Psych Therapists (Per Diem)

Job description

Psych Therapist – Behavioral Health Unit
Larkin Community Hospital – South Miami Campus | 615 - Behavioral Health Unit (BHU)
Location
South Miami, FL
Status / Shift
Per Diem (POOL)
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Job Summary
The Psych Therapist provides psychosocial assessment and psychotherapy to patients receiving inpatient psychiatric care on the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) at Larkin Community Hospital South Miami Campus. Responsibilities include individualized treatment planning, individual, group, and family therapy, clinical risk assessment, crisis support, psychoeducation, safety planning, and coordination of continuing care. The Psych Therapist uses trauma-informed, evidence-informed approaches to help patients manage symptoms, strengthen coping skills, improve functioning, and prepare for continued treatment after discharge. The therapist collaborates with psychiatry, nursing, social services, case management, and other clinicians. Services are provided within professional licensure or registration, required clinical supervision, demonstrated competence, and hospital-authorized responsibilities, consistent with patient rights, confidentiality, applicable requirements, and hospital policies and procedures.
Position Qualifications/Requirements
Education/Experience
• Master's degree or higher in social work, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, or a related clinical field from an accredited institution, meeting applicable licensure or registration requirements.
• Previous clinical experience in psychiatric or behavioral health treatment, particularly in an inpatient setting, preferred.
• Experience with psychotherapy, clinical risk assessment, individualized treatment planning, and coordination of continuing behavioral health care preferred.
• Knowledge of community behavioral health resources and referral processes preferred.
• Successful completion of hospital and departmental orientation and validation of competencies appropriate to the assigned patient population, crisis support, and clinical responsibilities.

Licenses/Certifications
• Current, active Florida licensure in an applicable mental health profession, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or licensed psychologist; or active Florida registered-intern status in clinical social work, mental health counseling, or marriage and family therapy with required Board-approved supervision and hospital approval.
• Registered interns must maintain documented, hospital-approved supervision by a Florida Board-approved Qualified Supervisor before and throughout clinical practice.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or other hospital-approved provider.
• Current hospital-approved crisis prevention and intervention training appropriate to the patient population, as required by departmental policy.

Skills/Requirements
• Knowledge of mental health conditions, trauma, co-occurring substance use concerns, lifespan development, and their effects on functioning.
• Ability to complete psychosocial assessments and clinical formulations within professional scope and required supervision.
• Knowledge of evidence-informed psychotherapy approaches appropriate to individual, group, and family treatment in an inpatient setting.
• Ability to establish therapeutic rapport, maintain professional boundaries, and use trauma-informed communication.
• Ability to assess and communicate suicide, self-injury, violence, exploitation, and other clinical safety concerns, with knowledge of collaborative safety planning, crisis prevention, and verbal de-escalation.
• Ability to develop measurable treatment goals and evaluate progress toward stabilization and continuing-care needs.
• Group-facilitation skills and the ability to manage participation, peer dynamics, and therapeutic boundaries.
• Knowledge of patient rights, consent, confidentiality, and authorized involvement of families, legal representatives, and support persons.
• Knowledge of applicable Florida behavioral health requirements, including the Baker Act, and required reporting processes for suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other reportable concerns.
• Ability to provide culturally responsive care and adapt communication to developmental and learning needs.
• Ability to coordinate referrals, discharge arrangements, and communication with authorized community supports, and to collaborate with psychiatry, nursing, social services, case management, and other disciplines.
• Accurate clinical documentation, time-management, caseload organization, and professional communication skills, including the ability to use electronic medical records and protect confidential clinical information.
• Ability to seek clinical consultation and function within applicable licensure, registration, supervision, and hospital requirements.
• Commitment to professional ethics, patient dignity, evidence-informed care, and continuing development.

Physical Requirements
• Sit for extended periods during assessments, individual and family sessions, meetings, and documentation.
• Stand and walk while conducting groups, participating in unit activities, and coordinating patient services.
• Occasionally bend, reach, and move therapy materials, files, or small equipment with assistance as needed.
• Frequently use a keyboard, mouse, telephone, and other clinical documentation equipment.
• Read clinical records, assessment materials, and computer displays accurately.
• Observe patient behavior and effectively receive patient statements, staff communications, and emergency notifications.
• Maintain attention and clear communication during assessment, therapy, and crisis encounters.
• Respond promptly to urgent patient concerns using approved procedures, training, and team assistance.
• Perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Larkin Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Larkin Health System is a drug-free workplace.