PACE Psychotherapist (LMFT or LCSW)

Position Summary: 

Under the direction of the PACE Director of Behavioral Health, the Licensed Clinical Counselor (LCC) is responsible for providing direct counseling services to older adults and their families. The LCC follows care plans for participants served. LCC represents SYH in the community by interacting with individuals and their families. Maintains confidentiality at all levels. 

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Provides individual, couples, and family counseling to SDP participants. Service must be delivered in a culturally appropriate fashion. Psychotherapy will be provided consistent with State of California laws and regulations, professional standards of care, agency guidelines, and professional ethical guidelines.
• Works with participants to develop and follow Behavioral Health treatment plans; performs crisis intervention as needed.
• Participates in warm handoffs from PCP and/or interdisciplinary teams as needed.
• Develops and facilitates and co-facilitates group sessions and leads specialized educational classes; collaborates with other service team members and other appropriate individuals within scope of responsibility and expertise.
• Assesses and identifies participants’ needs for supportive services on an ongoing basis.
• Act as a resource, assists in obtaining, and/or makes appropriate referrals for necessary or requested services (e.g., housing, food, etc.).
• Provides support to Social Work Associates who are providing direct services to PACE participants.
• Requests assistance and guidance from the Clinic Manager and inter-disciplinary staff when necessary to address participants’ issues and problems.
• Establishes and maintains contact with community resources to ensure continuity of care (e.g., case managers, social workers, psychiatric units).
• Conducts home visits to participants and families as needed/requested.
• Maintains a caseload as assigned by Director.
• Timely professional maintenance of records and documentation, including progress notes, ongoing evaluation of participant’s progress, consistent with agency expectations and ethical standards. Utilization of EPIC and other databases as instructed.
• Participates in interdisciplinary and Department team meetings as directed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, and environment.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Attends meetings as required and participates in committees as requested.
• Adheres to SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity, and Respect.
• Adheres to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and practices.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements

Education Required:

• Successful completion of terminal graduate training program in a psychotherapy-related field: Master’s degree in Social Work or its equivalent from an accredited school. 

Experience Required:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with the frail or elderly population is preferred.
• Experience with group facilitation and educational instruction.
• Experience in Severe and Persistent Mental Illnesses and personality disorders required.
• Ability to differentiate between biological and psychological contributors to behavior in a diverse clinical population.
• Knowledge and understanding of the DSM-5TR/ICD-10 required.

Certifications Required:

• LCSW or LMFT license issued by the state of California.
• Valid California driver’s license.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. 

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Demonstrate respect for diversity.
• Exercise tact, objectivity, sensitivity, strategy and judgement in dealing with a variety of people with a variety of co-occurring disorders.
• Organize, set priorities and exercise sound independent judgement within areas of responsibility.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, family members, other professional staff, and the public.

Equipment Used:

• Computer literacy required.
• Proficiency in MS office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Personal Computer

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and standing; frequent walking.
• Driving within the city
• Lifting of no more than 15 lbs.
• Ability to remain calm and objectively evaluate problems.
• May be required to work outside normal business hours.  

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.