Therapist, Veterans Services

Overview

We are seeking qualified professionals to join a mission-driven team dedicated to serving veterans and their families. Our program is led therapists and trained veteran peers who bring both professional expertise and lived military experience to the work of supporting those who served.

The Veteran Outreach Therapist provides a range of psychosocial services, including community outreach, individual and group counseling, and referral services, as part of a multidisciplinary team for veterans and service membrs who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, substance use issues, homelessness, or difficulty adjusting to civilian life. This role actively engages with veteran communities to raise awareness, facilitate program participation, and foster involvement, connecting veterans with resources and support systems to maximize their independence, health, and well-being. 

Responsibilities

Primary Job Functions:

• Conduct outreach efforts to veterans and their families, engaging with communities, local municipalities, and related agencies to promote veterans' programs and services.
• Provide counseling services (individual, group, and family) to veterans and service members, utilizing evidence-based practices and addressing issues such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify veterans' needs, challenges, and strengths, and formulate appropriate treatment plans.
• Coordinates Substance Use Disorder treatment with the Substance Use Therapist and makes referrals to other sources as needed.
• Link veterans with relevant community services, resources, and opportunities, coordinating care and facilitating referrals to ensure timely and effective support.
• Develop and deliver presentations and outreach materials to inform veterans and their families about available services and benefits.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with veteran groups, community leaders, and organizations to increase program awareness and participation.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and contribute to team building and development, including discussing problematic cases and mentoring new staff.
• Document all clinical interactions, care coordination efforts, and administrative activities in accordance with program guidelines and policies.
• Handle crisis interventions and address other emergent situations with independent judgment and skill.
• Maintain a working knowledge of current trends and developments in holistic approaches to wellness and recovery.
• May operate a center-owned vehicle or personal vehicle to perform outreach services on a daily basis. 

Supervision and Consultation

• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
• Actively works to enhance clinical skills including attending quarterly training on evidence-based practices
• Engages in consultation with legal counsel and court officials regarding consumer status

 Clinical Record Keeping

• Documents in a timely fashion per AHS policy
• Documents appropriate, complete, and clinically comprehensive mental health assessments
• Documents measurable and specific goals in the treatment plan
• Documents in a clear and concise manner, types of consumer problems, treatment goalsaddressed, services, and techniques used
• Documents case disposition, case closings, follow-up and referrals
• Completes required documentation using appropriate professional and legal terminology
• Files court petitions and revocations as needed if consumers are unable to be maintained in a lesser level of care
• Case Load Management
• Effectively manages caseload based on consumer needs
• Meets AHS productivity standards
• Courteous and respectful attitudes towards consumers, visitors and co-workers
• Treats consumers with care, dignity and compassion
• Respects consumers privacy and confidentiality
• Is pleasant and cooperative with others
• Assists visitors and consumers as needed
• Personal values don’t inhibit ability to relate and care for others
• Is sensitive to the consumers’ needs, expectations and individual differences
• Is gentle and calm with consumers and families
• Administrative and Other Related Duties as Assigned
• Actively participates in Performance Improvement activities
• Actively participates in AHS committees as required
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely manner
• Accesses appropriate community resources according to consumer needs
• Follows AHS policies and procedures
• Maintains current license and requirements for renewals (i.e. CEU’s), if applicable, andattends to required in-services and workshops

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in mental health discipline.
• Proof of status as a current or former service member in one of the five branches of United States Armed Services.  
• Must be 23 years of age, maintain a valid Alabama driver license and an acceptable driving record, and have proof of current liability insurance. 

Knowledge in adult specialty, outlined below, to be attained within six (6) months of employment:

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population
• Knowledge of Veteran-specific issues
• Basic knowledge of the nature of addiction for referral purposes
• Basic knowledge of Adult issues for referral purposes
• Knowledge of cultural diversity
• Knowledge of behavior management, crisis intervention and interventions common to acute psychotic consumers, as well as, to non-violent crisis intervention practice
• Knowledge of educational methods appropriate to adults with psychiatric disorders
• Ability to speak in front of groups and engage audience members in well-thought-out discussions
• Ability to assess for substance use and suicidal ideation, intention, means, and plan