitiesTherapist in a hospital acute setting provides individual, group and family therapy. They formulate treatment plans, behavioral management plans and provides clinical assessments of the consumers. They respond to crisis situations to help deescalate and resolve the situation, as well as assisting with seclusion and restraining as required.
Essential Functions
Utilizes assessment data to support a DSM V, DSM IV- TR or DSM IV diagnosisProvides effective clinical assessment of the consumerProvides individual, group, family and play therapy mode, utilizing basic therapeutic models and theories according to consumer needs as stated in the treatment planFormulates appropriate treatment plan along with consumer and family/guardian, as appropriateActs as a team leader providing clinical direction and training to the behavioral staffAssists with seclusion and restraint as required, per AltaPointe policy and procedureFormulates and oversees implementation of appropriate behavior management plansEvaluates the consumer for discharge planning or movement to a less restrictive environment and arranges such services, as neededDemonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situationEffectively collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of clinical servicesAssists in approving movies, television programs, etc. as appropriate to program guidelinesAssures that certification/program standards and objectives are metParticipates in late night, weekend, and holiday therapist rotation providing group and family counseling, crisis intervention and overseeing on site consumer visitation facility wide (if applicable)Adheres to professional code of ethicsDocuments in a timely fashion per AltaPointe policyDocuments appropriate, complete, and clinically comprehensive mental health assessmentsDocuments in a clear and concise manner, types of consumer problems, treatment goals addressed, services, and techniques usedEffectively manages caseload based on consumer needsMaintains current license and requirements for renewals (i.e. CEU’s), if applicable, and attends regular workshops and in-servicesSeeks clinical supervision and consultation as neededAccepts and employs suggestions for improvementActively works to enhance clinical skillsDocuments measurable and specific goals in the treatment planDocuments case disposition, case closings, follow-up and referralsDocuments legiblyMeets AltaPointe productivity standardsTreats consumers with care, dignity and compassionRespects consumer’s privacy and confidentialityIs pleasant and cooperative with othersAssists consumers and visitors as neededPersonal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for othersIs sensitive to the consumer’s needs, expectations and individual differencesIs gentle and calm with consumers and familiesActively participates in Performance Improvement activitiesActively participates in AltaPointe committees as requiredCompletes assigned tasks in a timely mannerAccesses appropriate community resources according to consumer needsFollows AltaPointe policies and proceduresPhysical Requirements
There is frequent standing, sitting, and walking which are in bursts of 5 to 10 minutes. However, there are times when this can be extended to pacing with the consumer (time could be undetermined), and at times sitting and standing can be extended with the employee having the ability to change positions as permitted by the observance and behavior of the consumer at that time.There is occasional forward bending from the hips while kneeling to reach to the side.There is an occasional need to be able to assume a full squat/lunge from a standing position. There is an occasional need to maintain back extension while being on stomach with one’s own body weight on hips and legs. This position is maintained for several minutes.Occasionally, be able to put one’s own body weight on one knee and one elbow on the same side of one’s body.Occasionally, be able to kneel and reach to same side toward the floor.Lift up to 15 pounds from the floor to various levels, including from floor to overhead occasionally during shift.Have the ability to lift up to 50 pounds to assist in activities of daily living, as required. Be able to lift up to 50 pounds from floor to waist.Strong grasp is needed to use keys to open doors throughout the facility, and to maintain constant contact with a consumer during a restraint procedure or with other hold techniques.Pushing/pulling force up to 25 pounds occasionally during shift.At times, be able to ambulate in a quick manner (jog/run) for distances up to 50 feet.Carrying up to 15 pounds various distances throughout the facility.Occasional step ladder climbing to retrieve medical records that are on higher shelves.Fine manipulation/dexterity to handle medical records and complete documentation.At times therapy may be inside or outside the facility; therefore, some activities will dictate physical requirements for playing or games. QualificationsMaster’s degree in a mental health discipline.