STEPS TO RECOVERY HOMES JOB DESCRIPTION THERAPIST - MASTER'S LEVEL CLINICIAN

Position Title:

Therapist -

Master's Level Clinician Department:

Clinical Reports To:

Clinical Director /

Administrative Clinical Director FLSA Designation:

Non-Exempt Supervises:

None Employment Status:

As determined by Steps to Recovery Homes

POSITION SUMMARY

The Therapist is responsible for providing professional, ethical, clinically appropriate, and client-centered behavioral health services to individuals served by Steps to Recovery Homes. The Therapist provides direct clinical services within the scope of their education, training, experience, licensure, certification, and professional credentials. Responsibilities include assessment, treatment planning, individual and group therapy, clinical intervention, crisis response, documentation, coordination of care, discharge planning, and ongoing monitoring of client progress. The Therapist works collaboratively with the Clinical Director and multidisciplinary treatment team to provide safe, effective, trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, strengths-based services that promote client stability, independence, dignity, wellness, and long-term recovery. The Therapist is responsible for maintaining compliance with applicable Arizona laws and regulations, professional ethical standards, agency policies and procedures, contractual requirements, client rights requirements, and applicable accreditation standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1.

Clinical Assessment and Treatment Planning Conduct behavioral health assessments, screenings, and clinical evaluations within the scope of the Therapist's qualifications and authorization. Assess presenting problems, behavioral health needs, strengths, risks, barriers, functioning, and recovery goals. Recognize symptoms and indicators associated with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Develop individualized, measurable, and clinically appropriate treatment plans based upon assessment findings and client-identified needs. Involve clients in the development, review, and modification of their treatment plans. Establish appropriate treatment goals, objectives, interventions, and expected outcomes. Review and update treatment plans within required timeframes and whenever clinically indicated. Monitor client progress and make appropriate clinical recommendations regarding treatment. Participate in case reviews and clinical staffing. Develop discharge and continuing-care plans that support ongoing recovery and continuity of services. 2. Individual, Group, and Therapeutic Services Provide individual therapy and other behavioral health services within the Therapist's scope of practice. Facilitate individual and group therapy as assigned. Facilitate therapeutic and psychoeducational groups addressing recovery, substance use, mental health, coping skills, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, healthy relationships, life skills, health and wellness, and other clinically appropriate topics. Utilize evidence-informed, trauma-informed, strengths-based, recovery-oriented, and client-centered interventions. Support clients in developing healthy coping skills, recovery supports, communication skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving skills, and independent living skills. Incorporate appropriate recovery principles, including 12-step or other recovery-support approaches when consistent with the client's treatment goals and agency programming. Provide crisis intervention and stabilization services within the Therapist's training, scope of practice, and agency procedures. Maintain appropriate therapeutic boundaries and professional relationships. Provide services that promote dignity, independence, individuality, strengths, privacy, choice, and self-determination. 3. Clinical Documentation and Record Management Maintain accurate, complete, timely, objective, and clinically appropriate clinical records. Complete assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, case reviews, discharge plans, event notifications, and other required documentation. Monitor assigned caseload to ensure documentation is current and completed within established timeframes. Document services in accordance with agency policies, applicable regulations, professional standards, payer requirements, and contractual obligations. Ensure documentation supports medical necessity, continuity of care, quality assurance, billing, utilization review, and regulatory compliance. Ensure documentation accurately reflects client presentation, services provided, interventions, participation, progress, barriers, and ongoing treatment needs. Review records for accuracy and completeness and correct deficiencies as required. Maintain appropriate electronic health record documentation. Protect the confidentiality, privacy, and security of client records and protected health information. 4. Coordination of Care and Case Management Collaboration Coordinate treatment and services with members of the client's multidisciplinary treatment team. Participate in case reviews, treatment team meetings, clinical staffing, and consultations. Communicate relevant clinical information to the Clinical Director and appropriate treatment team members. Coordinate care with outside behavioral health providers, medical providers, referral sources, housing providers, employment resources, community organizations, and other authorized providers. Obtain and maintain appropriate releases of information when required. Assist with continuity of care during transitions between treatment programs, levels of care, housing, employment, and community services. Identify barriers that may interfere with treatment or recovery and assist clients in accessing appropriate resources. Communicate significant changes in a client's clinical condition, safety, treatment needs, or progress to the appropriate supervisor. Collaborate with case management and peer support staff to ensure services are coordinated rather than duplicated. 5. Client Rights, Advocacy, and Person-Centered Care The Therapist shall protect and promote the rights of all clients in accordance with applicable Arizona requirements, including R9-10-1008, agency policy, and applicable accreditation standards.

