General Description

Under the direction of the Program Manager of Mobil Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) Services and within federal, state and local guidelines performs risk of harm (ROH) assessments, moderately complex case management work, and counseling intervention. Work involves developing and maintaining relationships with clients, client families, and service providers for medical, social, educational, and related service needs.

The MCOT Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA) Team Lead is responsible for providing crisis services to residents of Denton County. Job duties include face to face assessments within the county at a secure location and responding to needed telephone interventions. Additionally, this position provides brief intervention therapy aimed at resolving the crisis. This position requires weekly psychotherapy sessions, performing intakes assessments, and conducting hospital aftercare assessments. This position will also provide some oversight of team functions and assist the program managers and administrator/director with some administrative duties. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Education, Training, and Experience

• 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, and 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

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

o  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, in listening, in providing case management services to clients, and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.

• Ability to screen and evaluate clients, to provide appropriate referrals/resources to clients, to prepare reports, and to communicate effectively.

• Ability to convey instructions and explanations to clients and interested parties, to negotiate 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.

• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.

• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Attends and participates in all scheduled meetings.

•  Staff will attend all Crisis team meetings as scheduled and sign in for meetings to acknowledge their presence and understanding of the topics discussed.

• If a meeting is missed, staff will get with supervisor within one week to review the information.

2. Provides courteous, professional services at all times.

• Maintains professional boundaries.

• Interacts with center staff, clients, and community members in a professional manner.

3. Enters time worked accurately each day and submits time sheet by deadline given.

4.  Provides emergency/crisis intervention when necessary according to Texas Health and Human Service Commission (HHSC), trauma informed care principles, and center policies and procedures.

• Responds to all calls within a maximum of ten minutes.

• Completes triages as assigned. Staffs and notifies appropriate manager if needed.

• Responds to all ROH Assessments within one hour of receiving the call if in the community and 10 minutes of receiving the call if at the office.

5.  Collaborates with MCOT team members to determine least restrictive treatment through screening form and other assessment methods.

a.  Discusses treatment recommendation at the end of every ROH Assessment.

• Attempts to contact all collaterals to gather or collaborate information provided during ROH Assessment, prior to staffing with management.

• Staffs as needed with appropriate manager.

6.  Collaborate with individual and with community agency to carry out least restrictive environment.

a.  Arrange transportation as needed.

b.  Facilitate ensure safety as needed.

c.  Coordinate/confirm admission to inpatient facility as needed.

7.  Ensures follow-up on 100% of clients screened within 24 hours.

a.  Completes or ensures screening email is sent to all necessary parties, with all necessary information to complete 24 hour follow up.

b.  Follow up appointment is documented in LOC 0 schedule.

8.  Completes Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA)/Child and Adolescent Needs and Strength (CANS) Assessment at time of Risk of Harm assessment to determine whether a client qualifies for crisis level of care (LOC).

a.  Documents reason for clinical decision if deviating into level of care.

b.  Documents clients determined level of care in crisis assessment and screening email.

9.  Works collaboratively with MCOT-members to ensure all necessary level of care 9,0, and 5 services are provided.

a.  Completes follow up, LOC5 appointments, and case management appointments as assigned within deadline given.

b.  Communicates recommendation to necessary staff (i.e. Counselor, Supervisors, Psychiatrist, Case Manager, etc.?)

10.  Develops Crisis/Recovery plans collaboratively with each individual.

a.  Crisis plans are completed at time of risk of harm assessment/recover plans are completed during LOC5 appointment, case management appointment, or at time of modified intake into Mental Health services.

b.  All persons with a substance abuse diagnosis, have a Recovery Plan goal which addresses substance abuse needs.

c.  All Recovery Plan objectives are individualized and measurable.

d.  The Recovery Plan is reviewed as needed and updated when client identifies new goals or completes goals.

