The primary purpose of the position is to assess & counsel children in families referred to the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) for child abuse/neglect or domestic abuse allegations;provide Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth (PSB-CY) case management and provide direct clinical services on family dynamics, healthy parent-child interaction, effective coparenting communication, children's adjustment to the military lifestyle and non-medical clinical counseling for children and parents.
A Master's degree or doctorate in Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or Clinical Psychology or related field from an accredited institution from any US State. Have and maintain a current and valid state clinical license that permits the incumbent to function as an independent health practitioner and fully meet and maintain the Tier II or Tier III SECNAVINST 1754.8 requirements. Are current in continuing education credits/units to maintain license. Professional knowledge of and skill in working with children, adolescents, parents and families in situations of child abuse/neglect or domestic abuse. Professional knowledge of family violence dynamics and skill in applying the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to identify situations of family violence, conduct risk assessments and coordinate safety planning. Professional knowledge of and skill in applying various counseling approaches and knowledge of group dynamics to work difficult and serious cases involving individuals and families who engage in at-risk behavior. Professional knowledge of patterns of abusive behavior, abuse response, substance abuse, human behavior, human sexuality, attention deficit disorder, and juvenile delinquency within families to accurately address a wide variety of behaviors and provide or coordinate the appropriate treatment plan for addressing clients specific needs. Professional knowledge of human behavior, research methods, group dynamics, motivational psychology, developmental psychology, and family systems therapy principles and processes to recognize risk factors associated with child vulnerability, family adversity, modeling of coercion, modeling of sexuality; and use anatomically correct language when discussing the body or behaviors. Expert knowledge of and skill in applying professional verbal communication techniques and methods to present sensitive and potentially controversial information to various groups. Effectively interview FAP involved individuals and family members; effectively collaborate with law enforcement, child protective services, and medical treatment facilities; and deliver presentations. Skill in employing professional written communication methods and techniques, and knowledge of and skill in using various software programs and Navy/DoD information systems to compose correspondence; develop case management/treatment case documentation, reports, training plans, multi-media presentations; and document and account for FAP and PSB-CY requirements and services provided. Knowledge of community resources for PSB-CY and skill in coordinating community response to provide services and referral to children, youth and families affected by PSB-CY and coordinate community response for PSB-CY cases.
I. FAP Assessment and Treatment of Children (40%) Serve as an authoritative expert on the emotional, behavioral and mental health concerns of children, including trauma and child abuse and neglect, and as an authority on evaluating a child's emotional and mental health needs through use of various assessments. Conduct clinical and psychosocial assessments of children in families referred to the FAP for child abuse/neglect and/ or domestic abuse allegations, which may include assessing children who are alleged victims of child abuse/neglect, other children in the home, and children who have witnessed domestic abuse. Conduct comprehensive and complex clinical assessments to identify crisis situations, e.g., suicide or homicide risk, danger of physical or sexual abuse to family members, and increased risk of further family violence. Provide crisis intervention and safety planning, as required. Employ various forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and family therapy to help children cope with their emotional and behavioral issues stemming from trauma. Coordinate assessment findings with the FAP Case Manager, Child Protective Services, and other involved medical personnel or behavioral health providers. II. Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth Case Management (30%) Serve as designated case manager and primary FAP point of contact for PSB-CY cases, ensuring all actions comply with Department of Defense (DoD) and Navy instructions and civilian reporting requirements. Receive initial reports of problematic sexual behaviors in children and youth (PSB-CY) from military and civilian representatives and take all steps required under the FAP PSB-CY. Complete all required assessments and documentation (clinical notes, collateral contacts, treatment plans, and required statistical data) in the DoD Military Community and Family Policy PSB-CY Case Management System, as required. Schedule and account for all PSB-CY appointments and meetings in the Scheduling Module of the automated FFSP management information system. Participate in site/regional quarterly quality assurance procedures to ensure that all PSB-CY counseling provided is safe and of good quality. Prepare case summary reports and maintains ongoing contact with the FAP Clinical Supervisor for all PSB-CY cases. III. Non-medical Clinical Counseling for Children (20%) Provide assessment and short-term, solution focused non-medical clinical counseling services to eligible children, parents and families within the authorized scope of FFSP clinical care. Refer children for child behavioral health follow-up for any psychological disorders or symptoms requiring longer-term and/or behavioral health intervention. Manage assigned non-medical counseling cases, consulting with FAP Clinical Supervisor when the case is highly complex or presents with special issues. Comply with reporting protocols involving high risk and high visibility cases. Receive and assess referrals from military and civilian agencies. Conduct on-site/regional quarterly QA reviews of cases, per supervisor, to ensure that all nonmedical clinical counseling provided is safe and of good quality. Schedule, account for and document all non-medical clinical counseling appointments and meetings in the Scheduling and Clinical Case Record modules within the automated FFSP management information system. Maintain case records and statistics in accordance with Navy policies and regulations. Assess children and family needs, exploring basic personality structure in relation to behavior patterns, mechanisms, and symptoms, and refer and follow-up on any case presenting suicidal or homicidal risk. Initiate, develop, and facilitate group treatment programs to address the needs of families, parents, children and adolescent groups. Provide immediate intervention and risk assessment IAW best practices in the mental health community. Educate military, civilians and families on suicide intervention and at-risk behavior. IV. Community Liaison (10%) Attend community liaison meetings to establish or strengthen relationships with other agencies (e.g., civilian community service boards, child protective services, child advocacy centers) serving the target population. As directed, provide a summary of liaison meetings for supervisor review and recommend additional collaborations that will reduce duplication of service and expand the range of programs for the military population. Performs other duties as assigned.