Mental Health Associate

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.

POSITION SUMMARY: Mental Health Associate works as a member of a multi-disciplinary team providing case management and program support for the Adult Behavioral Health program.
 
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/ MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Conduct all phases of psychosocial rehabilitation and outreach (engagement, assessing strengths, goal planning, safety planning, evaluating and summarizing progress)
● Assisting with creating natural supports and accessing community resources that support recovery
● Teaching Illness, Management and Recovery with individuals with co-occurring disorders
● Work to uphold LCSNW’s established values and beliefs, utilizing evidence based practices when delivering services to clients
● Participate in integrated team meetings
● Provide back-up services for peer team members
● Actively support client self-reliance
● Collaborate with other staff members, community agencies/supports, and family members about clients mutually served
● Complete required documentation in a timely manner including strengths assessments; personal treatment plan; safety plan; and progress notes
● Model high professional and ethical standards
● Model and encourage direct, professional communication among staff members and facilitate development of a positive staff support network.
● Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served
● Other duties as assigned
● Collect information regarding clients’ history through a combination of interviewing, records reviews, and consultation, after obtaining written consent.
● Participate in the development of the treatment plan with clients and treatment team.
● Participate in clinical staff meetings and case conferences with team members in order to utilize interdisciplinary expertise and facilitate individual treatment plans for clients.
● Attend all required meetings and training.
● Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42-CFR-2 and security, and to LCSNW policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy and security.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
● Coordinate services with all members of client’s support network.
● Assist with the development of an integrated treatment program.
● Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.
● Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: This position is not responsible for supervision. This position works within a team environment to access all treatment needs and reports to the Adult Behavioral Health Program Manager.

JOB COMPLEXITY: This is a complex position requiring the ability to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to approach responsibilities with a high degree of flexibility to shift quickly from various tasks based on the needs of the team and clients. Must demonstrate excellent time management skills in order to stay current with supervisory demands, client needs and paperwork requirements. Ability to work collaboratively with community partners and maintain positive working relationships is essential. Adherence to HIPAA and higher standards regarding confidentiality of records in all settings is required.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Sensitive and confidential communications with clients, staff and other agencies is required. Verbal and written skills must be clear, concise and professional.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily; be computer literate, be a team player; work independently, and have knowledge and skills in counseling techniques with individuals and groups. Knowledge and skills in Mental Health treatment methods and crisis intervention is required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology or other human services field and/or a minimum of at least 3 years’ experience and able to qualify as a QMHA under MHACBO, within 90 days of hire.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read English and communicate with fellow employees and other agencies. Bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to do basic math is required.

REASONING ABILITY: Requires ability to respond quickly and calmly in potential Crises. Must have the ability to work effectively with peers, individual clients and groups along with the capacity to learn new skills and effectively apply them in new situations. Must be able to manage time and meet deadlines and the ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, and REGISTRATIONS: Requires a valid Oregon Driver’s license and personal car insurance. Must have or be willing to obtain MHACBO Certification as QMHA within 90 days of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This job requires the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, twist, reach, pull and lift heavy objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able to work as a member of a multidisciplinary team and will be working primarily in a community-based environment. Must be available for on call rotation and holiday coverage as necessary.

THE PERKS: We offer a full benefits package with options for medical and dental insurance.  Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year, with an increase up to 3 weeks in the second year (based on hours worked).  Up to 12 days of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 10 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year.  A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you.  Mileage and expense reimbursement is also provided.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team.  Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.