11.  Provides Brief Intervention Therapy (BIT) and/or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for individuals in level of care 5 services.

a.  Maintains and updates counseling schedule. 

b.  Completes counseling documentation within 2 business days and documents SI/HI utilizing since last visit Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS) and next appointment date/time.

c.  Maintains counseling case load of up to 8 clients.

d.  Contacts clients within 24 hours of missed counseling appointment for follow up.

12.  Completes aftercare appointments on individuals released form the contract hospitals or state hospital the same business day and link those clients to appropriate center/community resources.

  i.  Completes aftercares as assigned including all necessary paperwork.

  ii.  Assigns case manager and communicates via email new client information, along with any treatment recommendations. Copies new case manager supervisor on emails.

  iii.  Collaboratively facilitates completion of satisfaction survey and turns into appropriate person by end of business day.

  iv.  Ensures client gains access to medications by completing necessary paperwork and faxing to pharmacy when applicable.

  v.  Provides referrals as needed.

13.  Completes LPHA assessments for Crisis Residential Unit (CRU) admission as assigned.

a.  When applicable collaboratively completes LPHA CRU assessments and all necessary paperwork.

b.  Staffs as needed with program manager, director, or administrator.

14.  Documents all services provided to a client or on behalf of a client according to center guidelines.

a.  Documentation is completed within 2 business days and uploaded into Smart Care if applicable.

b.  Complete ROH Assessment documentation within one hour of interview.

c.  Corrections are completed within 2 business days of being notified.

d.  Responds to emails within a timely manner.

15.  Actively participates in delegation of duties to appropriate staff member by holding the triage phone approximately 1 day per week.

a.  Delegate task to staff member most appropriate to complete the task.

b.  Staff cases as needed to collaboratively determine least restrictive environment.

c.  Takes necessary steps to flex all reported overtime when possible while maintaining adequate staff to complete tasks.

16.  Actively participates in additional duties to support management in team oversight functions as assigned.

a.  Reviews risk of harm assessments when necessary and provides feedback to staff regarding documentation.

b.  Completes chart audits on individuals being discharged from LOC5 services to ensure chart compliance and appropriate referrals.

c.  Assists in training new staff members.

d.  Assists with supervision of MCOT staff members as assigned by program manager.

17.  Works collaboratively with co-workers and management to create and maintain a positive work environment.

a.  Continuously looks for ways to improve morale and communicates ideas to foster a positive work environment.

b.  Answers questions and assists MCOT team members when able.

18.  Contact supervisor or designated backup for clarifications of procedures or clinical assistance as needed.

a.  Staff communicates urgent clinical and logistical needs with appropriate manager.

b.  Contacts Team Lead or Program Manager for clarification of protocols or needed direction or assistance.

19.  Shares knowledge and resources by collaborating with teammates and sharing community resources when beneficial to client's treatment.

20.  Is familiar with all applicable Texas Administrative Code (TAC), fidelity tools and HHSC contract information and Center policies and procedures.

a.  All documentation is completed within two business days.

b.  Skills training notes include fidelity words.

c.  All documentation is complete, accurate, and compliant with Center and HHSC guidelines.

d.  Signs company cars out prior to use and in after use, completes travel log in each car, completes maintenance request upon identifying problems, fills cars up with gas using center gas card when cars reach ? tank, and is follows center policy regarding accidents in center vehicles or on center time.

21.  Completes tasks in a manner that fosters principle of creating a safe place for both staff and clients.

a.  Identify and report safety hazards to the appropriate manager.

b.  Complete Incident Reports according to Denton County MHMR Policies and Procedures.

22.  Ensures individuals charts are in compliance with HHSC contract requirements and standards.

a.  Responds to all chart audits by assigned deadline.

b.  All paperwork will be signed in black ink with credentials and date.

23.  Works in a team setting and provides support and assistance to other MCOT members as needed.

24.  All assignments given are completed in a timely manner.

25.  Has the ability to work independently and make decisions but seeks guidance when needed.

25.  Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

a.  Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

b.  Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

c.  Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.