The Mental Health Therapist provides crisis intervention to people across the lifespan, including adults, children, and families who are experiencing mental health or substance use concerns. Services are provided in the community by mobile response and at the Hawthorn Walk-in Center. 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 Hold) when indicated for safety reasons. Graveyard/overnight shifts work from home and respond to crisis calls by phone or in person as needed.

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

Pay/Benefits: $35.32 starting hourly pay plus, Full benefits. 

Additional $7.50 per hour for shifts after 5:00 pm and additional $7.50 per hour for working Fri, Sat, and Sun.  

Days/Hours: Wed-Sat working 11:30 am-10:00 pm or 10:00 am-8:30 pm.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responds to emergency situations involving children and adults experiencing mental health crisis.
• Provides behavioral health risk assessments and crisis intervention at the clinic in an office setting and in the community by mobile response.
• 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.
• Continually increases level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and humility. Actively participates in a minimum of four hours of training related to working with diverse populations.
• Maintains awareness of community referral resources. Helps to build positive relationships with other community providers and provides appropriate referral services.
• Assists staff members by helping to resolve difficult emergency situations and serves as back-up for other staff when needed.
• 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.
• Identifies situations 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 always ready. 
• Always maintains professional presentation in the community 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 systemin a timely basis. Completes time and attendance forms.

Qualifications:

• Strong assessment, decision-making and interpersonal skills are absolute necessities for this position.
• Master's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a Mental Health related field.
• Valid and active QMHP credential certification through MHACBO or a valid and active status (licensed or registered intern) with an approved Oregon licensing board.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct a 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; identify appropriate DSM diagnosis; work with the individual to create a safety plan; and provide appropriate referrals to address chemical dependency and/or mental health concerns.
• More than 1 year of experience preferred in providing a broad range of clinical interventions and mental health assessments with children and families or individuals 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's 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.
• Good computer skills including a functional knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system. This includes the ability to enter data and retrieve data and to prepare simple reports.
• Demonstrates effective communication skills and maintains a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Requires valid driver's license and ability to meet LifeWorks NW driving requirements.

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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