An Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Therapist works with individuals court-ordered to receive mental health treatment in the community. They assess clients' mental health needs, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide therapy to help manage conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or trauma and co-occurring substance use disorders. The therapist ensures clients follow their treatment plan, including medication, and monitors progress to prevent re-hospitalization. They collaborate with psychiatrists, case managers, and legal professionals, and are trained to intervene in crisis situations. Documentation of treatment progress is also a key part of the role. Effective communication, clinical expertise, and crisis management skills are essential for success in this position.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provides effective clinical assessment of the consumer
• Utilizes assessment data to support a DSM V diagnosis
• Formulates appropriate holistic, person-centered treatment plan along with consumers
• Provides individual, group, and family therapy, utilizing basic therapeutic models and
• theories according to consumer needs as stated in the treatment plan and as determined by court order.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to
• deescalate or resolve the situation
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the
• delivery of clinical services, in compliance with DMH, SUD, and third party payor requirements.
• Evaluates the consumer for appropriate level of treatment; completes thorough assessment and referral to ensure consumers have the needed resources to maintain in the community
• Works with the court system providing reports and testimony, following the law and AOT Program goals
• Conducts thorough intake including all required components of intake including suicide and violence risk assessments and accurate diagnosis
• Effectively demonstrates the application of adult specific competencies
• Adheres to professional code of ethics
• Staffs regularly with the CRNP/MD and Coordinator regarding assessment and aftercare
• Completes treatment plan reviews as assigned and during any non-productive periods such as cancellations or no-shows
• Other duties as assigned
• Participates in twice weekly multi-disciplinary team and court staffings to insure participant success, continuity of care, and compliance with court orders
• Coordinates Substance Use Disorder treatment with the Substance Use Therapist and makes referrals to other sources as needed.

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 goals
• addressed, services, and techniques used
• Documents case disposition, case closings, follow-up and referrals
• Completes required documentation using appropriate professional and legal terminology
• Provides documentation to the court system regarding status of consumers as needed
• 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, and attends to required in-services and workshops

Master’s degree in a mental health discipline. Knowledge in adult specialty, outlined below, to

be attained within six (6) months of employment.

• Knowledge of psychiatric disorders in the adult population
• 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
• Knowledge of the Involuntary Commitment process in Mobile County
• Knowledge of Hospital admissions process in Mobile County
• Knowledge of Probate Court in Mobile County
• Knowledge of Diversion efforts of AHS