Mental Health Therapist FACT/ Criminal Justice Specialist

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

2613 W Henrietta Rd, Suite A, Brighton, New York, United States of America, 14623

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

500137 Psychiatry SMH Strong Ties

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URCC 211 H

Compensation Range:

$30.33 - $40.95

Responsibilities:

Provides professional comprehensive care aligned with ICARE values to patients of the URMC / Strong Ties/ Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams. Collaborates with health, behavioral health and social service providers and is responsible for assessing patient’s needs, developing and managing care plans with patients enrolled in ACT services. ACT serves the most complex, high utilizing patients that need comprehensive community treatment and care management services. Services include, but are not limited to: care coordination, health promotion, patient and family support, referral to community and social supports, crisis intervention, and family support. The Mental Health Therapist functions a general therapist for assigned patients and provides direct clinical service including individual and family therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and community outreach. The Forensic Mental Health Therapist/Criminal Justice Specialist also serves as a liaison with local law enforcement, local treatment courts, parole/probation officers and attorneys in the county.

SCHEDULE: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team involving intake, evaluation, and treatment.
• Comprehensively documents all clinical findings, assessments and encounters in the EMR, per Hospital guidelines. 
• Provides feedback to the treatment team regarding client’s progress in recovery and facilitates and supervises the placement of clients in other community programs as necessary to meet recovery goals and/or needs.
• Administers breathalyzer tests and obtains toxicology samples per client’s AOT court order. Provide weekly reports to AOT for those on their caseload who have an AOT court order. 
• Provides individual, group, family and behavior therapy that is problem-specific and goal oriented; uses a therapeutic approach which is consistent with evidence-based practices for a particular problem; emphasizes social/interpersonal competence; addresses self-defeating beliefs, expectations, and behaviors that disrupt the recovery process; and considers a recipient’s strengths, needs, and cultural values.
• Provides cognitive behavioral therapy for psychosis including education about stress-vulnerability and symptom management. Provides interventions based on the OMH Wellness Self-Management curriculum, Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) Toolkit, and the Integrated Dual Diagnosis (IDDT) model.
• Serves as a liaison to the local law enforcement, treatment courts, probation/parole officers, and local attorneys to support collaboration in care for patients.
• Conducts risk-needs assessment for all forensic patients admitted to the program to inform treatment plans by identifying criminogenic needs.
• Attends court appearances, meets with attorneys, and advocates for treatment court when appropriate.
• Assists clients in maintaining themselves in the community, including finding and furnishing apartments, setting up financial budgets, applying for entitlements, and learning skills of daily living.
• Transports clients as needed to appointments and assists clients in moving or shopping.
• Ensures that Hospital and Department policies and procedures are implemented regarding professional practice, patient care, and disposition training.
• Subscribes to the Department’s goal of creating a culturally competent environment by treating patients/families, trainees, research subjects and co-workers in a sensitive and caring manner with appropriate attention to cultural differences.  Participates in available cultural competence events and trainings.
• Participates on a rotational basis in on-call group during evening/weekend hours.  Responds, as necessary, after hours to psychiatric crises in the community.
• Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Master's degree from a Counsel for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs (CACREP) accredited program with major course work in mental health counseling required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Working with the SPMI (severe and persistently mentally ill) patient population required, preferably in a community-based setting (preferred)

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner (e.g., Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist) upon hire required or
• If licensure has not been obtained upon employment, an active limited permit or submitted application to the NYS Department of Education upon hire required and NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner (e.g., Mental Health Counselor, Creative Arts Therapist) within 36 months of hire or
• If working on the ACT or Mobile Crisis teams NYS licensure as a mental health practitioner within 48 months required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.