WHO WE ARE: Established locally in 1911, Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA NCNN) is one of the region's largest providers of social services. Our professional staff operates more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job training. Currently, VOA NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.

OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence, through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services.

PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA is recruiting a full-time Therapist for our ReStart program in Reno, Nevada. ReStart offers both clinical and non-clinical services in an effort to reduce homelessness and increase self-sufficiency for eligible individuals and families. The services include mental health, case management, outreach to the homeless community, and housing services to qualified individuals and families. Full-time employees are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.

This position is responsible for developing a therapy plan to assist ReStart participants in developing a greater degree of self-reliance. It also provides crisis intervention, mental health evaluations, and individual and group psychotherapy. Responsibilities include addressing any bio, psycho, and social issues that may lead to homelessness, criminal behavior, or otherwise non-productive lifestyles. This position also ensures that the culture of the Therapeutic Community is encouraged and developed through a variety of campus activities.

OBJECTIVES/ACTIVITIES:

A. Responsible for performing daily work requirements to achieve established objectives of the department.

1. Provide crisis management as needed.
2. Provide records and services in compliance with agency policies, regulatory, and funding source requirements.
3. Conduct individual psychotherapy.
4. Develop, implement and conduct group psychotherapy.
5. Maintain a caseload of psychotherapy clients.
6. Assess for suicidal and/or homicidal ideation and provide appropriate intervention.
7. Assess for abuse and neglect and make appropriate CPS/APS reports.
8. Seek consultation with staff psychiatrist about demanding clients.
9. Complete mental health assessments to include a diagnosis.
10. Create clinical treatment plans.
11. Review the clinical portion of the treatment plan with the client every 90 days.
12. Assess whether clients meet the mental health and substance abuse criteria for permanent housing placement.
13. Maintain adequate clinical case notes using DAP format.
14. Attend home visits when necessary.
15. Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by supervisors.
16. Assist the Operations and Compliance Manager with program needs and development.
17. Performs management duties in the absence of the Lead Case Manager.

B. Responsible for assistance with client development.

1. Assure a safe, non-judgmental environment for the clients.
2. Maintain positive, professional relationships with clients and staff and act as a liaison between students and community service agencies.
3. Participate in agency and outside training sessions.
4. Complete assigned reports in a timely manner.
5. Assist staff members with crisis intervention.
6. Assist the Operations and Compliance Manager with program needs and development.
7. Mentor and train employees on client mental health and substance abuse issues.

C. Record keeping and communication.

1. Maintain files on each participant, including psychosocial information, and short and long-term plans to maintain and improve self-sufficiency. Document progress and assistance in removing obstacles to set goals. Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up of all areas.
2. Complete Individual Treatment Plans with all clients on caseload and update them periodically to reflect progress and additional goals.
3. Provide records and services in compliance with agency policies, regulatory, and funding source requirements.
4. Maintain clear and thorough communication on all areas of responsibility listed in this job description.

D. Responsible for all areas of daily program maintenance in compliance with company policies.

1. Document and report all client concerns and/or infractions that can impact the program’s security.
2. Secure approval for exceptions to standard policy.
3. Notify management of potential workflow problems and resource needs necessary to attain performance standards.
4. Adhere to staffing schedules to provide adequate/safe staffing coverage and accomplish program objectives.
5. Provide emergency shift coverage as needed.
6. Perform reasonably related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

E. Responsible for training and development of new staff.

1. Assist in department orientation and training for new employees as requested to assure quality work outcomes.
2. Identify appropriate ongoing training for both new and existing staff and report needs to management.
3. Serve as part of the program development team by providing information and support for the development of quality operations.
4. Maintain an above-average working knowledge of fire, safety, and health standards to assure a safe work environment for clients and all personnel.

F. Responsible for self-development.

1. Continually learn and enhance technical and interpersonal skills.
2. Attend staff meetings/assigned training seminars and complete required certifications, i.e., CPR, First Aid, etc.

EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy or related field of study and a minimum of two years post-Master’s experience working with diverse, distressed populations is required. A current license in the State of Nevada is required. This position requires demonstrated ability in record-keeping, good written and verbal communication skills, and knowledge of problems unique to women, minorities, persons with disabilities, substance abusers, and the general homeless population. This position requires CPR and First Aid training with ninety (90) days of employment date and re-certification as necessary and T.B. testing annually. A valid Nevada driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization’s insurance carrier guidelines are required.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:

Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to assist and motivate other people
Organizational skills
Analytical and decision-making ability
Statistical and mathematical skills
Computer Skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift and move up to 10 pounds
Stand, walk and sit frequently
Bend and stoop occasionally