Psychological Services Associate 1 (Local Government) - Somerset County MH/ID

Thank you for checking out our position! Our vision is for every person and family that we serve to have a network of family, friends, advocates, and supportive services to live a full and productive life in our community. Learn more about us at www.dbhs.co.

This exciting opportunity is for a Psychological Services Associate 1 to provide counseling services in an outpatient program to individuals of all ages. Psychological Services Associate's work on-site in schools to assess student needs, provide consultation and education to school personnel, and make referrals. This position may also provide outpatient group therapy, adult mobile mental health services, and school based counseling services. Under the guidance of a supervisor, establish a written goal-specific treatment plan, serve as a resource, and collaborate on mental health cases by consulting with colleagues, community individuals, or agencies to assist in providing the highest quality of services.

Apply today to join us in serving the community!

This professional therapist position provides outpatient services in the Somerset County Outpatient Program which includes the school based counseling program and outpatient group therapy sessions. This position may also serve as a therapist for adult mobile mental health services.

Outpatient services will occur under the guidance of the supervisor and will include providing individual therapy, family therapy, couples counseling, and group counseling to people of all ages utilizing various professional techniques. Collaborate with each client and document within the electronic medical record (EMR) a strengths-based, goal-specific treatment plan. Under the direction of the supervisor, perform therapy diagnostic evaluations in order to enroll clientele in counseling and psychiatric services, as well as to assess areas of need that might be effectively addressed by other mental health programs and services. This professional makes necessary referrals to other programs as warranted and coordinates care with other staff in order to assure the highest quality of services. This position coordinates care with crisis intervention staff in an effort facilitate crisis assessments related to voluntary hospitalizations as necessary. Attending meetings, participating in staff development trainings, and assisting with presentations or trainings to community organizations is also part of this position.

School based counseling services will occur under the guidance of the supervisor and will include providing group, individual, and play therapy to children and adolescents in the school. This involves formulating treatment plans and maintaining consumer records. Under the direction of the supervisor, provide consultation and education to school personnel, community individuals, and agencies relating to mental health issues and resources. Complete on-site school mental health assessments and intakes for students identified by the school. Assess student needs and complete appropriate referrals. Coordinate with Crisis Intervention staff in handling mental health emergencies in schools.

Outpatient group therapy duties will occur under the guidance of the supervisor and will include providing outpatient group therapy sessions to clientele in 60-90 minutes sessions focusing on topics that promote self-care, self-management, and self-recovery. This professional will complete progress notes, treatment plans, assessments, and coordination of care notes as required.

Adult mobile mental health services will occur under the guidance of the supervisor and include serving as the primary therapist providing services in consumer homes. Provides individual, martial, and family therapy utilizing diversified professional techniques in addition to establishing a written goal-specific treatment plan and completing up to date clinical notes in the chart.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Hours must be adjusted as needed based upon consumer requests for evening appointments.
• On occasion, staff may need to work hours outside of the set work week to complete projects, meet work demands or in the event of an emergency.
• Telework: This position reports to the DBHS Office for work. Upon hire, new staff begin training and are on probation for 6 months. New staff may be eligible for a hybrid of on-site and remote work after 3-months of employment.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A master's degree in psychology or a closely related field.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
  • Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.