Job Description

Gemma Services is currently seeking a Therapist - Child and Family for its Children's Psychiatric Residential Treatment Program.

The Therapist - Child and Family of Residential services will be responsible for providing therapy with children and their families, clinical consultation with the Gemma Services treatment team and external community partners. Close collaboration with the assigned Clinical Case Manager, and crisis intervention with children in the residential treatment program. Coordinates work as needed within the department, as well as with other divisions and departments; complies with operating policies and procedures established for the assigned function; communicates with appropriate personnel; responds to inquiries or requests for information; maintains appropriate records and provides assigned reports. Essential job functions are as follows but not limited to:

1. Supports the mission of Gemma Services by providing hope and healing through high quality mental health, educational, and supportive services for children in the Residential Treatment Program and their families or guardians.

2. Completes the following training by the designated guidelines:

   1. Gemma Services training in Trauma Recovery Therapy within the first 6 months of employment.
   2. Receives certification in Cognitive Therapy through the Beck Institute within the first year of employment.
   3. Completes certification in TF-CBT within the first 3 years of employment. This is dependent upon the availability of training opportunities within this time period.

3. Provides individual and family therapy services with the children and their families/guardians as guided by the most appropriate Evidence-Based Practice.

   1. Reads referral material and becomes familiar with the child's strengths, diagnosis, trauma history, family history, and presenting issues prior to a child being admitted.
   2. Analyzes children’s and families’/guardians’ behavior within the context of the Gemma Services Trauma Recovery Model and plans effective responses and interventions. Incorporates cultural beliefs and values into the treatment goals and interventions for each child and family.
4. Participates in the initial treatment planning meeting with the child, family/guardian, Child Psychiatrist, and Residential Supervisor to develop the initial treatment plan and discharge plan.

5. Assists family members through the Clarification Process when possible and conducts one or more Family and Friends Meetings with all families who agree.

6. Provides consultation and coaching to the Gemma Services treatment team and to other agencies involved with each child and families in understanding each child’s treatment needs and in developing and implementing each child's treatment plan from a trauma-informed perspective.
7. Maintains timely clinical documentation for all services provided.
8. Testifies in court as needed. Provides trauma-informed treatment recommendations based on each child’s particular history and needs. Prepare reports for the courts as required.

9. Closely coordinates all therapeutic services with the child’s Gemma Services Clinical Care Manager, Residential Supervisor and Psychiatrist.

10. Assists in limited case management tasks as needed especially as they relate to helping the external agency partners support trauma informed treatment and care.

11. Participates in other agency activities and requirements as follows:

    1. Participates in agency-wide activities and events.
    2. On Snow Emergency Days, acts as essential staff by working on the units as needed in the capacity of a Child Care/Mental Health Worker.
    3. Abides by the current laws, and organizational policies and procedures designed and implemented to promote an environment which is free of harassment and other forms of illegal discriminatory behavior in the workplace.
    4. Cooperates with, participates in, and supports the adherence to all internal policies, procedures, and practices in support of risk management and overall safety and soundness and the organization’s compliance with all regulatory requirements; participates in and completes all required training within stated Gemma Services training year.
    5. Coordinates specific work tasks with other personnel within the department as well as with other divisions and departments to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of information.
    6. Communicates with management and staff personnel to integrate goals and activities.
    7. Responds to inquiries relating to his/her area, or to requests from

    other staff, etc., within given time frames and within established policy.

Education and experience:

1. Master’s or doctorate degree with a clinical concentration.
2. Experience working in a clinical setting working with children and families preferred.

Gemma Services is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.