Early Childhood Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY
Provide a range of direct clinical services to children, their families, and caregivers primarily within the Birth to Five Center of Excellence. Caseload may include children outside of this age range enrolled with outpatient services. Primary duties of the Early Childhood Therapist include outpatient and home-based family, individual, and play therapy for a broad range of behavioral health problems, crisis intervention, school and agency consultation, assessment and treatment planning. There must be willingness and ability to work in close cooperation with other team members, to share responsibilities, work distribution, and decision-making. Provides a consultative/educative service to community agency staff and other service providers related to infant and toddler mental health. Participates in information/education sessions specific to infant and toddler mental health. Works within the early childhood mental health program as well as with community partners, advisory structures, and providers to plan, develop and evaluate a range of mental health services for children birth to five years of age.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct client assessments, including crisis assessment and management.
Development and updating of comprehensive treatment plans for all clients.
Management of all aspects of therapy, including referrals to additional resources when appropriate.
Function independently and with a team as a primary therapist demonstrating sound clinical judgment in the assessment and treatment of children with mental health conditions and disorders.
Work within the early childhood mental health COE (Center of Excellence) as well as with community committees, advisory structures, and partners to plan, develop and evaluate a range of mental health services for children 0 – 5 years of age.
Maintenance of client records according to applicable agency and professional standards.
Completion of all necessary paperwork to assure the clinic receives payment from the appropriate funding source for all services rendered.
Prepare and deliver appropriate, clear and concise communications both orally and in writing, to a range of internal and public audiences.
Service provision shall be conducted at the clinic, the client’s home, or other community sites as appropriate to the case while ensuring staff safety and ability to conduct the service.
Active participation in department efforts to assess and provide customer service to both payer and clients.
Assisting in department strategic planning and implementation through participation in department staff meetings, training and other meetings as assigned.
Active participation in agency affairs, including marketing, promotion of mental health services, development of programs, and other related duties as assigned.
Active participation in on-site training, attending workshops and seminars, and conduction training based on workshops attended and/or expertise developed individually.
Conducting necessary case management to ensure proper referral and follow-up on associated services.
Participation and documentation of clinical supervision per Clinic policy.
Participation in the planning and delivery of wrap-around services for appropriate clients.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
21 years of age or older; or minimum 18 years old and licensed or certified under A.R.S. Title 32 and providing services within the personnel member’s scope of practice; or minimum 18 years old for select administrative positions.
Must be able to provide or obtain an AZDPS Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card
Must possess a valid Driver License
Master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field.
Current licensure or eligibility for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or similar license in the state of Arizona.
Experience working with clients in a mental health setting is preferred.
Strong knowledge of evidence-based therapeutic approaches for treating mental health disorders.
Ability to establish rapport and build therapeutic alliances with diverse populations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental approach to client care.
Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and basic computer skills.
In-depth knowledge of Attachment theory and therapy as well as current research and therapeutic interventions in early childhood.
Knowledge and understanding of family systems theory, attachment theory, relationship and trauma-based interventions, family therapy as well as current research and therapeutic interventions in early childhood.
Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards.
Minimum two years clinical experience working in child mental health services, with responsibility for providing a wide range of community based mental health services.
Preference given to applicant with experience working with young children and their families, infant and toddler mental health endorsement and/or training/ certification of early mental health treatment modalities.
CORE COMPETENCIES
People – Passionately believes in people and embraces diversity.
Integrity – Does the right thing even when no one is looking.
Learning – Challenges old paradigms with critical thinking, curiosity and creativity
Accountability – Sets an intentional culture of personal responsibility; believes everyone carries the load.
Relationships – Serves colleagues and consumers with love, empathy and compassion.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical and working demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Office environment, travel within the community, as needed.
Heavy exposure/use of computers, cell phones, office phones, etc.
Ability to sit for prolonged periods throughout work hours.
Must be able to occasionally lift and/or move 5 or more pounds.
Must be able to respond appropriately and effectively in crisis situations by using good judgment and following Polara Health protocols.
This position is considered Safety-Sensitive by Polara Health.

Non-Discrimination Policy
Polara Health subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. Polara Health’s policy is to provide employment, compensation, and other benefits related to employment based on qualifications, without regard to ancestry, age, color, disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Polara Health intends to comply fully with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, and the information requested on this application will be used only for purposes consistent with those laws.
Americans With Disabilities Act – Request for Reasonable Accommodations
In accordance with requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Polara Health’s policy is to provide reasonable accommodation for applicants requesting accommodation(s) during the application process, so the applicant may be given a full and fair opportunity to be considered for employment. If any candidate needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify Polara Health in any of the following ways: by calling 928-445-5211, ext. 4047, U.S. Mail, or hand deliver to Polara Health 3343 N. Windsong Drive, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314 Attention: Human Resources Job Applicant Request.
Background Checks
Employment is contingent on background checks as required by Polara Health’s policies which may include Fingerprint Clearance, Drug Test, Criminal History, Driving History Record, Sex Offender Registry Search, Department of Child Services, State Central Registry Check, Employment Verification, Education Verification, and Professional References.
We Offer the Following Benefits to Full Time Employees:
Medical * Dental * Vision * Short and Long Term Disability * Life Insurance * Health Savings Account * Flexible Spending Account * Employee Assistance Program * 401(k) * Up to 3 Weeks of Paid Time Off * 10 Paid Holidays per Year * Shift Pay (for select inpatient positions) * Educational Reimbursement *

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.