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The Mental Health Therapist is responsible 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.

QMHPs at this LifeWorks NW site qualify for the Oregon Health Care Provider Incentive Loan Repayment Program and/or the Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program.

Location: This position will cover LifeWorks NW's Rockwood site. 

Pay/Benefits: $65,349 starting annual pay, plus Full benefits.

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, child care, 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. 

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work or  Mental Health Related field.
• 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.

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

Drug Free/Tobacco Free Site 01/09

www.lifeworksnw.org