00100472 - MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST
Under general direction, incumbents diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders within the context of marriage, couples and family systems, the scope of the applicable Business and Professions Code(s), and license. The application of marriage and family therapy principles and methods includes, but is not limited to assessment, evaluation prognosis, treatment, planning and evaluation, therapeutic interventions, relational therapy, psychotherapy, client education, clinical case management, and consultation.
Incumbents treat cognitive, affective, or behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders with specific solution-focused, and attainable therapeutic goals designed with an “end in mind". Incumbents counsel individuals on concerns such as unsatisfactory relationships; divorce and separation; child rearing; home management; financial difficulties; or substance abuse. Incumbents provide individual, marital, and family counseling services to adults and children; collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team where applicable to diagnose and/or formulate a diagnosis, assess patient needs and coordinate counseling services; identify and assist with recommending appropriate services based on assessment and, where applicable, civil or penal code commitment; maintain case files; summarize case information for use in diagnosis, treatment level of care, and dispositional release; participate in risk assessment, evaluation, and recommendation for alternate level of care placement, or other case disposition, which may include release to the community and available resources with consideration for the risk the patient presents to the community. Provide individual and group therapy as delineated in the treatment plan; follow up on results of counseling programs and clients' adjustments to determine effectiveness of programs; respond to requests from clients/patients, family members, courts, and community agencies; provide counseling services to family members and education that encourages the development of life skills and strategies for coping and confronting problems in a constructive manner; consult with colleagues and other staff on behavior management treatment issues; prepare verbal and written reports and provide court testimony, as required by law and policy, which can be used in all legal jurisdictions; participate in professional meetings, committees, training, and conferences; and participate in research and quality assurance and improvement.
Incumbents shall refer patients to other licensed health care professionals in accordance with standardized procedures.
Preferred or Desirable Quaifications Preferred or Desirable Qualifications
An objective and empathic understanding of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder, or with the mental, developmental, or physical disabilities; flexibility to alter hours as needed; tolerance; tact; emotional stability; and respect for persons from diverse backgrounds.
Incumbents appointed to the Marriage and Family Therapist classification series are reasonably expected to have and maintain sufficient strength, agility, and endurance to perform during physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful situations encountered on the job without compromising their health and well-being or that of their fellow employees or patients.
Assignments may include sole responsibility for the control of patients, clients, and the protection of personal and real property.
All employees shall have general qualifications as described by California Code of Regulations, title 2, section 172.
For information regarding position location(s), please refer to the Eligible List Information section.