Responsibilities include:

Protect client dignity, privacy, individuality, independence, strengths, and choice. Provide services in a manner that respects the client's rights, preferences, values, and goals. Promote client participation in treatment decisions. Respect cultural differences and individual beliefs, backgrounds, identities, and preferences. Provide services in a manner free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. Maintain client confidentiality and privacy. Explain treatment recommendations and services in a manner the client can understand. Encourage clients to participate actively in their recovery. Respond appropriately to client concerns and grievances. Advocate for appropriate services, resources, and accommodations when needed. Report suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other required concerns in accordance with applicable law and agency policy. 6. Crisis Intervention, Safety, and Risk Management The Therapist must be able to recognize, prevent when possible, and appropriately respond to situations in which a client: May be a danger to themselves or others; Exhibits aggressive, threatening, or destructive behavior; May be experiencing a behavioral health crisis; May be experiencing a medical emergency; or Presents another significant safety or risk concern.

The Therapist shall:

Follow agency crisis, emergency, safety, suicide prevention, and risk-management procedures. Complete safety assessments and safety planning when clinically appropriate. Notify the Clinical Director or appropriate supervisor of significant clinical or safety concerns. Take appropriate action to protect clients, staff, and others. Complete required incident/event documentation promptly and objectively. Recognize and respond appropriately to fire, disaster, environmental hazards, and medical emergencies. Contact emergency services when necessary and appropriate. Seek consultation when circumstances exceed the Therapist's scope of practice or clinical expertise. 7. Professional Ethics, Boundaries, and Clinical Conduct The Therapist shall: Practice within the limits of their education, training, experience, credentials, and professional scope. Follow applicable professional ethical standards. Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients, families, coworkers, and community partners. Avoid inappropriate dual relationships and conflicts of interest. Never accept inappropriate gifts, gratuities, money, favors, or other benefits from clients. Maintain confidentiality except when disclosure is authorized, legally required, or necessary to protect safety. Recognize professional limitations and seek supervision, consultation, or assistance when appropriate. Maintain appropriate professional conduct when representing Steps to Recovery Homes. Report ethical, clinical, safety, compliance, or professional concerns through the appropriate chain of command. Maintain professional licensure, certification, continuing education, and other credentials as applicable. 8. Medication Awareness and Health Coordination Maintain general knowledge of medications commonly prescribed for mental health and substance use conditions. Recognize common medication side effects and potential adverse reactions. Report observed or reported medication concerns to the appropriate medical or prescribing professional. Coordinate with medical providers when clinically appropriate and authorized. Recognize when a client may require medical evaluation or intervention. Do not provide medication advice or perform medication-related duties outside the Therapist's legal scope, training, or agency authorization. 9. Treatment Team, Supervision, and Staff Collaboration Maintain effective communication with the Clinical Director and multidisciplinary treatment team. Participate in required individual and group clinical supervision. Attend staff meetings, clinical meetings, case consultations, trainings, and organizational meetings as required. Provide appropriate clinical input regarding client needs, progress, barriers, and treatment recommendations. Collaborate with case managers, peer support specialists, behavioral health technicians, workforce development staff, housing staff, and administrative personnel. Receive and appropriately implement clinical supervision and direction. Participate in team problem-solving and collaborative decision-making. Contribute to a professional, respectful, supportive, and accountable staff culture. Communicate promptly regarding schedule changes, client concerns, clinical needs, and other matters affecting service delivery. 10. Quality Assurance, Compliance, and Continuous Improvement Participate in agency quality assurance and performance improvement activities. Participate in clinical record reviews, chart audits, utilization reviews, and other quality monitoring activities. Identify clinical, documentation, safety, or operational concerns that may affect the quality of client care. Participate in corrective action and performance improvement activities when assigned. Maintain compliance with agency policies and procedures. Support preparation for licensing, regulatory, payer, contractual, and accreditation reviews. Maintain awareness of changes in applicable behavioral health requirements and professional standards. Participate in required training and continuing education. Support the agency's commitment to continuous improvement and exceptional recovery services. Provide feedback regarding clinical programming, client needs, service gaps, and opportunities for improvement. 11. Communication and Administrative Responsibilities Check and respond to agency email and required communications during scheduled work hours. Maintain timely and professional communication with supervisors and treatment team members. Maintain an organized and current caseload. Manage appointments, clinical responsibilities, documentation, and deadlines effectively. Complete required clinical and administrative tasks within established timeframes. Attend required meetings, supervision, trainings, and organizational activities. Complete all required agency orientation and competency-based training. Maintain required credentials, licenses, certifications, background checks, and employment documentation. Use agency technology, electronic health records, communication systems, and other required equipment appropriately. Maintain professional communication with clients, families, referral sources, providers, and community partners. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the Clinical Director or Executive Leadership.

