Mental Health Clinician II

Position Summary:

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Mental Health Clinician II for the Acute Children Department within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The primary purpose of the Mental Health Clinician II is to serve as the senior mental health practitioner who provides lead functions for the program, to include screening of intakes and referrals, care coordination, ensuring completion of program specific documentation and/or comprehensive assessment and therapeutic intervention for the psychological and social needs of child and adolescent (ages 3-17 years) and/or adult individuals served (18 and over), including development of treatment plans, conducting individual, group, and family therapy, and providing case management. Assists with the provision of clinical supervision to licensing candidates as assigned.

Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• Effectively contributes to and supports an environment that enhances the positive self-image of individuals served and their families and preserves their human dignity, right to fair and equitable treatment, self-determination, individuality, privacy and civil rights.
• Provides assessments and ongoing therapeutic services with flexibility, empathy and concern for individuals served based on sound clinical judgment.
• In clinical programs, assesses individuals for mental health and substance use disorders, arrives at accurate DSM5 diagnosis by the end of the evaluation in consultation with team members, completes documentation and updates diagnosis when new information and clinical status warrant.
• In community programs, acts as a liaison with referral source and community based services, coordinates and schedules intake appointments and outreaches, conducts and documents eligibility screenings and clinical assessments including rehabilitation needs assessments for program referrals and intakes, updates diagnosis when new information and clinical status warrant, maintains records and submits reports as required.
• Spends required amount of time providing direct clinical service in a manner consistent with program philosophy, regulations and established guidelines.
• Takes a lead role in providing orientation, training, team leadership in the department.
• Provides assistance with orienting and coaching new staff and skilled clinical consultation, training and guidance to program staff consistent with their needs including the facilitation of peer supervision.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Master's Degree in mental health discipline plus two (2) years post Master's experience in the mental health field including delivering psychotherapeutic services to the identified population, or a Doctorate Degree.

Equipment Utilized:

Computer knowledge.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to speak clearly and write/type proficiently is essential. Ability to implement universal precautions and safety precautions. Extended sitting is required to provide treatment and prepare clinical documentation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Moderate noise (examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic). Subject to unpredictable situations and both medical and psychiatric crises. Possible exposure to patients exhibiting assaultive behaviors. Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens that require use of personal protective equipment. May be exposed to varying or extreme temperatures.