BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINICIAN

Grant Summary

The goal of the Alaskan Outreach and Resiliency (AOR) Project is to improve the health and wellness by preventing the onset of psychosis (CHR-P) and lessen the severity of psychotic disorders among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth and young adults. This project will provide trauma-informed, culturally resonant, evidence-based interventions using a stepped-care model and integrates medication management, psychotherapy, case management, family support, and educational and vocational support tailored to the individual needs of young people experiencing early symptoms of psychosis to improve outcomes and promote recovery.

Position Summary

This position uses Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC), an evidence-based, multi-disciplinary approach that integrates medication management, psychotherapy, case management, family support, and educational and vocational support tailored to the individual needs of young people experiencing early symptoms of psychosis to improve outcomes and promote recovery.

Job Duties

• Provides trauma-informed, evidence-based, culturally- resonant youth, young adult, and family counseling using a stepped-care approach and EBP.
• Assesses symptoms and response to therapy to adjust treatment plans, as necessary.
• Provides crisis support, intervention, and psychoeducation.
• Works collaboratively with Hope Project psychiatrist.
• Provides substance use disorder, mental health, and family counseling.
• Ensures adherence to data collection requirements in accordance with established standards and enters accurate and timely data into the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Attends staff meetings and in-service training opportunities and presents cases for routine/problematic staffing as needed, including participation in interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Member of Community Outreach Team.
• Attends mandatory position training.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Ability

• In-depth knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
• Comprehensive understanding of a broad range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia.
• Proficient in assessing and responding to crises, including suicide risk, self-harm, and acute mental health crises, as well as developing safety plans and managing urgent situations.
• Thorough knowledge of ethical guidelines (e. g., APA, ACA) and relevant state/federal laws related to confidentiality, mandated reporting, and patient rights.
• Competence in conducting comprehensive clinical assessments, gathering consumer history, and formulating accurate diagnoses using tools like the DSM-5.
• Skilled in collaboratively developing individualized treatment plans that outline clear goals and therapeutic interventions tailored to consumers’ unique needs
• Strong skills in de-escalating crises, managing emotional distress, and providing immediate therapeutic interventions to stabilize consumers.
• Proficiency in maintaining thorough, accurate, and confidential clinical notes, treatment plans, and reports in compliance with ethical and legal standards.
• Ability to manage emotional demands and maintain professional boundaries while providing compassionate care and practicing self-care to prevent burnout.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, showing respect and understanding for cultural, gender, and identity differences, and adapting interventions to be inclusive.
• Strong analytical skills to assess complex emotional and psychological issues, develop appropriate interventions and modify treatment plans based on consumer progress and feedback
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of conveying complex information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to protect confidentiality is essential; HIPAA & 42 CFR compliant.
• Ability to work independently as well as with teams.

Minimum Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, behavioral health, or related field.
• Licensed in the State of Alaska.
• Experience documenting in an electronic health record.
• One (1) years’ experience with billing systems.
• Two (2) years’ counseling experience.
• Two (2) years' experience working with young people and families.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with AN/AI population and experience providing culturally specific services.
• A combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for degree requirements.

Preferred Qualifications (Education & Experience)

• Experience working in crisis intervention.
• Experience using EBP in treatment.