Combined In-Home Services Clinician I & II

Job Titles: Combined In-Home Services Clinician I & II 

Positions: Full-Time 

Salary: Depending on Qualifications & Experience

Job Summary: FPS, PPP, & IY

This job requires the clinician to travel to clients’ homes and provide services within their homes and at other locations within the client’s community. The clients we serve have a screened-in Child Protective Services referral for either abuse or neglect of a child. The services we provide are contracted through the Department of Children, Youth, & Families (The Department). When we meet with the client, they are often experiencing a lack of trust in the people they interface with. At the same time, they are often overwhelmed with the events that have transpired as a result of their experiences with The Department. Our first step is to join with the client and build trust through understanding, empathy, caring, compassion, and unconditional positive regard.

After the process of building trust with the client and joining with them, we utilize an assessment tool called the Child Assessment of Needs and Strengths of the Family (CANS-F). After implementing the assessment tool, we create a Family Plan for Change. The goal of the family plan for change is to ameliorate the situations and circumstances that led to the CPS referral so that the client has a new set of skills and strategies to engage in the life circumstances they face on a day-to-day level. In an ideal world, the client will move forward in a way that they no longer require interventions from The Department to overcome the difficulties they face.

Often clinicians in this work support the client in creating positive changes in their lives. There are many feel-good moments and wins. As well there are situations that are heartbreaking as well. As a clinician you should have a very solid foundation in administrative skills, an ability to organize your schedule in a way that is flexible, the ability to empathize is important, and the ability to work closely with your clinical supervisor who will coach you through the training and skills acquisition to support your success and ultimately, your client’s success.  The expectation is to have a caseload of up to 10 clients. On some days you may work long hours with one client. And on other days you may visit several clients that are on your caseload.

Family Preservation Services (FPS)

A clinician providing "Family Preservation Services" would describe their job as focused on helping families in crisis or at risk of crisis to stay together safely. Their primary goal is to prevent the unnecessary placement of children in foster care or residential settings by addressing family challenges and strengthening existing family dynamics. Key aspects of their work include:

1. Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments of family functioning, dynamics, strengths, and challenges to identify areas needing support.
2. Crisis Intervention: Providing immediate support and intervention during times of crisis or heightened stress within the family unit.
3. Skill Building: Teaching and reinforcing parenting skills, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and other essential skills that promote family stability.
4. Resource Coordination: Connecting families with community resources such as mental health services, substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, financial aid, and childcare services.
5. Advocacy: Serving as an advocate for families within the legal, social services, and educational systems to ensure they receive appropriate support and services.
6. Goal Setting and Monitoring: Collaborating with families to set achievable goals and regularly monitoring progress towards those goals.
7. Family Reunification: Working towards the reunification of families who have been separated due to child welfare concerns, ensuring a safe and supportive environment upon reunification.

Overall, the clinician in this role aims to empower families to overcome challenges, improve overall family functioning, and create a nurturing environment where children can thrive safely within their own homes.

Positive Parenting Program (PPP)

Support parents and caregivers in developing effective parenting strategies backed by research and evidence. Work with families to enhance their parenting skills, address specific behavioral challenges in children, and promote positive parent-child relationships. Through structured sessions and interventions, empower parents to build a nurturing environment that fosters children's development and well-being. The program emphasizes practical techniques tailored to each family's needs, aiming to reduce parenting stress and enhance family harmony.

Incredible Years (IY) program

Implementing the Incredible Years program, which focuses on promoting positive parenting, child social skills, and emotional regulation. Work closely with parents, caregivers, and sometimes teachers to teach effective parenting strategies and enhance children's social and emotional competence. Through group sessions or individual consultations, caregivers learn how to manage challenging behaviors, improve communication with their children, and create a supportive family environment. The program emphasizes building strong parent-child relationships and fostering children's social and emotional development through evidence-based interventions and practical skills.

Qualifications for Clinician II

1. Possess a Master’s Degree in social work, marriage & family therapy, psychology, counseling, or a closely allied field; AND have one of the following credentials:
   1. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, or Social Worker (WAC 246-809).
   2. Licensed Associate credential in Marriage & Family Therapy, Mental Health, or Social Work. (RCW 18-225-145).
2. Associate-level clinicians must have a written supervisory agreement on file. 
3. Must have a working car, current driver’s license, and current auto insurance. 
4. Spanish speaking is desired but not required.

Qualifications for Clinician I  

1. Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, education, or a closely allied field; AND have the following credentials:
   1. Certified Counselor (WAC 246-810; RCW 18.19)
2. Certified Counselors must have a written supervisory agreement on file. 
3. Must have a working car, current driver’s license, and current auto insurance. 
4. Spanish speaking is desired but not required.

Key Components of Work Responsibilities and Service Requirements

1. Provide a CANS-F assessment.
2. Provide psychotherapy and treatment services using an evidence-based, promising practice, or other recognized therapeutic techniques.
3. Assist families in amelioration or adjustment of mental, emotional, or behavioral problems.
4. Teach life skills: cooking, budgeting, resource acquisition, access services, etc.
5. Provide appropriate referrals: drug and alcohol treatment, DV support groups, primary care physicians, etc.
6. Submit weekly written reports regarding any referrals, services, tests provided, and diagnosis, treatments, and specific detailed recommendations for additional services and treatments.

Physical Demands

A minimal to moderate amount of work may be required at times when supporting families in learning household chores, cooking skills, and hoarding cleanouts. The ability to access a variety of environments that may not be ADA-accessible is required. 

Work Hours

1. A commitment to providing 25 client-facing hours per week.
2. A minimum caseload of 8 families and a maximum of 12 families is required:
   1. Clinician I:
      1. Certified Counselors – 2 hours/week of supervision required.
   2. Clinician II:
      1. Licensed therapists – 2 hours/week consultation required.
      2. Associate level therapists – 2 hours/week of supervision required.

Life Transitions Mission: Provide high-quality mental and behavioral health care to diverse communities and vulnerable populations.

Application Process:  For further questions please call 253-363-8853.

Closing Date: The positions will remain open until filled.

Life Transitions promotes equal opportunity in all aspects of its employment practices without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or veteran status.