Job Description

A Therapist’s main responsibility is to provide the necessary care and support to help patients resolve and manage issues in their lives. Some key Therapist job duties include:

• Conducting initial consultations to gather patient information.
• Assessing patients’ emotional and mental health and developing treatment plans to meet them.
• Asking questions and listening to help patients explore their thoughts and feelings.
• Leading patients through mental exercises and role-playing activities when beneficial
• Counseling and advising patients on issues of importance to them.
• Intervening with emergency care techniques and protocols when patients are in crisis.
• Providing referrals for additional care or services when required
• Maintaining detailed confidential records

Qualifications/Experience

Education Master’s degree in counseling, social work (Must be a LMSW or LCSW) or marriage and family therapy is required

Experience At least two years of experience in mental health clinics or a related field is required. Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.

Licenses/Certificate: Must be licensed as a LAC (require supervision), LPC, LMSW (requires supervision), LCSW, LMSC in the State of Arkansas. Other Job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements, except for certification or licensure requirements.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of mental health principles, psychotherapy, and behavior modification techniques. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, as well as crisis response and suicide prevention techniques, except where in conflict with Arkansas law, the Board adopts the most current ACA Code of Ethics for all persons holding a LAC or LPC license. Ability to conduct interviews and assessments, keep accurate and detailed records, and manage emotionally dysregulated clients. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate individualized service plans for case records, and make sound decisions in high-stress situations. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Essential Job Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following Essential Duties satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties of the position, provided it does not create undue hardship on SARH.

• Uphold and demonstrate “We Care” values in everyday activities and behavior.
• Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and clinical interviews to identify client needs and formulate diagnoses.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized treatment or service plans.
• Provide evidence-based counseling and psychotherapy to individuals, families, or groups.
• Facilitate crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning as necessary.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential clinical records in accordance with state and federal regulations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including social workers, case managers, medical personnel, and correctional staff (if applicable).
• Provide psychoeducation to clients and families on mental health, coping strategies, and community resources.
• Monitor client progress, assess effectiveness of treatment, and modify goals as needed. Advocate for clients within the social service, healthcare, and criminal justice systems as appropriate.
• Participate in case reviews, clinical supervision, and training to support ongoing professional development. Conduct individual, group, and family therapy.

This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all the possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties I may be asked to perform when assigned to me.