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: $64,743-$84,166 salary with Full benefits.

Salary Placement Notice:
The posted salary range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final salary offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

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.
• Check email and voicemail throughout the workday, responding as needed within appropriate timeframe.
• 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.
• LCSW or LPC preferred.
• 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.
• 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 a car and valid driver's license.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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