The Mental Health Therapist responds to people across the lifespan experiencing a mental health crisis. Primarily provides clinic-based crisis intervention with people who come into the walk-in center with mental health or substance use concerns. This position is also crossed trained for mobile response to provide crisis response in the community. Conducts mental health risk assessments and triage, coordinates crisis intervention, develops short-term person-centered stabilization plans, assists with resource linkage, and initiates involuntary transport to the emergency department (Director's Custody) when indicated for safety reasons.

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

Pay/Benefits: $35.32 starting hourly pay. Additional $7.50 per hour differential for swing shift and weekends. 

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responds to emergency situations involving children and adults experiencing mental health crisis.
• Provides on-site (clinic based and, in the community,) mental health assessments and crisis intervention as appropriate.
• Performs client evaluations and risk assessments. Formulates a diagnosis and develops a short-term stabilization or safety plan to relieve the present mental health crisis and to provide a stable environment for clients. Notifies client and significant other(s) of diagnosis and initial recommendations. Completes written narrative of evaluation and obtains necessary releases. May participate in long-term treatment plans.
• Provides follow up contact as developed in the stabilization or safety plan. 
• Provides consultation and training to staff, caregivers, families, and community organizations regarding mental health issues, addiction and behavior management as it relates to clients.
• Meets performance standards for productivity, documentation (including progress notes, assessments, treatment plans and authorization requests), proficiency in clinical model and evidence-based practices, quality of care (including engagement and retention), and teamwork as defined in the Performance Review.
• 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 awareness of community referral resources. Helps to build positive relationships with other community providers and provides appropriate referral services.
• Identifies cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting clients' development and determines whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists. Follows through with mandatory reporting duties.
• Ensures that all necessary equipment for crisis response is ready at all times. 
• Maintains professional presentation in the community at all times and responds to all situations / calls with a customer service attitude.
• Prepares mental health evaluations and reports for all client contacts. Maintains clear and concise records. Maintains case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations according to confidentiality guidelines. Completes documentation in an electronic health records system in a timely basis.  Completes time and attendance forms.
• Assists staff members by helping to resolve difficult emergency situations and serves as back-up for other staff when needed.
• Travels between sites and in the community, may transports clients in LifeWorks NW vehicles.

Qualifications: 

• Strong assessment, decision-making and interpersonal skills are absolute necessities for this position.
• 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 upon hire.
• Master's degree in social work, Psychology, Counseling or a Mental Health related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct an mental health crisis 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 to address chemical dependency and/or mental health problems.
• More than 1 year of experience preferred in a broad range of clinical interventions and mental health assessments with children and families or individual with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a highly interdependent team, necessary skill sets include initiative, dependability, flexibility and strong organizational skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to maintain case management in accordance with federal, state and/or funding source requirements as well as Lifeworks' NW policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Knowledge of medications commonly used by client population.
• Requires valid driver's license and ability to meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements.

Work is in person. Not eligible for agency alternative work arrangements.

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.

www.lifeworksnw.org

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