Substance Use Disorder Therapist (LCSW or LMFT)

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Behavioral Health Clinic Director and the general oversight of the Director of SUD Services and Chief Behavioral Health Officer, the Substance Use Disorder Therapist - Licensed Clinical Social Worker/ Licensed Marriage Family Therapist is responsible for performing behavioral health assessments and providing evidenced-based substance use disorder and mental health treatment using the primary care behavioral health model for adults, older adults, children, and their families in an outpatient setting. This licensed clinician will work closely with the team of physicians, case managers and substance use disorder counselors to provide integrated care for people with moderate to severe substance use disorders that are in varying phases of change. This position responds to and provides crisis intervention services when needed; ensures services are delivered in a culturally appropriate fashion and is consistent with State of California laws and regulations, professional standards of care, agency guidelines, and professional ethical guidelines.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Evaluates/triage and provides evidenced-based, brief psychological/behavioral health interventions to patients with substance use diagnoses as well as co-occurring mental health and physical health diagnosis.
• Provides clinical input to patient’s care by contributing timely feedback regarding the patient’s care, treatment recommendations and progress via documentation in the patient’s record and verbal feedback.
• Assesses and identifies participants’ needs for supportive services on an ongoing basis. Acts as a resource, assists in obtaining, and/or makes appropriate referrals for necessary or requested services with patient.
• Develops a negotiated care plan that integrates with input and goals of the case managers, SUD counselors and medical providers on the team.
• Maintains accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical records of all patients seen, as appropriate, and produces reports of evaluation and/or treatment, as required.
• Evaluates and/or revises care plan as indicated with appropriate documentation in progress notes and communicates this to relevant multi-disciplinary team members.
• Works in coordination with the Director SUD Services and SUD Program Manager to provide information to healthcare providers about mental illness in the medical setting.
• Conducts brief presentations, training and/or lectures to primary care team members, medical residents and/or community regarding behavioral health issues and behavioral health services as requested.
• Participates in meetings as required including but not limited to weekly multi- Disciplinary/Case Conference/ SUD team; weekly case reviews; quarterly chart reviews. Participates on committees as directed.
• Works closely with all providers to help establish full integration of services and a team-based approach to care.
• Maintains productivity expectations in accordance with clinic/program guidelines.
• Maintains a hybrid work schedule, as assigned by supervisor, acting as a resource to the team on scheduled on-site days. Demonstrates responsible and proactive communication with the team in the event of schedule changes.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned or requested by Supervisor.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complies with established departmental and health center wide policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills in collaboration with teams to achieve quality, excellence, harmony and problem-solving to obtain stated goals and objectives.
• Ability to organize, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate in working with underserved communities.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with patients, family members, other professional staff, and the public.
• Requests assistance and guidance from the Supervisor and professional staff when necessary to address patient challenges/concerns.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.

Job Requirements:

Experience Required: 

• At least one-year full time (or equivalent) experience working with people with severe substance use disorders, including co-occurring populations.
• Sensitivity to multi-cultural concerns and the psychotherapeutic process required.

Education Required:

• Successful completion of graduate training program with a Master’s degree in Social Work or a Master’s degree in Marriage Family Therapy at an accredited university or college.

Certifications/Licenses: 

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or License Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in good standing with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
• A valid driver’s license and access to insured vehicle required.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Knowledge of integrated Treatment and Care for individuals with co-occurring disorders.
• Demonstrate ability to be culturally sensitive and appropriate in working with minority communities.
• Demonstrate respect for diversity.
• Familiarity with substance use psychology and the evidence-based SUD treatment interventions including SBIRT, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Harm Reduction, Medication Assisted Treatment, Mutual Support/Twelve-Step approach and residential and outpatient intensive treatment settings.
• Ability to exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy, and nuanced judgment in dealing with a variety of people with co- occurring disorders and circumstances that can affect behavior. Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, family members, other professional staff, and the public.

Equipment Used:

• Computer literacy required and proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• General office environment.
• Frequent sitting, occasional standing, walking, lifting, pushing, and pulling up to 10 lbs.
• May drive around San Diego County for various meetings and trainings.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background (LiveScan) and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs.