ACT is an intensive Assertive Community Treatment fidelity program. This is a community-based program, with approximately 80% of your time spent in the community. Our team works with adults, ages 18-99, who have severe and persistent mental illness who need intensive, wrap around services to assist with issues including (but not limited to) difficulty with housing, social support, interactions with law enforcement, addictions, economic status, employment, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal skills, basic needs, and general independent living skills that are barriers to residing independently in the community.
The
Mental Health Therapist is r
esponsible for
assessment, treatment planning, provision of supportive counseling, and
coordination of multiple service providers for client caseload. Clients are
adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Services are given in
clinical, community, and home-based settings.
Location: This
position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Beaverton site.
Pay/Benefits: $64,429 starting annual
salary, plus, Full benefits.
As a behavioral health organization, LifeWorks NW employees are required to have had their COVID 19 vaccination (or have an approved medical/religious exemption) per State of Oregon rules. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire.
Essential
Responsibilities:
- Meets
standards for documentation and work accuracy as defined in the Performance
Evaluation including timely completion of progress notes, assessments,
treatment plans, authorization requests.
- Meets
standards as defined in the Performance Evaluation for direct service,
implementation and utilization of the clinical model, quality of clinical
practice and teamwork.
- 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.
- Responsible
for client orientation including advising clients and significant other(s) of
the services offered through the program and recommend services.
- Responsible
for client evaluations and performs the initial intake interviews. Collects information about clients using interviews, case histories,
observational techniques, and other assessment methods. Identifies
psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnoses disorders. Identifies appropriate
treatment services. Notifies client and significant other(s) of diagnosis and
initial recommendations. Completes written narrative of evaluation and relevant
opening paperwork. Obtains necessary releases.
- Develops therapeutic
treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths and needs.
Treatment plans will have measurable goals and objectives based on the
diagnosis and will specify type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
Treatment plans will be client driven and follow-ups will be completed on time,
assessing the quantity and quality of services provided, modifying plans and
diagnoses as necessary.
- Provides
individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, medication training and
support, individual or group skills training, and treatment planning utilizing
interventions drawn from a variety of clinical and rehabilitation approaches as
needed by the client.
- Counsels individuals,
groups, or families to help them understand problems, define goals, and develop
realistic action plans. Common topics addressed include stress, poverty,
unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment,
childcare, aging or family situations.
- Teaches clients socially
acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and
positive reinforcement. Encourages individuals and family members to develop
and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive
manner. Provides
assistance and support to clients with the job search process.
- Interact with clients to
assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve
effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and
adjustment.
- 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 the client's psychiatric
medical appointments, if clinically indicated.
- Reviews and evaluates
clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment plans
- Provides clients or family
members with information about mental health and addictions issues and about
available services and programs, making appropriate referrals when necessary.
- 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.
- Act as client advocates to
coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis
situations. Provides
clinical support to clients with immediate and urgent needs.
- Provide
assistance with "team tasks" (taking responsibility in one particular area i.e.,
arranging transportation). Serves as back-up for other staff when needed. May
serve as Clinician of the Day.
- Responsible
for record maintenance including providing appropriate treatment plans and
progress notes. Obtains pertinent
records from other treatment agencies. Track client involvement, follow-through
and progress in treatment activities. Completes all clinical forms records
including record opening and closing information, insurance authorization
information, Service Activity Logs (S/AL's), treatment plans and progress notes in an electronic health record system
in a timely manner.
- Checks
e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day, when working responds to contacts
within 48 hours.
- Participates
in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor. Attends informational and clinical meetings
which may include all-agency meetings, team meetings, consultation meetings
with psychiatrist, intra-agency trainings, regular/periodic meetings with
supervisor, etc.
- May
transport clients in a personal or agency vehicle.
- Qualified
licensed clinicians may be requested to provide licensure supervision as part
of their regular position in compliance with the rules of their licensing
board.
Qualifications:
- Master's
degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or Mental Health Related field.
- This position requires a QMHP credential either through Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) or by obtaining and maintaining active internship or licensed with an eligible state licensing board. All prospective candidates must either have a valid MHACBO registration number or licensing intern number upon hire.
- Demonstrated
ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events,
gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use,
past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family,
social and working relationships and conducting a mental status examination;
complete a five-axis DSM diagnosis; write and supervise the implementation of
an Individual Service and Support Plan; and provide individual, family and/or
group therapy within the scope of their training.
- Demonstrate
ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client
populations and maintain cooperative
working relationship in a culturally diverse environment.
- Knowledge
of medications commonly used by client population.
- Good
computer skills including a functional knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and
Word. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health
record system.
- Requires
access to car, valid driver's license.
If transporting client will need 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.
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
Drug Free/Tobacco Free Site 01/09