##### JOB DESCRIPTION - Associate Therapist
Position:Associate Therapist
Wage:$28.15-$30.15
Reports to:Clinical Manager
FLSA Status:Non-Exempt
Location:Visalia, CA
Supervises:N/A
Department:Counseling Services
Language:English/Spanish Required
About Family Services:We are a private nonprofit organization, founded in 1983. Family Services helps children, adults, and families heal from violence and thrive in healthy relationships. We serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other trauma through shelter, mental health services, and comprehensive support services. Our prevention programs also help stop the cycle of abuse. We are a private, nonprofit organization working to build a community of safe homes, safe relationships, and safe childrenwhich means a safer, healthier community for everyone. Family Services offers salary and highly competitive benefits (medical, dental, vision, life, vacation, sick, retirement), commensurate with experience and skills. Family Services is highly committed to diversity and a workplace environment that respects, appreciates, and values employees from all backgrounds. Learn more: www.fstc.net.
Summary:The therapist works independently, resolves problems based on past precedent; exercises judgment in interpreting guidelines and applicability; and ensures deadlines are met. The therapist plans and carries out various stages of a project by selecting and pursuing approved methods and techniques as appropriate. Assignments are reviewed for quality and compliance with established policies and procedures.
Role Assignment:The current assignment is to provide therapeutic services to adults and children. This assignment will include facilitating Batterers intervention and Child Abuse Intervention classes for clients referred by partner agencies. The therapist will work with a variety of clients from our Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking, Supportive Housing, Co-Parenting Groups, Child Abuse, and HIV programs. The assignment will also include participating in individual as well as group supervision. The therapist will be responsible for completing assessments, writing case notes and treatment plans in our client database, and completing all documentation as required by the agency and program. This will require some travel throughout Tulare County.
Clinical Services:
- Conduct individual and group therapy sessions for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse.
- Facilitate group sessions for individuals who have been ordered or volunteered to complete 52 weeks of Batterers Intervention. adhering to evidence-based practices and program guidelines.
- Focus group members on personal responsibility for abusive behaviors. Ensures that the group, tone, content, and methods reflect the principle of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
- Use an array of educational, and counseling techniques to help clients confront abuse and its origins, and how to learn and practice tools that are being taught.
- Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services as needed.
Assessment and Treatment Planning:
- Perform comprehensive clinical assessments for new clients, including psychosocial evaluations and risk assessments.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on assessment findings, client needs, and best practices.
- Review literature and attend training to maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practice and research on diagnosing and treating DSM-5 disorders and conditions.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all client interactions, treatment plans, progress notes, and case management activities in compliance with agency policies and professional standards such as confidentiality.
- Enter all notes and interactions in the client database system within 48 hours.
- Prepare required quarterly nd annual reports.
- Prepare required reports and documentation for court appearances, when necessary.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including case managers, social workers, law enforcement, and legal professionals, to ensure coordinated care and support for clients.
- Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss case progress and treatment strategies.
- Assist with program marketing or outreach.
- Work as an effective team member; function independently and exercise sound judgment and initiative. Work effectively with managers, co-workers, members of the public, and professional groups; to manage and coordinate activities and projects.
Training and Education:
- Provide training and education to staff, clients, and community partners on topics related to domestic violence, trauma, and intervention strategies.
- Stay informed about current research and developments in the field of domestic violence and batterers intervention through ongoing professional development.
- Review literature and attend training to maintain current knowledge of evidence-based practice and research covering theory, treatment, dynamics, and effects of trauma, abuse, exposure to violence, and other adverse childhood experiences on child and adolescent functioning and development.
- Attend clinical supervision sessions and maintain continuing education units as required.
- Applies new techniques and principles gained from reading professional literature and collaborates with other professionals; devises or adapts assessment and treatment techniques for various situations.
Advocacy:
- Advocate for the needs and rights of survivors within the agency and the broader community.
- Counsels clients and/or their families to facilitate achieving service plan goals, developing life skills, conducts activities, and monitors the service environment in a manner to maximize client success and well-being.
- Assist clients in navigating community resources and accessing additional support services.
- Meet or interface with school personnel, CWS, other collateral contacts, systems or agencies that impact the client to include participation in multi-disciplinary or inter-agency meetings.
- Applies new techniques and principles gained from reading professional literature and collaborates with other professionals; devises or adapts assessment and treatment techniques for various situations.
Other Responsibilities:
Maintain knowledge and comply with the Child Abuse and Ne
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FAMILY SERVICES OF TULARE COUNTY