The Primary Therapist provides quality and organized psychotherapy for identified clients and families, with special emphasis on treatment and discharge planning needs.  He/She maintains accurate and up-to-date knowledge of all relevant regulations and standards regarding the provision of services and of the implementation of treatment and discharge planning. They demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of performance.

Interviews clients and families or significant others to obtain social history and data pertaining to treatment and discharge planning.
Demonstrates respect for patient rights by maintaining patient privacy, dignity, safety, confidentiality, and right to refuse or consent to treatment.
Meets in individual, group or family sessions with clients, families, or both, as requested by Medical Director/Provider.
Completes Psychosocial Assessment and develops therapy section of multi-disciplinary plan of treatment.

Consults with Nurse on Multi-disciplinary treatment Plan
Completes all Admission paperwork within designed timeframe.
Plans and administers treatment in junction with Medical Director/Provider’s diagnosis and Plan of Treatment.
Organizes and leads structured group sessions of counseling, as well as conducts individual and family therapy sessions as needed per patient treatment plan and Medical Director/Provider request/orders.
Updates patient Treatment Plan and adjust treatment modality as needed to better serve patient needs.
Completes therapy notes and documentation by end of each shift unless approved by supervisor to completer the next day.
Works with other interdisciplinary team members on patient goals, educational needs, social needs, and family relations.
Functions as the Discharge Planner by accurately completing all forms and documents related to discharge, as necessary with input from all members of the staff.
Represents the program at educational meetings as requested by Program Manager.
Works cooperatively with the Program Manager in ensuring that all relevant regulations and standards are met, including Medicare, state licensure requirements, accreditation rules and regulations.
Collects and compiles data and completes reports as requested by the hospital, Medical Director/Provider, Program Director (or organization’s equivalent) and UltraGroup, and as required by the unit’s Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Plan.
Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of psychotherapy, social services, and discharge planning as specified in the QAPI Plan.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

1. Strong verbal and written skills and public speaking abilities
2. Ability to effectively communicate with all customers to accomplish appropriate patient outcomes
3. Ability to communicate with Regulatory agencies.
4. Ability to respond to patient/family complaints or concerns

EDUCATIONAL:
1. Master’s degree in Counseling or Behavioral Science from an accredited Graduate School.
2. Has current licensure as LCSW or LPC.
3. Two to three years of clinical experience with older persons, and hospital or nursing home experience preferred.
4. Must meet any applicable state licensure standards.
5. CPR Certification
6. CPI Certification
7. First Aid Certification
8. Knowledge of community resources
9. Microsoft knowledge/Computer proficiency

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

1. Demonstrates knowledge, skills and behaviors appropriate to the populations served by the Behavioral Health Unit.

SKILLS:

1. Excellent communication skills
2. Effective resource management skills
3. Reading/comprehension of written instructions.
4. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
5. Self-motivated and self-directed and works in a dependable manner.
6. Computer skills
7. Asks questions to identify and ensure accurate interpretation of customer needs.
8. Flexible in adapting to changing situations and overcoming obstacles.
9. Multi-task capability
10. Ability to plan and implement new programs
11. Ability to teach others
12. Takes extra measures to maintain high standards of quality.
13. Tact and diplomacy in dealing with others
14. Effective resource management skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
1. The employee will be required to perform the following physical activities in the performance of their job duties:
2. Sitting/Standing/Walking/ Bending Over/Twisting/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping/Balancing.
3. Reaching Above Shoulder Level-Pushing or Pulling-Reaching Forward & Low-Fine Finger Dexterity.
4. Lifting or carrying
5. Ability to hear ordinary conversation is required and
6. Vision-Close and Distance-Color and Peripheral.