JOB TITLE: Behavioral Health Therapist 

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2024

PROGRAM: Resiliency Team 

REPORTS TO: Children's Services Manager

FACILITY: Highlands County with Remote Office Space 

CITY: Avon Park (Highlands County)

JOB STATUS: Full-time 

FLSA: Exempt

Job Summary:

This position entails intensive school based therapeutic/clinical interventions for school age children up to age 17. The therapist must identify problem areas and formulate and implement an individualized treatment plan with the client and family. Clinical interventions also include supportive family counseling as needed as well as school based group counseling to facilitate peer support. The DSM is to be utilized to determine the mental health diagnosis of the child and therapeutic/clinical interventions needed. This position also provides targeted case management support designed for the restoration; modification; and maintenance of social, personal adjustment, and basic living skills.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center's Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• Make appropriate contacts with community providers that may be working with the child.
• Interact professionally with families, school personnel, inter/intra agency representatives and the general public.
• Provide on-site services, to optimize the functioning of recipients who have complex needs by coordinating the provision of quality treatment and support services, i.e., monitoring, linking, advocating, planning, and assessing.
• Conduct assessments/interventions which include assessment of substance abuse/co-occurring issues, mental health disorders, and family systems issues.
• Access appropriate PRC and/or Community Resources for the child and family;
• Maintain accurate records.
• Services will be provided primarily in home and school settings.

Qualifications:

Education:

A Master's Degree from an accredited university or college

Experience:

• With an infield degree at least one year experience providing therapy to children with serious emotional disturbances (may include Internship and Volunteer Services)
• Must have knowledge and experience in using local community resources as referrals
• Experience in basic child development
• Experience in family relations

Certifications:

Professional enhancement training annually including all required PRC training

Training:

Will be provided by PRC for organization information. Program specific training will be provided by the Children's Services Manager or Supervisor of Children's Case Management.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Excellent writing skills
• Presentation skills
• Ability to deal with stressful situations or difficult people
• Ability to make competent independent decisions relating to recipients service needs
• Ability to prioritize workload and work independently
• Ability to conduct assessments/interventions which include assessment of substance abuse/co-occurring issues, mental health disorders, and family systems issues
• Ability to react to change productively
• Ability to act/react quickly and professionally in a variety of relevant crisis situations
• Ability to access appropriate PRC and/or Community Resources for the child and family
• Ability to interact professionally with families, school personnel, inter/intra agency representatives and the general public
• Bilingual Spanish preferred

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have reliable transportation and be of age 25 years old to be an approved Driver

Must have clean driving record - DMV check will be performed upon hire

Must provide proof and maintain personal vehicle coverage of $50,000/$100,000 Bodily Injury Liability

Requires Valid Florida Driver's license

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

• Computer, telephone, fax/copier, TV/VCR/DVD, and cell phone

Supervisory Relationship(s)

None

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.