Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: S4009 / Sr Ptnt Sppt Thpst/Crit Care
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 14

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Provides or oversees the provision of a comprehensive range of therapeutic counseling, professional social services, and psychosocial interventions that positively impact a patient's ability to manage a severe, chronic illness. Administers psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention and case management services in a high intensity clinical environment requiring a high degree of independent decision making. Provides clinical supervision, guidance, training, and leadership to lower level therapists, students, and interns engaged in related activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Oversees and coordinates the provision of critical care counseling, psychotherapy, and case management to clients and families as appropriate to individual circumstances; provides or facilitates crisis intervention and emergency services as required.
  2. Identifies patients requiring therapeutic support; collects or oversees collection of patient data, assesses patient's overall level of life functioning at all levels, and independently determines appropriate therapeutic approach.
  3. Provides and/or arranges for therapeutic, economic, and social interventions as appropriate to the individual needs of the patient.
  4. Develops, organizes, and facilitates psycho-educational groups for patients and families.
  5. Consults with other therapists and related professional and paraprofessional staff, as appropriate, in the performance of therapeutic and/or casework; refers clients to appropriate service agencies as required.
  6. Guides, supports, and trains lower level critical care therapists and related professional and paraprofessional staff, as appropriate, in the performance of therapeutic, case management, and referal services.
  7. Facilitates client access to appropriate social service agencies for financial assistance and/or other required services.
  8. Follows up to determine effectiveness of interventions used and makes appropriate modifications as indicated.
  9. Oversees the establishment and maintainenance case files, referrals, and other related documents for the treatment of clients, ensuring compliance with established protocols, procedures, and quality standards, as well as with relevant legal and regulatory requirements.
  10. Consults with other legal and treatment agencies and individuals in relation to patient/client records, rights, and responsibilities.
  11. Prepares documentation related to the care and treatment of patients in support of legal proceedings, as required.
  12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or directly related field; at least 5 years of directly related experience gained in a critical care setting. Certification/Licensure Licensed Prof Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or equivalent OR Licensed Indep Social Wkr (LISW) or equivalent OR licensure pending, as documented by temporary license.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Advanced and in-depth knowledge and understanding of clinical social work and mental health counseling principles, methods, procedures, and standards.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Ability to independently provide professional counseling, social services, and crisis intervention to critical care patients and families.
  • Interviewing and psychological evaluation skills.
  • Knowledge of psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation.
  • Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.
  • Knowledge of community support services and funding agencies.
  • Knowledge of the social, emotional, behavioral, and economic implications of chronic disease, death, and loss.
  • Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments.
  • Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
  • Ability to use professional judgment in the interpretation, clarification, and reporting of sensitive, confidential information.
  • Ability to assess the progress of individual service plans and make appropriate modifications.
  • Knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to patients' rights.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws related to health and social welfare.
  • Knowledge and understanding of HIPAA and related Federal and State privacy laws and regulations.
  • Supervisory, employee development, and leadership skills.
  • Ability to provide professional, technical, and administrative leadership in area of expertise.

Conditions of Employment

  • Subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/20/2017