Associate Therapist/ Licensed Therapist I (Substance Recovery) at Sierra Meadows & Ascend Behavioral Health – Fresno, California

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION:

Associate Therapists provide direct therapeutic services, including individual, group, couples, and family therapy, tailored to each client’s needs. Associate Therapists will conduct initial assessments, develop personalized treatment plans, and offer case management as needed. Throughout treatment, the Associate Therapist will monitor progress, adjust plans, and create discharge plans to support long-term wellness. The Associate Therapist is also responsible for accurate and timely documentation of all services rendered, including session notes, treatment updates, and case management activities. All documentation will adhere to legal, ethical, and organizational standards to ensure compliance and maintain integrity of clinical records.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Clinical

• Provides direct therapeutic care, under limited supervision.
• Provides crisis-intervention as needed.
• Oversees patient’s progress in treatment and ensures level of care is appropriate based on medical necessity.

2. Assessment, Planning, and Documentation

• Completes initial assessments, biopsychosocial evaluations, treatment plans, therapy notes, and discharge plans within required time frames.
• Oversees insurance compliance (utilization review, medical necessity criteria, clinical programming requirements)

3. Collaboration & Coordination

• Ensures coordination of services for families and multi-disciplinary team members for patients in treatment.
• Participates in interdisciplinary staff meetings with other professional staff members
• Consults with intake coordinator regarding

4. Compliance and Quality Improvement

• Ensures compliance with regulatory standards and community standards of care.
• Participates in agency quality improvement activities.
• Follows and improves clinical objectives, standards, policies and procedures.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs other duties as may be assigned.
2. Follows and supports TPEG policies and procedures.
3. Works collaboratively and cooperatively with internal and external partners.
4. Represents TPEG, Inc., by embodying the mission, vision and values of the organization.
5. Travels occasionally during the workday and on occasional overnight stay. (Compensation for mileage, food and lodging provided.)
6. Maintains regular attendance at work and company activities and demonstrates punctuality regarding deadlines.
7. Displays creativity and vision in recommending new tactics and strategies.
8. Expands and updates job knowledge through educational opportunities and professional learning.

The description of job functions reflects general details as necessary to describe the principal duties, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Employees who hold this position may be asked to perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
2. LICENSURE: Applicant must have a current state license as a mental health therapist (ACSW, AMFT, APCC), with an active 1st associate number in accordance with the Board of Behavioral Services (BBS).
3. RELATED EXPERIENCE: Minimum of one (1) year of experience in mental health / substance abuse treatment field preferred.
4. SKILLS: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
5. OTHER EXPERIENCE / SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Experience working with culturally diverse individuals and communities or have otherwise demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the engagement of a diverse community and skill in communicating with diverse populations.
• Familiarity with equity and/or diversity initiatives within an organization.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions independently and use initiative to accomplish complex assignments with general instruction and guidance.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise judgment and integrity on the job with confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to organize time and other resources to perform multiple tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to complete work accurately and in a timely manner with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and to provide effective team leadership.
• Proficiency in word processing and database and/or spreadsheet applications.
• Physical and mental attributes are sufficient to perform essential functions.
• Demonstrated ability to recognize merit, excellence and intelligence in staff and potential employees.
• Valid Driver's License / Clean Driving Record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Proficient in English Language
2. Proficient communicator

WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Work settings vary from offices, program sites, and stakeholder locations
2. Travel modes can include the use of company or personal transportation