LifeWorks NW's Children's Day Treatment Program provides mental health treatment and education for children ages 5 to 10 who are experiencing serious psychiatric difficulties.

The Mental Health Associate provides skills training in a milieu setting to children ages 5-10 experiencing mental health issues and behavioral problems in schools, at home, and in the community.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Tigard site. 

Pay/Benefits: $23.45 starting hourly pay plus Full benefits.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Meets performance standards for direct client care, documentation, quality (including engagement and evidence-based practices), and teamwork as defined in the performance review.
• Continually increases cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency. Actively participates in a minimum of four hours of training related to cultural effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Employs techniques to improve the development of sensory- and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
• Observes and influences clients' behavior; communicates and interacts with them through teaching, counseling, role modeling, and developing a therapeutic rapport.
• Encourages clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, and helps them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships.
• Counsels clients to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems affecting their educational or social situations.
• Develops and teaches strategies to promote client wellness and independence.
• Encourages clients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, and other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills and develop social relationships.
• Develops and maintains relationships with community referral sources, such as schools and community groups.
• Confers with parents or guardians, teachers, other counselors, and administrators to resolve clients' behavioral, academic, and other problems.
• Consults with supervisor on cases involving potential domestic abuse or other family problems affecting clients' development.
• Establishes and enforces rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among clients.
• Obtains and retains certification in selected de-escalation programs.  Restrains violent, potentially violent, or suicidal clients by verbal or physical means as required and only if certified.
• May act as client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Administers first aid according to prescribed procedures and notifies emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Administers oral medications, following physician's prescriptions and hospital procedures.
• Aids clients performing personal tasks such as toileting, brushing teeth and general hygiene.
• Documents and maintains client records to ensure compliance with LifeWorks' and contractual guidelines. Documentation may include treatment reports, case notes, progress notes, critical incident reports and other reporting as needed.
• Completes critical incident reports when indicated within 24 hours of a critical incident.
• Participates in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor.  Attends informational and clinical meetings which may include all staff and team meetings, consultation with other staff and required trainings.
• Provides back-up for other staff as needed.
• Checks e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day when working responding to contacts within 48 hours for routine matter (urgent matters may require a more immediate response).
• May be required to ensure safe transportation of clients.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a valid and active QMHA credential certification through MHACBO. LifeWorks NW can assist with the registration process. 
• Bachelor's degree in area of specialization directly related to work performed or a minimum of 3 years of prior experience with the related population in the counseling field.
• Prior experience working with youth in a milieu setting.
• 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 understanding of cultural values and norms and knowledge of acculturation and generational issues within a culture.
• Previous experience in broad range of interventions and mental health skills training specific to children, adolescents and families.
• Demonstrated ability in to provide case management services and compliance with confidentially in accordance with federal, state and/or funding source requirements.
• 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 required.
• Requires a valid driver's license 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.

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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