OUTPATIENT THERAPIST CLINICIAN POSITION TITLE

Outpatient Therapist Clinician

REPORTS TO

Manager of Outpatient Services, Director of Clinical Services or Designee

FLSA STATUS

Regular Full-Time; Exempt; Employment-at-Will

LOCATION

Kanza Mental Health & Guidance Center Office - Hiawatha and/or Holton, Kansas, with travel to other Kanza locations as necessary PURPOSE The Outpatient Therapist Clinician provides high-quality, person-centered behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults, and families receiving services through Kanza Mental Health & Guidance Center (Kanza MHGC). This position primarily provides in-office outpatient therapy services and is responsible for assessment, diagnosis within scope of practice, individualized treatment planning, psychotherapy, crisis assessment and intervention, care coordination, and timely clinical documentation. As part of Kanza MHGC's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model, the Therapist Clinician works collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team to promote timely access to comprehensive behavioral health services and continuity of care. The clinician is expected to use evidence-based and evidence-informed practices, incorporate client preferences and strengths into treatment, and coordinate with other Kanza programs and external providers when clinically appropriate.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provide individual, family, and group psychotherapy services within the clinician's professional scope of practice and competence. Maintain a primarily in-office outpatient caseload while utilizing telehealth services when clinically appropriate and authorized by Kanza MHGC. Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and gather relevant behavioral health, psychosocial, medical, family, and environmental information necessary to identify client needs and develop appropriate treatment recommendations. Diagnose behavioral health conditions within the clinician's professional scope of practice and in accordance with applicable licensing requirements. Develop individualized, person-centered treatment plans in collaboration with clients, families, guardians, and other members of the treatment team as appropriate. Establish measurable treatment goals and regularly evaluate client progress toward those goals. Review and update treatment plans within required timeframes and whenever significant changes in client needs or circumstances occur. Utilize evidence-based, evidence-informed, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented therapeutic interventions appropriate to the client's diagnosis, developmental level, culture, strengths, needs, and treatment goals. Provide services to individuals experiencing a wide range of behavioral health concerns, including individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), co-occurring disorders, and Substance Use Disorders (SUD), within the clinician's training and scope of practice. Assess clients for suicide risk, self-harm, homicidal ideation, abuse, neglect, exploitation, substance use concerns, and other safety risks as clinically indicated. Develop and implement safety plans and coordinate crisis intervention or higher levels of care when necessary. Follow all applicable mandatory reporting requirements and organizational procedures related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, threats of harm, and other reportable circumstances. Coordinate services with Kanza MHGC psychiatrists, advanced practice providers, nurses, case managers, care coordinators, peer support specialists, community-based staff, crisis services, substance use treatment providers, and other members of the interdisciplinary treatment team. Collaborate with hospitals, primary care providers, schools, child welfare agencies, courts, probation, community organizations, and other external providers when appropriate and when proper authorization is in place. Facilitate referrals to additional behavioral health, medical, social, community, and supportive services based on identified client needs. Participate in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings, clinical consultations, case reviews, staffing meetings, and other collaborative activities as assigned. Complete all clinical documentation accurately, thoroughly, and within required organizational, payer, Medicaid, Medicare, CCBHC, contractual, and regulatory timelines. Maintain documentation that clearly supports the medical necessity of services provided and demonstrates the relationship between identified needs, treatment goals, interventions, and client progress. Complete assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, safety plans, releases of information, and other required clinical documentation. Maintain an appropriate caseload and meet established expectations for scheduled appointments, client access, productivity, documentation, and service delivery. Assist in maintaining timely access to outpatient behavioral health services consistent with CCBHC standards and Kanza MHGC expectations. Monitor client engagement in treatment and appropriately address missed appointments, barriers to treatment, changes in clinical status, or concerns regarding continuity of care. Participate in discharge and transition planning to ensure clients receive appropriate follow-up services and continuity of care. Maintain knowledge of community resources and assist clients in connecting with additional supports when clinically appropriate. Maintain professional and ethical boundaries with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners. Protect confidential client and organizational information in accordance with

HIPAA, 42 CFR

Part 2 when applicable, Kansas law, professional licensing standards, and Kanza MHGC policies. Maintain all professional licenses, continuing education requirements, certifications, and credentials required for the position. Participate in required training, supervision, professional development, quality improvement activities, and organizational meetings. Utilize the organization's electronic health record and other technology systems appropriately and in accordance with Kanza MHGC policies. Maintain professional communication and effective working relationships with clients, families, coworkers, referral sources, and community partners. Follow all Kanza MHGC policies, procedures, ethical standards, safety requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations. Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the general responsibilities and scope of the position.

