The Crisis Mental Health Associate assists with the implementation of short term stabilization plans, , case management, family education, crisis intervention, resource and referral and coordination of multiple service providers for individuals who present at the walk in clinic or who are seen by the crisis team, under the direction of a senior clinician. Provides services onsite, within the community, and within clients' homes. Keeps accurate and timely records of activities.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hawthorn Crisis Site in Hillsboro, OR. 

Pay/Benefits: $29.76 starting hourly pay, plus pro-rated comprehensive benefits.

Schedule options: Mon and Tues 7:30 am-6:00 pm OR Mon and Tues 7:30 am-4:00 pm AND Wed 7:30 am-12:00 pm (noon).      Availability to work additional shifts as available.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provides clients or family members with information about mental health and addictions issues and about available services and programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Responsible for client orientation including advising clients and significant other(s) of the services offered through the program and recommend services.
• Provides case-coordination by maintaining contact with other agencies, referral source(s) and staff regarding client and significant other(s) involvement in treatment services.
• Assists the client to the extent necessary, based on client's level of functioning, to access needed services and resources.  Advocates on client's behalf. May attend appointments with client, if clinically indicated.
• Provides input on clinical assessments and the development of short term crisis stabilization plans.
• Assists with maintaining up to date resource and referral information for the walk in center. 
• Provides assistance and support to connect individuals to community supports and resources. 
• Acts as a client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations. Provides clinical support to clients with immediate and urgent needs
• Provides assistance with ?team tasks' (taking responsibility in one particular area i.e. arranging transportation).
• Coordinates with internal and external health care providers and social service personnel to obtain service for individuals or to participate in problem solving, and care coordination to meet individual's needs. 
• Provides services in multiple locations, including the walk in center, people's homes and the community.
• Participates in mobile outreach to individuals in the community.
• Meets standards for documentation and work accuracy as defined in the Performance Evaluation including timely completion of progress notes
• Meets standards as defined in the Performance Evaluation for direct service, implementation and utilization of the clinical model, quality of clinical practice and teamwork.
• Observes and influences clients' behavior, communication and interaction. Detects unusual behavior and reports observations to professional staff.
• Identifies, and encourages clients to participate in social, educational, and recreational activities, as indicated to assist with stabilization and support for preventing further crisis
• Reports any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of endangerment, neglect, or abuse of children, individuals with severe and persistent mental illness or the elderly.
• Continually increases level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency. Actively participates in a minimum of four hours of training related to cultural effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Maintains chart notes related to external contracts, obtains pertinent records from other treatment providers, and tracks client's involvement, follow-through and progress in varied treatment activities. Completes documentation in electronic health record system in a timely manner.
• Participates in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor providing written and verbal reports to supervisor regarding cases. Attends informational and clinical meetings which may include all-agency meetings, team meetings, consultation meetings with psychiatrist, intra-agency trainings, etc. 
• Checks e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day when working responding to contacts within 24 hours for routine matters (urgent matters may require a more immediate response).
• Transports clients in personal or agency vehicles and travels between sites or in the community.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a valid and active QMHA credential certification through MHACBO.
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or a mental health related field OR a minimum of 3 years of prior experience with the related population in the counseling field.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and individual, group, family and other counseling techniques; program policies and procedures for services and supports identified in an Individual Services and Supports Plan.
• Demonstrated ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to provide psychosocial skills training and implement elements of a treatment plan.
• Demonstrated ability to provide case management services for people with severe and persistent mental illness in compliance with confidentially policies.
• Knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.  Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system and scheduling system required.
• Requires access to a car, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, and verification of safe driving record from DMV.
• Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.

This is a represented position. 

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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