FUNCTION OF THE JOB

This position directly reports to the Public Health Administrator and is under the supervision of the Public Health Administrator.  Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Therapist is a position which is responsible for delivering direct services, providing consultation and educational services, and participating in program development.  Therapists working with substance use clients also provide consultation for the legal system, as well as DUI (Driving under the Influence) substance use evaluations.

CCHD utilizes professional staff to provide treatment services.  Therapists are licensed at the Master's level (LCSW or LCPC), have current licenses, and meet the State of Illinois' requirements for Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Provide assessment services including intake, screening, treatment planning, therapy, information      and referral or linkage if services are unable to be provided at Prairie Counseling Center.

2.       Provide individual and group therapy and education services, provide family members with               supportive therapy and education regarding substance use.

3.       Provide consultation and education to referral and potential referral sources.

4.       Maintain working relationships with referral sources (DCFS, DHS, schools, law enforcement, probation, physicians and hospital programs).

5.       Participate in program planning, development and in clinical staff meetings.

6.       Work evening hours as assigned to assure accessibility of services to clients and their families.

7.       Provide emergency and crisis intervention services in consultation with other clinical staff and supervisor.

8.       Maintain confidential case records and activity information as required.

9.       Prepare client records, report data and required statistics.

10.   Provide case management services which include community integration, linkage, support and advocacy and medication management in conjunction with the Prairie Counseling Center's staff prescriber.

11.   Maintain state certification and license.

12.   Required to participate in emergency response, i.e., drill or real event.

13.   Ability to utilize a variety of therapy skills to best meet the client's needs, knowledge of DSM diagnoses, knowledge of community resources, and ability to function independently without close supervision.

14.   Ability to relate constructively with people (clients and collaterals, staff, colleagues outside of the agency, referral sources and community residents).

15.   Ability to make presentations within the community and to speak with a degree of "clinical authority" regarding mental health/substance use issues.

16.   Ability to accept and utilize supervision and consultation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Training and Experience

Master's Degree in one of the Mental Health professional fields.

Substance Use Therapists should be a Certified Addictions Counselor or be willing to pursue certification.

Requires a license or certification (Licensed Clinical Professional Councilor or Licensed Clinical Worker) or an application seeking such certification.

Must be trained in CPR. If the candidate is not trained at time of employment, training will be provided within a reasonable time by the employer.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1.    Must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

2.    Experience working with adults with chronic mental illness

3.    Experience working with adults, children, and families with diverse needs, including persons with disabilities.

4.    General working knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to the management of mental health

5.    Skill at oral communication as it relates to both negotiating and educating others under adverse conditions.

6.    The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private groups and individuals.

7.    Knowledge of database management programs and an ability to use computer.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1.    This is an Exempt position

2.    Working environment: Christian County Health Department offices, outreach sites, food services, area properties. Work will often be conducted on-site and outdoors.

3.    Hours of work: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break (35 hours per week) and other hours as assigned for special circumstances. The position is full time.

4.    Travel: Must travel in automobile by self and have a valid driver’s license.

5.    Workspace: Office, area food services, properties.

6.    Christian County requires residency for all employees, but this requirement may be waived under certain circumstances.

7.    This position will involve potential exposure to disease agents. Being a regulatory function based around compliance, the position could involve conflict.

PHYSICAL ASPECTS:

Standing 25% of time

Walking 25% of time

Sitting 50% of time

Lifting 30 # of pounds

Carrying 30 # of pounds

Pushing 20 # of pounds

Pulling 20 # of pounds

The position may involve some degree of the following: Climbing, stooping, balancing, kneeling, reaching, handling; and may involve spatial senses that including seeing/vision, speaking, hearing, and depth perception.