Therapist/Family therapist

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

• To provide therapeutic services for pregnant and/or parenting teens/young adults who reside in the residential program.
• To provide and implement all aspects of parenting curriculum and activities with teen mothers and their children to develop nurturing and healthy relationships and parenting skills.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provide individual and group therapy (and family therapy where indicated) for pregnant and/or parenting adolescents and young people who reside in the program.
2. Conduct mental health screening assessments, including trauma screens and suicide risk assessments.
3. Conduct initial and ongoing assessments of parenting relationship and skills and develop and conduct interventions.
4. Coordinate and implement parenting curriculum.
5. Provide trauma-informed, culturally competent, clinically based therapy around Responsive Care and parenting for pregnant and parenting youth.
6. Engage and provide trauma informed intergenerational therapeutic support for parenting teens with their families, their children’s fathers and extended families to facilitate safe and healthy relationships and co-parenting. This includes collaborating with social service in providing referrals for fathers for supportive programs and planning other supportive services.
7. Model responsive care and positive parenting techniques
8. Participate in inter-disciplinary team meetings, Child Safety Conferences, and program-wide meetings.
9. Attend required trainings and annual mandated refresher courses.
10. Work collaboratively with all Bethany staff, including Infant Mental Health Specialist and social
Position Description – Family Psychotherapist August 2020 service team.
11. Serve as a resource for staff on factors that affect youth and parenting, including trauma, domestic violence, mental health issues and substance use.
12. Ensure that services are delivered in compliance with SCO, NYS, and Federal requirements as well as standards for professional ethics.
13. Perform all duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• NYS license (LMSW/LCSW, LMHC, LCAT) or limited permit eligible.
• Required clearances: NYS Central Register; NYS Justice Center; fingerprinting; DMV (if licensed driver).
• Experience working with adolescents in a human services field, especially youth with emotional challenges. Knowledge of trauma- informed treatment models and child welfare a plus.

EDUCATION:
Master's degree in licensed mental health profession (e.g. social work, mental health counseling, creative arts therapy)

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Good computer skills (Word and Excel).
• Able to use Electronic Health Record.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be organized and self-motivated; must be able to work independently and cooperatively.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS
Externally: interacts with community resources
Internally: interfaces with adolescent/young adult clients and their children, direct care staff, social service staff and clinical team members.

In addition, employees need to possess the following characteristics:
• Ability to participate in and promote a positive, supportive, and cooperative team environment.
• Have a personal belief in the effectiveness of principles of responsive parenting.
• Have a strong sensitivity to cultural diversity present among staff and clients within our organization.
• Possess a strong belief in an individual’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families.
• Ability to set limits and maintain professional boundaries while intervening appropriately with residents and their children.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Responsible for meeting the stated requirements of the position.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 
Works within the structure of the Residential Foster Care Programs as it relates to the overall agency organization