Our Residential Treatment Team
Clinical Staff
A master’s level Clinical Therapist (CT) is available in-house for all youth and families enrolled in our residential program. The CT assigned to the student leads family, individual and group therapy; provides ongoing assessment and treatment planning services; and provides crisis intervention services as needed. AK Child & Family provides 24 / 7 on-call clinical consultative services to help support the program milieu. A Clinician who provides after hour clinical support as needed for our youth.
Direct Care Staff
Treatment Program Supervisors (TPS) typically have an educational background in the field of psychology, social work, education or another related field. Through co-leadership with the Clinical Therapists, the TPS is responsible for implementing clinical aspects of programming in the milieu. The TPS provides supervision and leadership for the Psychiatric Treatment Counselors, along with facilitation of staff meetings, coordination of unit programming to meet the individualized needs of students, and supporting a trauma-informed therapeutic environment. The TPS has regular contact with students and strives to help create a safe and secure environment for students in the unit.
The Behavior Health Specialist (BHS) are primarily responsible for therapeutic interaction and supervision of youth placed in residential treatment units. They provide the day to day care and implement therapeutic interventions as are identified in the youth’s treatment plan. Under the supervision of the Treatment Program Supervisor and working closely with Clinical Therapists, BHS’s are responsible for implementing appropriate treatment strategies with youth, educating youth on their treatment objectives, and documenting progress towards goals.
Nursing Staff
The ANP (advance nurse practitioner) who works directly with our medical directors and our nurses. The Registered Nurse (RN) is the liaison between the Medical Director, professional contract staff, and the direct care staff. AK Child & Family provides 24 / 7 emergency on-call nursing consultative services to help support the clinical and milieu staff.
Education Staff
The Education Department at AK Child & Family consists of the Education Supervisor and the Education Assistant. The supervisor and assistant are primarily responsible for coordinating with schools, parents, AK Child & Family staff and community members to meet the educational needs of the students in Residential care. The Education Department facilitates school enrollment, placement, and interaction with school administrators regarding curriculum or discipline concerns that arise. The members of the Education Department work with the clinical team to determine the best academic opportunities available for each individual student.
Therapeutic Recreation Staff
The Recreation Department at AK Child & Family consists of the Recreation Supervisor and the Recreation Assistant. The supervisor and assistant are primarily responsible for the planning, implementation, and supervision of leisure and recreational activities for the students in Residential care. The Recreation Department facilitates activities that encourage healthier living, enrichment, personal growth, and self-awareness. In addition, the members of the Recreation Department provide opportunities to students that include community outings and events off campuses. The Recreation Department staff help manage the Benson Center on the Jesse Lee campus. The Benson Center is the hub of activities across the entire AK Child & Family agency.
Spiritual Life Staff
The Spiritual Life Department of AK Child & Family has 3 employees who serve as members of the Residential Treatment Team and are responsible for the delivery of spiritual life programming and services for youth who are in residential treatment at AK Child & Family. These services are voluntary, non-denominational, culturally sensitive, and age appropriate. Those working in Spiritual Life possess a strong universal understanding and orientation, which allows for working with all ethnic groups and enables support for diverse spiritual and religious viewpoints.
The Director of Spiritual Life is a full-time position that supervises the department and works with the Spiritual Life Committee of the Board of Directors, as well as church and individual donors to ensure continuity of services. The Spiritual Life Minister is a part-time position that offers ministerial support during chapel services and at other times throughout the week. The Music & Special Ministries Coordinator provides musical components to chapel, meditation and devotion times as well as other special events.
