Class Code: 06322
FAMILY THERAPIST
III
NATURE OF WORK
This is advanced
professional and supervisory work in the performance of in-depth individual,
group, or family counseling with a high-risk population, for instance,
individuals, and/or their families, dealing with such issues as domestic
violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, co-occurring
disorders, and/or addictions/substance abuse, etc., and/or participating in a
County behavioral or mental health program.
Work involves responsibility
for planning, developing, and supervising clinical services, staff, and
administrative functions in the assigned area, including hiring and staff
development within County guidelines.
Work also involves
responsibility for developing and/or improving program service delivery and
operations. Employees in this classification supervise staff, provide clinical
supervision to clinical professionals, oversee program administration in the
area of assignment, and may provide direct client services for a limited
caseload.
Employees in this
classification work with considerable independent judgment, initiative, and
decision making, in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements, polices
and procedures.
Work is reviewed by
an administrative superior through conferences, reports and observation of work
achievements.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This classification
is distinguished from Family Therapist II by the supervisory duties associated
with it and by the requirement for
ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS
Assists with accreditation activities and participates in accreditation
reviews as required for the area of assignment.
Attends staff
meetings and scheduled training sessions as assigned and as needed to maintain
licensure.
Conducts quality
assurance reviews of staff client or consumer records including those kept
electronically in agency specific software applications.
Consults with law
enforcement, the state’s attorney, the Department of Children and Families,
and/or other agencies as required for the area of assignment.
Implements and
communicates Division policy and procedures.
Instructs staff in
new therapeutic approaches as they develop in the field and shares research and
development.
May assist staff
with interviews, evaluation, and assessments for high-risk consumers.
May develop and
implement policies as they relate to treatment and client services.
May provide direct
services to program participants and their families or other care givers, as
required by the area of assignment.
May testify in
judicial processes as an expert witness and/or provide deposition and court
testimony as required for the area of assignment.
Monitors and assigns
caseloads; reviews and assesses the effect of case issues on staff members.
Monitors and
evaluates treatment program quality and effectiveness, consulting with clinical
superiors as needed.
Monitors clinical or
program participant records for quality of work and to insure compliance with
agency requirements or standards, etc. Also reviews staff utilization of the
agency’s electronic client services tracking system or other applications used
in the area of assignment.
Oversees conduct of
activities and monitors the environment of care to maximize participant and
staff safety.
Oversees provision
of direct support to consumers in coordination with legal and social services
as required for the area of assignment.
Participates in
continuous quality improvement (CQI) and/or performance improvement (PI)
activities as required for the area of assignment.
Participates in
staff recruitment activities and decisions and employment related decision
including staff performance issues and disciplines
Participates in
development of agency and/or program policies, procedures, and work plans in
accordance with the performance improvement process/processes used in the area
of assignment or the Department.
Prepares program,
operating and other reports and correspondence using computer-based office
applications.
Reviews, supervises
and instructs clinical staff providing therapy. Reviews and evaluates job
performance of assigned staff.
Supervises clinical
staff in performing psychosocial evaluations, in determining diagnoses of
psychological disorders, in preparing comprehensive clinical summaries, and
making treatment recommendations as required for area of assignment.
Supports staff
professional development and assists in identifying training needs and
opportunities.
Performs related
work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Considerable
knowledge of judicial system process and laws as they relate to the area of
assignment, e.g., sexual battery, addictions and/or substance abuse, etc.
Considerable
knowledge of psychological concepts of human behavior and development, a
variety of advanced therapeutic methods, techniques, diagnoses and applications
appropriate to the area of assignment.
Considerable
knowledge of age and cultural competence theory and practice applicable to the
area of assignment, e.g., domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault,
child abuse, elder abuse, addictions/substance abuse, and/or co-occurring
disorders, etc.
Considerable
knowledge of psychology and counseling theory and practices, with an
understanding of family counseling and the ability to apply that knowledge as
required for the area of assignment.
Knowledge of the
theory and practice of continuous quality improvement or performance
improvement as required for the area of assignment.
Knowledge of public
health laws and state regulations (65D-30) applicable to the area of
assignment, including JCAHO or other accreditation standards, and federal
confidentiality laws (42CFR, 45CFR).
Ability to communicate
effectively, both orally and in writing, and to react quickly and calmly in
emergency situations.
Ability to counsel
effectively with program participants and families and to lead group
discussions as required.
Ability to develop
and implement policies as client demand or agency operations require.
Ability to develop,
initiate, and implement clinical programs and procedures, as approved, and to
evaluate their effectiveness in providing qualify care.
Ability to
facilitate effective and efficient functioning among staff, through support,
conflict resolution, and team building activities, etc.
Ability to learn and
comply with County and agency policy and procedures.
Ability to review or
interpret psychological or psychiatric information properly and make sound
recommendations.
Ability to maintain
accurate records in accordance with the agency’s documentation policy and
procedures and accreditation standards, as applicable to the area of
assignment.
Ability to prepare
complex technical reports using computer-based applications.
Ability to react
calmly and quickly in an emergency situation.
Ability to supervise
and provide training to staff.
Ability to work
effectively with program participants, the general public and staff at all
levels.
Ability to work
effectively on a multi-disciplinary team, as required for the area of
assignment.
Ability to serve the
public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity in full accord with the
letter and spirit of
Ability to establish
and maintain effective working relationships with the general public,
co-workers, elected and appointed officials and members of diverse cultural and
linguistic backgrounds, regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender,
ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or political
affiliation.
Skill in clinical
case conceptualization as needed for area of assignment.
Skill in individual
counseling, family counseling, and/or group counseling as required for area of
assignment.
Skill
in play therapy as needed for area of assignment.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
Master's Degree from
an accredited college or university in psychology, guidance and counseling,
social work, sociology or other field closely related to this assignment; four
(4) years of experience in professional counseling, including two (2) years of
supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of relevant training and
experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT
Licensed by the
State of
GENERAL INFORMATION
Bargaining Unit: GSA
– Professional
FLSA Status: Exempt
Code of Ethics Certification: No
Class Spec. Estab./Revised: E01/91;
R12/05