The Mental Health Therapist provides assessment, diagnosis, and individual and group sessions to older adults experiencing mental health and behavioral issues. This client population is enrolled in the Enhanced Care Unit located in NE Portland as well as the Enhanced Care Outreach Services and Older Adult Outpatient programs in Beaverton. Therapists guide clients in the development of skills and strategies for living with mental health challenges, evaluate the effectiveness of therapy and/or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying as necessary.

Location: This position is based out of our Rockwood site.

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

Essential Responsibilities

• Client evaluations, including initial intake interviews, formulating mental health and substance abuse diagnoses, and identifying appropriate treatment services; notify client, significant others, care givers, and/or care providers of diagnoses and initial treatment recommendations in a timely manner; complete written narrative of evaluation, obtain necessary authorizations for disclosure.
• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods. Interview clients individually, in families, and/or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
• Evaluate supplementary information, including medical records; observe and evaluate client's behavior and social and physical health.
• Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, and reference materials; determine risk and safety factors for clients.
• Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy using evidence-based practices.
• Collaborate with care team to perform clinical assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Conduct individual or group therapy sessions, coordinating care with LMP.
• In consultation with LMP, the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans and diagnoses as necessary.
• Document and maintain client records in electronic health record system within 24 hours of meeting with client to ensure compliance with agency and contract guidelines and confidentiality.
• Provide consulting services to social service agencies, adult foster homes, skilled nursing facilities, and internally to LifeWorks NW staff.
• Act as client advocate to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Continually increase level of cultural sensitivity, awareness, and competency.
• Provide training to staff, caregivers, and families regarding issues of mental health, addiction, and behavior management as it relates to clients.
• Participate in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor. Attend informational and clinical meetings which may include all staff and team meetings, consultation with other staff, and required trainings.
• Check email and voicemail throughout the workday, responding as needed within appropriate timeframe.
• Meet performance standards for direct service; documentation, including progress notes, assessments, treatment plans, status reports, 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.
• Travel between sites or in the community.
• 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.
• May need to work evenings and/or weekends, depending on job assignment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, or related area of specialization.
• QMHP credential through the State of Oregon.
• May require LCSW or LPC.
• At least 1 year of experience in broad range of clinical interventions and mental health assessments specific to the client population.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities demonstrating competence in:
• Conducting assessments, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts; family, social, and working relationships; and conducting a mental status examination.
• Writing and supervising the implementation of an Individual Service and Support Plan (ISSP) and providing individual, family, and/or group therapy within the scope of training.
• Medications commonly used by client population.
• Maintaining case management in accordance with federal, state, and/or funding source requirements as well as LifeWorks NW policies and procedures.
• Treatment methods for individual, family, and group therapy to address chemical dependency and/or mental health problems.
• Complying with federal and state confidentiality rules and regulations.
• Community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and facilitate cooperative working relationships in a culturally diverse environment.
• If and/or when working in a culturally specific program, a demonstrated understanding of cultural values and norms, including but not limited to knowledge and understanding of and sensitivity to:
• Acculturation and generational issues.
• Resources and appropriate support linkage available.
• Specific barriers, which may lead to lack of access and engagement.
• Effective inner-cultural communication skills, allowing for advocating for culturally diverse clients.
• Good computer skills, including a functional knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary software, including electronic health record system.
• Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.
• Requires access to a car and valid driver's license.

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 a 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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