Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work​/Counselor III - Platte Valley Youth Services Center

Behavioral Health Specialist, Social Work / Counselor III - Platte Valley Youth Services Center

Summary of Work Unit: It is the mission of the Division of Youth Services (DYS) to effectively build skills and competencies of youth to become responsible citizens. The Social Work series and other identified Behavioral Health Specialists employed by the facility provide evidenced-based and research-supported therapeutic intervention services to youth committed and detained with DYS. Behavioral Health Specialists are expected to provide for the therapeutic care of and support opportunities for growth and change for youth and their caregivers, to ensure healthy and successful reintegration back into communities.

They remain current on literature and research, especially as relates to emerging practices with complex mental health populations and behavioral and sensory interventions.

Summary Of The Position: This position functions as a mental health counselor. It provides mental health and case management services to committed and detained youth in the Division of Youth Services. Services include: clinical assessment, monitoring medication effectiveness with the facility psychiatrist, individual, group, family and milieu therapies, suicide risk assessment and monitoring, report writing, and mental health service coordination with a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) of experts.

The position provides mental health/crisis management services for a DYS detained/committed youth and may involve trauma-related considerations. Therapeutic services use approved DYS Evidence Based Curricula as appropriate.

Job Duties

• Maintains a caseload and conducts individual, group, and family therapy sessions using evidence-based treatment theories in mental health treatment for adolescents.
• Maintains understanding of adolescent development and appropriate interventions for this population, including developmental needs.
• Uses theories relevant to youth and their history, considering age, ethnicity, culture, religious and sexual issues to affect behavior change. Interprets treatment issues, problems, expectations, and changes in behavior for residents and families.
• Documents and assesses the effectiveness of interventions toward program progression and youth stabilization.
• Therapy may include substance abuse, trauma histories, cognitive limitations, and services for sexually abusive or violent youth; align services to youth needs and protective factors.
• Provides therapeutic services using a strength-based and holistic approach.
• Collaborates with medical team and psychiatrist regarding psychotropic medication assessment or continuation to aid in youth stability.
• Collaborates with educational/vocational systems to ensure appropriate academic services are provided.
• Seeks additional resources to ensure the best treatment approach based on developmental and neurocognitive ability.
• Provides therapy considering trauma, substance abuse, brain injury, and mental health disorders; adapts as needed for youth abilities.
• Supports agency services of cognitive behavioral-based interventions, social learning theory, and motivational interviewing.
• actively engages family/caregivers in stabilization and transition planning.
• Assesses progress and barriers; documents all case management and therapeutic services in the Fusion Electronic Health Record system.
• Follows Sanctuary/ROCK Program and facilitates Community Review Teams as needed for Individual Growth and Change Plans.

• Assessment and Treatment Planning
• This position addresses mental health and other needs identified, considering estimated length of stay.
• Reviews assessment data and recommendations with youth; gathers historical information; develops rapport; maintains confidentiality and evaluates symptoms sensitively.
• Engages parents/family members, guardians, and referring agents to obtain collateral data to inform treatment.
• Recognizes signs and symptoms of serious mental illness as part of monitoring progress; completes brief mental health status exams as expected.
• Develops alternative interventions for youth not responding positively; knowledge of suicide risk indicators is required with ongoing assessments.
• Coordinates transition planning and services to aid successful reintegration; collaborates with MDT and milieu staff; may refer to psychiatrists as needed.
• Determines appropriate, strengths-based treatment goals and identifies who provides services per the treatment plan.

• Training and Consultation
• Maintains knowledge of federal confidentiality regulations (42 C.F.R. Part
  2) and HIPAA, and relevant Colorado rules.
• Keeps current on literature and emerging practices for juvenile mental health and co-occurring disorders.
• Trains others in best-practice treatment delivery; participates in orientation, workshops, and discipline meetings to maintain competency in evidence-based services.
• Guides staff by modeling interventions and participating in case reviews and supervision; maintains professional certifications and licensure;…