ACTP Therapist

About Delaware Guidance Services

Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. (DGS) is the largest provider of outpatient behavioral health services to children and families in Delaware.

We operate offices in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Lewes, and Seaford, and we are the only statewide not-for-profit outpatient behavioral health organization for children and adolescents accredited by JCAHO.

In 2020, we were honored as a Compassionate Champion for our dedication to serving youth and families using a trauma-informed approach.

Through DGS, clients and families have access to outpatient counseling, group therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, and school-based services. Our community-based service lines serve youth and families who require a more intense therapeutic protocol.

DGS’ 24-hour statewide Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) dispatches skilled crisis intervention clinicians to provide immediate care to children experiencing behavioral health crises.

Therapeutic options are available for a wide range of diagnoses including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, traumatic stress-related disorders, and suicidal ideation. In 2021, DGS clinicians provided over 54,000 direct care hours to children, youth, and families in Delaware.

Over 93% of clients report improvement in their level of functioning following treatment, and therapeutic benefits derived from trauma-informed care extend to clients’ siblings, caregivers, classmates, and peers.

Our client population is racially and ethnically diverse; 80% of DGS clients are Medicaid recipients and 90% have household incomes under $30,000. Many of our clients present with significant treatment challenges including learning impacts due to missed school and negative economic impact due to parental missed work.

We provide care to anyone in need, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay for care. DGS also provides services specifically tailored to meet the unique behavioral health care needs of child welfare-involved families and foster youth

Why Work at Delaware Guidance Services?

DGS strives to build a collaborative, flexible, and client-focused work environment. Employee wellness is a top priority. In addition to offering flexible work arrangements, DGS offers a comprehensive and competitive employee benefits package including the following:

• Competitive Compensation
• Incentive Pay for Specific Roles
• Generous Paid Time Off (starting at 44 days of paid leave a year)
• Up to 8% Annual Contribution to Your Retirement Fund
• Free Professional Development Opportunities
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-term Disability Insurance

The Advanced Clinical Training Program (ACTP) Clinician is a Graduate level (Master’s level) clinician responsible for providing clinical behavioral health services to children and families.

Clinicians in this program further develop therapeutic skills, build core clinical competencies, and have the opportunity to practice these skills and competencies in a family-based child guidance setting.

Clinicians provide therapeutic services under the direct supervision of a licensed clinician while earning their required hours toward licensure.

Essential Functions

Clinical

• Attends and actively engages in core ACTP training sessions in accordance with ACTP onset date
• Provides evaluative, diagnostic, and psychotherapeutic services to children, adolescents, adults, and their families
• Conceptualizes course of treatment inclusive of appropriate modalities, interventions, frequency and duration of clinical services
• Assesses clients’ needs and risks by utilizing crisis intervention skills and/or services

• Applies knowledge related to developmental factors, family and community systems in order to develop and implement treatment planning
• Maintains an assigned caseload in compliance with agency standards related to direct clinical care
• Demonstrates comprehensive skills in providing evaluation, diagnosis, and therapeutic services to build resilience in children, adolescents, adults, and families

• Provides feedback and suggestions for program improvement

Administrative & Clinical Documentation

• Engages and collaborates with community resources, makes appropriate referrals, and consults with other agencies on behalf of clients

• Collaborates with school staff regarding behavioral health services for students

• Completes required documentation for clinical records within established timeframes.

• Meets regularly with supervisor(s)

General

• Participates in relevant professional development and learning activities

• Adheres to professional code of ethics and conduct
• Communicates effectively and professionally with all stakeholders
• Demonstrates continuous commitment to DGS’ core values

Competencies/ Capabilities

• Knowledge and application of therapeutic interventions
• Excellent clinical Judgment, decision making, and problem solving
• Effective Practice Management
• Adaptability/continuous improvement

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Work Environment

• Office and/or community settings as assigned, partial telecommuting with approval

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• May be requested to lift up to 15 pounds at times

Travel Required

• Occasional travel to various sites and/or community partners

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a discipline eligible for licensing as a Clinical Social Worker, Professional Counselor of Mental Health, Marriage and Family Therapist, or Psychologist

• Eligible for clinical licensure in the State of Delaware

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years relevant full-time post graduate experience working with children and families
• Bilingual

EEO

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Delaware Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Other Responsibilities

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, tasks or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Activities, tasks or responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.