Therapist/Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Therapist / Counselor
Position Classification: Independent Contractor
Clinical Supervisor: Clinical Director
Clinical Coordination: Clinical Intake Manager
Compensation: $70.00 per billable hour
Payment Schedule: Monthly, on the 15th of each month

Position Function

The Therapist/Counselor provides therapeutic and clinical services to clients receiving behavioral health services through Creative Pathways, Inc. (CPI).

The Contractor is responsible for conducting clinical assessments, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans, providing therapeutic interventions, maintaining clinical documentation, and supporting clients in addressing their mental health and behavioral health needs.

The Contractor shall coordinate with CPI's Clinical Director and Clinical Intake Manager regarding client treatment needs, clinical documentation, and continuity of care. All services must be provided in accordance with applicable professional licensing standards, clinical requirements, and District of Columbia and Maryland regulations, as applicable.

Educational Requirements

• Master's degree in a mental health-related field.
• Appropriate graduate or independent professional licensure, as required for the services being provided.

Licensure and Certifications

The Contractor must possess an applicable District of Columbia and/or Maryland license, as required for the services performed. Acceptable professional credentials may include:

• Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
• Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC)
• Licensed Graduate Marriage and Family Therapist (LGMFT)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-C)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT)
• Other appropriately qualified and authorized licensed behavioral health professionals, including psychologists.

Contractor must maintain all required professional licenses and certifications throughout the term of the engagement.

Additional requirements include:

• Current First Aid and CPR certification, when required.
• Valid driver's license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance when personal transportation is used for authorized business-related travel.
• Ability to travel within the service region when necessary to provide contracted services.

Contractor must practice within the scope of their professional license and applicable supervision requirements.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

The Contractor should demonstrate:

• Knowledge of District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) regulations and applicable Maryland behavioral health requirements.
• Knowledge of professional standards and ethical requirements for behavioral health disciplines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving and solution-focused clinical skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clinical professionals and other service providers.
• Knowledge of clinical documentation, data management, evaluation, and outcome measurement.
• Flexibility in providing services at appropriate locations and responding to varying client needs.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with clients, families, community providers, and other stakeholders.

Working Environment

The Contractor may encounter frequent client calls and inquiries, interruptions, and varying or unpredictable clinical situations. The Contractor must demonstrate sound professional judgment, flexibility, and the ability to respond appropriately to changing client needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Contractor should possess:

• Working knowledge of computer systems and electronic health record platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with community leaders, healthcare professionals, clients, families, and CPI personnel.
• Knowledge of professional standards, clinical ethics, and confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely clinical records.
• Ability to provide appropriate clinical interventions and coordinate care.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Therapist/Counselor may provide the following services, as appropriate to the Contractor's professional credentials and scope of practice:

1. Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans.
2. Provide individual therapy.
3. Provide group therapy.
4. Provide parent and family therapy.
5. Identify, assess, and address clients' mental health and behavioral health needs.
6. Develop and maintain therapeutic contact notes.
7. Prepare monthly and quarterly clinical summaries, when required.
8. Prepare discharge recommendations and discharge summaries.
9. Provide crisis intervention and appropriate risk assessments.
10. Complete incident reports when required.
11. Participate in clinical training, case consultations, treatment team meetings, and other relevant clinical or educational activities.
12. Develop and implement individualized service approaches based on each client's assessed needs.
13. Coordinate with the Clinical Director, Clinical Intake Manager, and other appropriate professionals regarding client care.
14. Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in CPI's designated electronic health record system.
15. Comply with applicable clinical, documentation, billing, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.
16. Perform other clinically related services mutually agreed upon by CPI and Contractor that are within the Contractor's professional scope of practice.

Planning and Clinical Coordination

The Contractor shall coordinate with CPI's clinical team, as appropriate, to:

• Assess client needs and identify appropriate clinical services.
• Develop and implement therapeutic approaches appropriate to clients and their families.
• Review and update treatment plans based on client progress and clinical needs.
• Coordinate services with other behavioral health providers and community resources.
• Support program quality improvement through accurate documentation and measurable clinical outcomes.
• Communicate clinical concerns and recommendations to appropriate CPI clinical personnel.

Professional and Leadership Competencies

The Contractor is expected to demonstrate the following professional competencies:

Organizational Agility

Understands organizational policies, procedures, and communication channels and demonstrates the ability to coordinate effectively with appropriate personnel.

Integrity and Trust

Maintains confidentiality, demonstrates honesty and professionalism, acknowledges errors, and exercises sound ethical judgment.

Process Management

Organizes clinical responsibilities, maintains accurate documentation, follows established clinical processes, and completes required work within applicable timeframes.

Planning

Establishes appropriate clinical objectives, develops treatment approaches, evaluates client progress, and adjusts interventions based on assessed needs.

Informing

Communicates relevant clinical information in a timely and professional manner to authorized individuals involved in client care.

Building Effective Teams

Collaborates with clinical professionals and other service providers to support continuity of care and positive client outcomes.

Motivating Others

Encourages client participation, promotes personal growth, and supports clients in working toward identified treatment goals.

Independent Contractor Relationship

This is an independent contractor engagement and not an employee position. Contractor is responsible for determining the manner and means of performing the contracted services, subject to applicable clinical standards, professional obligations, contractual requirements, and regulatory requirements.

Contractor is not eligible for CPI employee benefits, including paid leave, health insurance, retirement benefits, or other employee benefits, except as required by applicable law.

Compensation is based on approved billable hours in accordance with the separate Independent Contractor Agreement.

Nothing in this job description guarantees a minimum number of billable hours or a specific volume of client assignments.