REGULATORY, LICENSING, AND COMPLIANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Therapist is responsible for understanding and complying with requirements applicable to the position and services provided, including, as applicable: Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS); Arizona Administrative Code (AAC); Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) requirements; Applicable client rights requirements, including

R9-10-1008

; Professional licensing and ethical requirements; CARF accreditation standards, when applicable; Payer and contractual requirements; Steps to Recovery Homes policies and procedures; Confidentiality and privacy requirements; and Applicable federal, state, and local requirements governing behavioral health services. The Therapist must complete all required orientation, training, competency assessments, background checks, credentialing, and other requirements established by Steps to Recovery Homes and applicable regulatory authorities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Therapist must meet the education, experience, licensing, and credentialing requirements applicable to the behavioral health services they are authorized to provide.

Preferred qualifications include:

Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, behavioral health, or a closely related field. Current Arizona professional license or credential appropriate to the services provided, such as LPC, LCSW, LISAC, or another applicable credential. Experience providing individual and group therapy. Experience working with adults experiencing substance use disorders and/or mental health conditions. Experience working with individuals with co-occurring disorders. Experience with behavioral health assessments and treatment planning. Experience with clinical documentation and electronic health records. Experience with crisis intervention and safety planning. Knowledge of recovery-oriented and trauma-informed care. Where applicable to the services assigned, qualified behavioral health personnel may meet Arizona requirements through an approved combination of education, training, and behavioral health experience. Specific qualification requirements shall be determined based upon the services assigned and applicable Arizona regulatory requirements.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Outpatient behavioral health experience. Substance use disorder treatment experience. Experience working with adults with co-occurring behavioral health conditions. Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Experience facilitating therapeutic and psychoeducational groups. Experience with 12-step or other recovery-support programming. Experience with trauma-informed care. Experience with crisis intervention and safety planning. Experience with electronic health records. Experience in a regulated behavioral health or substance use treatment setting. Experience working within CARF-accredited programs or other accredited behavioral health environments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The Therapist must demonstrate the ability to: Apply sound clinical judgment. Establish and maintain effective therapeutic relationships. Conduct appropriate assessments and develop individualized treatment plans. Provide effective individual and group therapeutic interventions. Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation. Manage an assigned caseload effectively. Communicate clearly and professionally. Work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Accept and appropriately utilize clinical supervision and consultation. Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality. Recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral health and medical emergencies. Demonstrate cultural awareness and respect for individual differences. Apply trauma-informed, recovery-oriented, strengths-based, and client-centered approaches. Prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines. Identify problems and participate in developing appropriate solutions. Use electronic health records, email, word processing, and other standard office technology. Maintain appropriate professional relationships. Recognize professional limitations and seek assistance when necessary.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. The position requires the ability to: Sit, stand, walk, bend, and climb stairs as necessary. Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically. Hear and speak clearly enough to communicate effectively with clients, staff, treatment team members, and community partners. Operate standard office equipment, electronic health record systems, and computer systems. Travel locally or regionally for meetings, community activities, training, client-related activities, or organizational business as required. Drive or arrange transportation for work-related activities when necessary and authorized. Lift and carry up to 30 pounds when required by the work environment. Work in a variety of settings, including office, clinical, community, and program environments, as necessary to provide services and fulfill job responsibilities.

Pay:

$25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Flexible schedule Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

Running Groups:

1 year (Preferred) Addiction counseling: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person