MST Therapist 1

Description

Bradford/Tioga/Sullivan Counties - Anticipated start date September 2026

SUMMARY

MST Therapist works with at risk youth and families to improve their overall functioning and reduce out of home placement. MST Therapist receives intense supervision for a small case load of 4-6 families to ensure that the progress of each youth and family system in behavior change that aligns with targeted outcomes. MST Therapist receives intensive training in the MST model and develops expertise in the delivery of MST principles and analytic process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• •Attends MST and other company required trainings to establish the foundation necessary to function as an employee and therapist within the clinical program.
• •Schedules regular meetings with youth and families with frequency meeting the needs of the family.
• •Travels to youth homes and other appropriate systems as may be necessary to manage the treatment plan for an assigned case (schools, courts, etc.)
• •Documents in electronic health record and client charts. Establishes youth record and enters all clinical documentation and activities within the expected time-frame. Closes cases as appropriate.
• •Assesses needs of youth and develops a treatment plan in consultation with youth, family and supervisor. Reviews plan regularly with family and supports its application.
• •Assumes on call responsibilities for week and weekend service needs as part of a team rotation to support youth and families in a targeted geography.
• •Regularly meets with supervisor to review the status of cases and assess fidelity to the MST model.
• •Develops familiarity with, acts on, and adheres to regulations and standards from MST, MCO’s, DHS, JCAHO, PREA, Background Clearances, etc.
• •Familiar with and displays the ability to apply the principles of crisis management and trauma-informed care. Maintains CPR and first aid certifications.
• •Seeks support of more experienced MST Therapists or Supervisor for difficult situations and communicates unusual events in a timely manner.
• •Develops engagement with key stakeholders who have connections with assigned youth as a way to enhance treatment progress and sustainability.
• •Develops positive working relationships with key stakeholders through collaboration, providing opportunities for referral outreach.

JOB FUNCTIONS

Must be able to demonstrate the ability to learn and apply the essential principles and analytic process of Multisystemic Therapy (MST) to youth and families through direct intervention.

Vocational Competencies as a first level MST Therapist emphasize learning the model and systems that support the delivery of the program to youth and families. Transitions theoretical knowledge gained through training into actual practice under close supervision with initial visits partnered under the direction of a supervisor or senior level MST Therapist. Demonstrates a broad knowledge of what MST addresses in terms of a youth’s peers, home, school and community. Able to generally describe key components of MST, including but not limited to family therapy, parenting skills, marital therapy, household management, adolescent education factors, adult and adolescent mental health care, drug and alcohol factors, time management skills, parent and youth peer management, and influential community aspects. Demonstrates the ability to discuss with peers terms that define the MST approach. These include but are not necessarily limited to a youth’s natural ecology, fit circle and assessment, expectations and roles, targeted behaviors, tailored interventions, reinforcement based therapy, mental health incorporation, etc. Develops and demonstrates the ability to use the MST and Adelphoi software, including establishing cases as a start of care, maintaining activity and clinical notes, updating treatment documentation and discharging youth from the program. With appropriate training, demonstrates the ability to log on, navigate, and use basic features as they pertain to a caseload including treatment documentation input and reports. Ability to describe how therapist adherence measures (TAM-R) and Supervisor Adherence (SAM) support overall program fidelity. At the end of an appropriate period of mentorship, demonstrates the ability to independently manage a caseload. Must have completed a minimum of 12 cases for promotional eligibility.

Behavioral Competencies to be emphasized include Communication (1:1 and Small Groups), Leadership (Self-Management), Relationship Building (Approachability & Boundaries), Teamwork (Knowing Your Own Role) and Personal Development (Learns a Job). Emphasis is on the ability to demonstrate growth across a depth and breadth of capabilities that indicate a foundation that will permit success in the role as an MST Therapist.

Process Competencies focus on Task Execution (Immediate Job Knowledge), Value Management (Basic Company Knowledge), Business Planning (Immediate Line of Site), Client Relationship Management (Immediate Co-Workers & Clients) Emphasis to develop the basic set of process related tasks to be able to participate in the use of company and program related systems and work flows.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• •Master’s Degree in a discipline related to a field of study in family treatment, social services, psychology or other similar academic preparation as required by Pennsylvania licensure regulations.
• •Bachelor’s Degree in a discipline related to a field of study in family treatment, social services, psychology or other similar academic preparation as required by Pennsylvania licensure regulations.
• •Master’s Degree; preferred 1 year of professional work experience in the field of human services including but not limited to relevant experience with children, youth and families within a social services environment.
• •Bachelor’s Degree will be reviewed; 3+ years of professional work experience in the field of human services including but not limited to relevant experience with children, youth and families within a social services environment

• Must be at least 21 years of age Valid Driver’s License (PA if residing in Pennsylvania)
• •Act 33/34 and FBI Clearances
• •Proof of Auto Insurance

E.O.E.