Job Description
Position:
IOP Therapist Status:
Full Time, Non-Exempt Shift:
Day Shift About The Ness Center:
The Ness Center is a comprehensive behavioral health and wellness center providing continuous care for individuals struggling with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders. Patients receive personalized, comprehensive services to meet their wellness goals. Position Summary:
The IOP Therapist provides comprehensive, evidence-based therapeutic services to patients within the Intensive Outpatient Program, supporting their mental health, behavioral, and substance use treatment goals. This role is responsible for assessing patient needs, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, and facilitating individual, group, and family therapy sessions. The IOP Therapist collaborates closely with an interdisciplinary team, internal departments, and external agencies to ensure continuity of care, patient safety, and positive treatment outcomes. Additionally, the therapist participates in program development, quality improvement initiatives, and professional development, while maintaining compliance with all regulatory, licensure, and organizational standards. Essential Functions:
Patient Assessment and Treatment Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' mental health, behavioral, and substance use needs. Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and the interdisciplinary team. Facilitate individual, group, and family therapy sessions, using evidence-based interventions for coping skills, relapse prevention, and life skills development. Monitor patient progress through ongoing assessments, documentation, and team communication, adjusting treatment approaches as clinically indicated. Provide crisis intervention, behavioral management, and short-term stabilization according to facility protocols. Collaboration and Communication Serve as a key member of the interdisciplinary team, supporting the organization's treatment philosophy and program goals. Collaborate with internal departments and external agencies to ensure continuity of care, patient safety, and adherence to treatment protocols. Communicate effectively with families, referral sources, and care teams regarding patient progress, treatment goals, and recommended interventions. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and discharge planning to support coordinated care and positive outcomes. Program Development and Quality Improvement Assist in the development, evaluation, and enhancement of IOP programs, structured curricula, and therapeutic interventions. Participate in quality improvement initiatives, risk management, and patient safety programs. Monitor patient satisfaction with clinical services and liaise with referral agencies to address concerns. Documentation and Compliance Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant clinical documentation in accordance with facility policies and regulatory requirements. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including HIPAA and state licensing requirements. Report serious occurrences and incidents promptly to managers, families, and appropriate agencies. Professional Development and Workplace Conduct Maintain professional licensure and pursue continuing education to stay current with best practices in mental health, addiction treatment, and IOP care. Foster a positive, therapeutic milieu for patients and demonstrate respect for co-workers, families, and community partners. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the program and organizational goals. Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Master's degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related mental health field required; Specialty certification in mental health or substance use treatment preferred. Experience:
Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience in psychiatric, mental health, or substance use treatment settings. Licensure/Certification:
Current, active professional clinical license issued by the appropriate licensing body in Louisiana (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT, Psychologist); American Heart Association BLS (AHA BLS) and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification. Successful candidates who do not have current AHA BLS or CPI certification will be required to attend company-provided classes during the week of orientation; PMAB certification required, where applicable. Competencies and Skills:
Position and age related; Ability to assess, develop, and implement treatment plans for patients across a range of mental health and substance use concerns; Ability to remain calm and composed in stressful or crisis situations while maintaining professionalism and sound judgment; Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team. Position and Age Requirements:
Per state regulations, all direct care staff must be at least 21 years of age. HIPAA:
Authorized to access and document within the medical record for assigned patients only. Responsible for maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to all HIPAA regulations. Other:
Written and oral communication skills; Skills in case management, time management, and crisis intervention; Knowledge of developmental psychology of youth and adults; Knowledge of the needs of youth and adults; Skills in maintaining information as highly confidential; Must demonstrate the ability to treat other age populations as needed or have the capacity to develop skills through cross-training and orientation; Ability to clearly summarize pertinent clinical information via written correspondence and medical records documentation; Ability to complete required documentation in a timely, accurate manner that is clinically appropriate and within expected timeframes. The Ness Center is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for all employment; free from discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preferences, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.