CCBHC RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, the Outpatient Therapist Clinician is expected to support Kanza MHGC's commitment to coordinated, accessible, comprehensive, and person-centered behavioral health care.

Responsibilities include:

Supporting timely access to behavioral health assessment and treatment. Participating in coordinated and integrated treatment planning. Collaborating across behavioral health, substance use, medical, crisis, and community-based services. Supporting continuity of care following hospitalization, crisis services, or transitions between levels of care. Providing trauma-informed and recovery-oriented services. Incorporating client and family preferences, strengths, culture, and identified needs into treatment. Supporting measurement-based care and quality improvement initiatives when applicable. Completing documentation and clinical activities necessary to meet applicable CCBHC requirements and organizational quality standards.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Master's degree and a valid Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board license as an LMSW or LSCSW, LPC or LCPC, LMFT or LCMFT, or LMLP or LCP . If equivalently licensed by another state, a Kansas license must be obtained prior to employment. May work under a temporary license granted by the appropriate state authority when permitted. Must be at least 21 years of age; proficient in the English language; able to successfully complete required pre-employment background checks and drug screening; and have completed or be able to complete within the first 90 days of employment Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) training as required by the State of Kansas. Experience working with individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED), or Substance Use Disorders (SUD) is preferred. Knowledge of behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and clinical documentation. Knowledge of ethical and professional standards applicable to behavioral health treatment and the clinician's professional license. Ability to assess and respond appropriately to behavioral health emergencies and safety concerns. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage a clinical caseload, scheduled appointments, and documentation requirements. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team. Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic circumstances, and levels of functioning. Proficient in the use of computers, electronic health record systems, telehealth platforms, email, and other technology necessary to perform assigned duties. Ability to maintain accurate, timely, thorough, and professional clinical documentation. Required to maintain professional boundaries, client confidentiality, and the highest ethical standards. Ability to understand and comply with organizational policies, payer requirements, professional licensing requirements, CCBHC standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Remaining stationary, such as standing or sitting, for prolonged periods. Occasionally moving from one worksite or office area to another to accomplish tasks. Adjusting or moving objects weighing up to 10 pounds in any direction. Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, or fingers. Operating computers and other standard office equipment for extended periods. Communicating with others to exchange information verbally, electronically, and in writing. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed in a professional outpatient behavioral health office setting. The position generally works indoors with typical office temperatures, lighting, and office equipment. The Therapist Clinician will primarily provide services from an assigned Kanza MHGC office and may be required to travel between Kanza locations or to other locations for meetings, training, coordination of care, or other business needs. The position requires regular interaction with individuals experiencing behavioral health symptoms, emotional distress, crisis situations, and other challenging circumstances. The employee must possess the ability to remain professional, emotionally responsive, and clinically appropriate in these situations. The ability to utilize telehealth platforms and provide virtual behavioral health services when clinically appropriate is essential.

CONFIDENTIALITY

All Kanza MHGC employees are expected to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and function within the highest ethical standards by exhibiting exemplary professional conduct. Employees are responsible for protecting confidential client, employee, and organizational information in accordance with HIPAA, applicable federal and state privacy laws, professional ethical requirements, and Kanza MHGC policies and procedures.

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE

The employee is responsible for maintaining all licenses, registrations, certifications, continuing education requirements, and other professional credentials required for the position. The employee must immediately notify Human Resources of any investigation, complaint, restriction, suspension, expiration, disciplinary action, or other change affecting a professional license or the employee's ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

SALARY AND WAGE DISCLAIMER

Salary Range for

This Position:

Compensation is commensurate with education, licensure, experience, qualifications, and Kanza MHGC's established salary structure. Placement within the applicable salary range does not guarantee a specific starting wage or future wage adjustment. Compensation may be reviewed periodically based on organizational needs, market conditions, budget considerations, performance, credentials, changes in job responsibilities, and Kanza MHGC compensation practices.

JOB DUTIES DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, working conditions, or requirements associated with the position. Kanza MHGC reserves the right to modify, add, remove, or assign duties and responsibilities as necessary to meet organizational, regulatory, programmatic, and client needs. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will employment relationship between Kanza MHGC and the employee.