Primary Function
Serves as primary therapist for children and their families with mental health and substance abuse disorders including dual diagnoses who are EBCI and IHS eligible. This position will primarily to serve children and families. Services include comprehensive clinical assessment of client and family needs and utilization of evidenced based treatments for psychiatric and substance use disorders. Employee is expected to provide individual, family, and group therapy using brief focused therapy methods as well as more traditional methods of treatment. Employee will also provide emergency, crisis intervention, consultation and education services as needed. Employee will provide services in various locations in the community as assigned. If the employee is assigned to a specialty population or agency service location, specific instructions and limitations may apply. If employee is assigned to an enhanced service, such as Integrated Classroom or Family Intensive Treatment, the employee will provide services according to service definition requirements and CIHA policy.
Job Description
Education/Experience/Minimum Qualifications
Job Knowledge
Complexity of Duties
This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing the available resources to meet the behavioral health needs of the community. Must have the ability to interpret policy, laws and regulations in order to make decisions when a precedent is not available. Duties require the application of clinical judgment and problem solving skills in order to be effective. Judgment often involves decisions that may have life or death results.
Supervision Received
Works under the direct guidance of the Child Services Manager where goals, objectives, policies, and procedures are well defined. Works independently within applicable licensing regulations where latitude for creative thinking, initiative and discretion are given to achieve department goals and objectives.
Responsibility for Accuracy
Most clinical errors would be detected with proofing and review procedures. Failure to properly manage and direct activities could result in ill will for the department, delays in patient treatment, and negative patient and community relations. Ineffective health planning could have adverse effects on the health status of the community by limiting access to necessary resources. Accuracy of data and research is critical in the allocation of tribal resources. Responsible for the adherence to policy and procedure. Inappropriate actions or inaccuracies in judgment could result in improper diagnosis and treatment, serious liability for the tribe, or more serious health risks to patients.
Contacts with Others
Interacts frequently with coworkers, hospital staff, patients, and other health professionals for the purpose of exchanging information, obtaining, or providing assistance. Serves on various local, community, and health committees, boards and advisory councils, as appropriate. Tact, courtesy, and professional conduct are required to maintain positive working relationships. Utmost sensitivity and confidentiality is required when dealing with patients and families.
Confidential Data
The provision of medical care requires that the incumbent maintain strict appropriate confidentiality regarding all patient information. The employee will have access to patient records and highly confidential information and must function with utmost integrity to safe guard this information. The employee complies with EBCI policy on confidentiality of patient records, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority Confidentiality policy, HIPAA, and other federal law requirements. Violations of confidentiality regulations may result inter-disciplinary action and other action as allowed by federal regulations.
Mental/Visual/Physical
Job duties can be mentally and emotionally stressful at times given the complexity of the duties, management and supervision of staff and the clinical areas being addressed with the people being served. Close mental concentration and attention to detail are required. Physical activities require the ability to be mobile, sit, reach, bend, and be in front of groups and deliver training for extended periods of time. Some physical exertion and stamina is required such as required to transport training materials or to travel. Must have visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear. Must be able to lift 30 lbs.
Emergency Privileges
In the case of an emergency, any member of the Medical Staff, to the degree permitted by his/her license shall be permitted to do everything possible to save a patient’s life or save a patient from serious harm, regardless of the individual’s clinical privileges. This shall be defined as those situations in which a delay could result in serious harm or death and in which a more qualified member is not immediately available.
Customer Service
Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.