The Mental Health Therapist, Children's Day Treatment Program assesses and diagnoses children and adolescents ages 3 to 11 experiencing mental health issues and behavioral problems in a day treatment setting.  Provides appropriate treatment and/or consultation with families, care providers, and community partners about treatment options.

The CDTP provides mental health treatment and education for children ages 5 -11 who are experiencing serious psychiatric difficulties.

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

Pay/Benefits: $62,229 starting annual salary, plus Full benefits.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Performs client evaluations including initial intake interviews, formulating diagnosis, and identifying appropriate treatment services.  Notifies clients and significant other(s) of diagnosis and initial recommendations. Completes a written narrative of the evaluation. Obtains necessary releases within specified timeline standards.
• Collects supplementary information needed to assist clients such as medical records or school reports.
• Obtains and studies medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing clients individually, in families, or in groups. Assesses their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
• Consults with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems such as truancy and misbehavior to implement solutions.
• Analyzes data such as interview notes, test results, and reference manuals to identify symptoms and to diagnose the nature of clients' problems.
• Develops therapeutic treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths and needs. Treatment plans will be based upon clinical experience and knowledge, and 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.
• Conducts individual, family, and group therapy sessions based on current evidenced based practices e.g. collaborative problem solving, cognitive behavioral interventions, and solution focused therapy.
• Responsible for case management.  Coordinates and collaborates with physicians, staff, families, and caregivers. 
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of the diagnoses. Modifies plans and diagnoses as necessary.  Uses program outcome measures.
• Identifies cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting students' development and determine whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists. Maintains awareness of community referral resources.
• Addresses legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline. Assists with hearings and provides testimony as required.
• 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.
• Acts as client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations. May serve as Clinician of the Day.
• Maintains chart notes, obtains pertinent records from other treatment, and tracks client's involvement, follow-through and progress in varied treatment activities. Documents and maintains client records to ensure compliance with agency and contract guidelines and confidentiality. Completes documentation in electronic health record system as applicable.
• Travels between sites or in the community. May transports clients in a personal or agency vehicle.
• Administer first aid (if certified) according to prescribed procedures. Notifies emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Completes critical incident reports when indicated within 24 hours of a critical incident.
• 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:

• This position requires a valid and active QMHP credential certification through MHACBO or a valid and active status (licensed or registered intern) with an approved Oregon licensing board.
• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a mental health related field.
• May require a license e.g. LCSW, LPC, or Licensed Psychologist.
• More than 1 year experience in broad range of clinical interventions and mental health assessment specific to children, adolescents and families.
• 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.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills and 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 adolescent development, milestone, and age appropriate behaviors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of treatment methods for individual, family, milieu, and group therapy to address mental health needs.
• Demonstrated ability in providing 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.
• Knowledge of medications commonly used by client population.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.  Ability to master proprietary software required, including electronic health record system.
• Requires access to car, valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage and verification of safe driving record from DMV.

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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