Mental Health Therapist

Job Summary:

This position exists to provide alcohol, drug and mental health treatment by evaluating the mental health needs of the men in The Inspiration for Men program, providing group counseling and individual therapy as needed. This position provides or arranges case management services in furtherance of treatment goals, maintains thorough patient records and coordinates with the psychiatrist to ensure good care and proper medication procedures are being followed for all dual diagnosed clients. 

This position works in collaboration with a multi team including the Associate Director, the Residential Coordinator, Primary Substance Use Disorder Counselors, and Behavioral Health Technician staff. This position evaluates the mental health needs of men and determines when to consult further with the psychiatrist regarding the disposition of such patients. This position educates and mentors other staff in regards to clients day to day mental health needs

Key Responsibilities:

• Identifies dually diagnosed patients within the milieu and coordinates with other staff to provide effective treatment interventions.
• Provides individual and group treatment with dually diagnosed patients as indicated.
• Participates in milieu activities with all patients including interventions to help one assess patients’ participation in treatment and interactions with peers.
• Determines when a patient needs to be referred for psychiatric evaluation and coordinates appointment schedule for the on-staff psychiatrist.
• Assures milieu staff has medication updates and changes in medication orders from the staff psychiatrist. 
• Coordinates psychiatric medication ordering and assures patients are following through with obtaining their medications, and reviews client side effects/symptoms. 
• Provides mental health evaluation and assessment as needed on patients and provides clinical consultation to staff to develop appropriate treatment plans. 
• Attends staff meeting at Inspiration for Men 1x week.
• Attends bi-monthly Mental Health Coordination meetings.
• Assists transitional phase patients in obtaining outside mental health care.
• Thoroughly documents all interactions with patients, adhering to Medicaid documentation standards as well as BHA and ARTS regulations. 
• Assists staff in DHS reporting.
• Training and consultation with staff related to the mental health needs of patients.
• As indicated, and in conjunction with the director, one will assist in developing programming for dually diagnosed patients. 
• Conducts suicide risk assessments.
• On call to assist in mental health emergencies; referring to or paging the psychiatrist as needed. 
• Tracks mental health diagnoses to determine incidence of trauma, Axis II, and Axis I diagnosis.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located on the Fort Logan grounds in Denver, CO. 

Why Join Us:

Addiction Research and Treatment Services (ARTS) is the clinical program of the Division of Substance Dependence, Department of Psychiatry at the University of Colorado, School of Medicine. ARTS has provided residential and outpatient empirically supported substance abuse treatment services in Colorado for over 45 years, with an emphasis on psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for adolescents, women, men, families, and those involved in the criminal justice system. It is the mission of ARTS to improve the quality of life and productivity of individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders through the application of scientifically supported prevention, education, and treatment services.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a public education, clinical and research facility serving 4,500 students, and a world-class medical destination at the forefront of life-changing science, medicine, and healthcare. CU Anschutz offers more than 42 highly rated degree programs through 6 schools and colleges and receives over $500 million in research awards each year. We are the single largest health professions education provider in Colorado, awarding nearly 1,450 degrees annually. Powered by our award-winning faculty, renowned researchers and a reputation for academic excellence, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus drives innovation from the classroom to the laboratory to the delivery of unparalleled patient care. Read CU Anschutz Quick Facts here. 

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• This position must possess a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field appropriate to the assignment and be working toward licensure.
• A valid Professional Counseling License (LPC), Clinical Social Worker license (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Counseling License (LMFT) from the State of Colorado, or Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC). 
• One (1) year of experience working with a substance use disorder population and/or dually diagnosed patients. 

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience with dual diagnosed patients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Well-developed knowledge and skills in determining dually diagnosed patients within the treatment milieu and coordinates with other staff to provide effective treatment interventions. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Ability to apply critical thinking and conflict resolution skills using creative approaches.
• Knowledge and experience running evidence-based treatment groups with dually diagnosed patients as indicated.
• Knowledge and experience conducting individual therapy with dually diagnosed patients.
• Well-developed knowledge and skill in utilization and diagnosis using DSM V, Axis II and Axis I diagnosis, including incidence(s) of trauma. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work with diverse patient population, providers, and staff.
• Ability to comply with established rules, policies and procedures and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be nonjudgmental and respectful of other’s beliefs, values, and culture.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently manage a diverse workload in a fast-paced, rapidly changing regulatory environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn software programs.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.     A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.

2.     Curriculum vitae / Resume

3.     Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address.

Questions should be directed to: Irene Arguelles, [email protected]

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening of applications begins immediately and continues until position is filled. 

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as $56,358 - $71,688.

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .