Adult Outpatient Programs provide the least restrictive level of care where adults may receive clinical interventions aimed at decreasing existing signs and symptoms. Outpatient treatment focuses on recovery, problem resolution, symptom reduction, stabilization and/or prevention of movement to a higher level of care. Treatment varies widely and depends upon the consumer’s presenting symptoms.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provides effective clinical assessment of the consumer
• Utilizes assessment data to support a DSM V diagnosis
• Formulates appropriate treatment plan along with consumer
• Provides individual, group, and family therapy, utilizing basic therapeutic models and theories according to consumer needs as stated in the treatment plan
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize the elements of a crisis state and knows how to deescalate or resolve the situation
• Provides treatment and services both in the office and in the community
• Effectively collaborates with the treatment team members and outside sources in the delivery of clinical services
• Evaluates the consumer for discharge planning; completes thorough discharge planning to ensure consumers have the needed resources to maintain in the community
• Works with the Court system, as needed, to include filling out forms, providing notification and testimony as required
• Provides clinical leadership to case managers on treatment team
• Leads bi-weekly treatment team staffing
• Effectively demonstrates the application of adult specific competencies
• Adheres to professional code of ethics

Supervision and Consultation

• Seeks clinical supervision and consultation as needed
• Accepts and employs suggestions for improvement
• Actively works to enhance clinical skills

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
• Documents legibly
• Completes documentation with 24 hours of service provision

Case Load Management

• Effectively manages caseload based on consumer needs
• Meets AHS productivity standards

Master’s degree in a mental health discipline.  Must meet all driving requirements. 

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 Senior Adult issues for referral purposes
• Knowledge of community resources
• 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