Job Information
DENTON COUNTY MHMR CENTER MCOT LPHA in DENTON, Texas
MCOT LPHA
The MCOT LPHA works under the leadership of the Program Manager of MCOT and performs advanced therapeutic work. Work involves completing risk of harm assessments and determining the least restrictive treatment option for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Work also involves providing counseling as needed, under supervision for individuals who do not yet qualify as an Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA), with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Education, Training and Experience (including licensure and certification)
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a master's degree in behavioral sciences, social sciences, humanities, or a related field and one (1) year prior experience in a mental health field and licensure to qualify as a LPHA required. 6 months MCOT experience required; 1 year MCOT experience preferred. English/Spanish bilingual preferred.
REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE OR OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
Individual needs to meet the requirements to Qualify as a LPHA (Licensed Practitioner of Healing Arts)
LPC, LCSW, LMFT, PhD Psychology, or another licensure to qualify as LPHA
The position requires a valid Texas driver's license, auto liability insurance and a driving record acceptable to the Centers insurance requirements.
This position requires knowledge of causes and treatment of mental illness and related conditions.
Individuals with an out of state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Skill in interviewing, listening, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
Ability to screen and evaluate individuals served, to provide appropriate referrals/resources to individuals served, to prepare reports, and to communicate effectively.
Ability to convey instructions and explanations to individuals served and interested parties, to identify available services, and to train others.
Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and be able to demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative, office managerial skills, and ability to train others.
Computer skills required for both clinical and clerical programs.
Ability to travel during working hours throughout Denton County to meet with individuals at locations that could include jail settings, medical and psychiatric hospital settings, and individual residence settings.
Ability to make decisions based on education and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Center's Guiding Principles, Policies and Procedures, and Standards of Care.
Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.
Essential Duties
Below is a list of essential duties of the position. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
- Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.
o Attends all Crisis team meetings as scheduled and signs in for meetings to acknowledge presence and understanding of the topics discussed.
o Attend all other pertinent meetings as scheduled and communicate with supervisor when unavailable.
o Meets with supervisor within one week of missed meeting to review agenda.
- Provides courteous, professional services at all times.
o Maintain professional boundaries.
o Maintains professionalism when interacting with center staff, individuals served, and community members.
- Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.
o Utilize timeclock system
o Audit punches up to a week at a time to ensure accuracy.
o Submits timesheets by deadline given.
- Provides emergency/crisis intervention when necessary, according to Texas Health and Human Services Co mission (HHSC), trauma informed care principles, and center policies and procedures.
o Respond to all calls assigned within a maximum of ten minutes.
o Complete triages as assigned. Notify and staff with appropriate manager if needed.
- Presents to all Risk of Harm (ROH) Assessments within one hour of receiving the call if in the community and 10 minutes of receiving the call if at the office or virtual.
o Community assessments may be completed at secure locations within Denton County limits such as any of our DCMHMR locations, City Jails, Denton County Jail, medical hospitals, behavioral health hospitals, and schools.
o MCOT also assesses individuals at unsecure locations such as private residences or facilities that do not have law enforcement or student resource officers present. If assessments are completed at unsecure locations, local law enforcement is called to accompany MCOT on scene.
o MCOT staff may be asked to complete ROH assessments in a team of 2 or individually depending on availability of resources and appropriate training.
- Collaborates with MCOT team members to determine least restrictive treatment through screening form and other assessment methods.
o Discuss treatment recommendations at the end of every ROH Assessment.
o Ensure all appropriate documentation is complete within the timeframes allotted.
- Collaborates on an individual level and with community agencies to carry out least restrictive environment.
o Arrange or provide transportation as needed.
o Facilitate ensure safety as needed.
o Coordinate/confirm admission to inpatient facility as needed.
- Ensures follow-up on 100% of individuals screened within 24 hours.
o Complete and/or ensures screening email is sent to all necessary parties, with all necessary information to complete 24-hour follow up.
o Follow up appointment is documented in the appropriate schedule.
o Complete follow up appointments as assigned.
o Follow ups are completed at unsecure and secure locations without law enforcement present.
- Completes Adult Needs and Strength Assessment (ANSA)/Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment at time of Risk of Harm assessment to determine whether an individual qualifies for a crisis level of care.
o Document clients determined level of care in crisis assessment and screening email.
- Works collaboratively with MCOT to ensure all necessary level of care 9,0, and 5 services are provided.
o Complete follow ups, LOC5 appointments, aftercare, and case management appointments as assigned within deadline given.
o Communicate recommendations to necessary staff (i.e. Counselor, Supervisors, Psychiatrist, Case Manager, etc.).
o Provides transportation for individuals served as assigned.
- Develop