School Based-Mental Health Clinician

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: The School-Based Mental Health Clinician provides mental health services, incorporating evidence-based practices that focus on the strengths of children and families served, maintains required records, and works effectively with school and agency staff.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide culturally mindful mental health treatment services to children, youth, and families experiencing mental health conditions
• Conduct mental health screenings and assessments to determine treatment needs
• Diagnose students utilizing most current DSM format
• Facilitate consumer participation in the development of treatment plans based on consumer strengths
• Maintain timely case notes and records in alignment with the agency’s documentation standards
• Apply evidenced-based practices in treatment
• Collaborate with consumer supports, including family members, partner agencies, and others as indicated on an ongoing basis
• Approach responsibilities with a high degree of flexibility, including the ability to shift quickly from various tasks based on the needs of the consumer and the schools served
• Provide culturally appropriate, trauma-informed counseling to individuals, families, and groups
• Participate in required supervision, staff, IEP, 504, and problem-solving team meetings, as well as professional development opportunities that may be located throughout the county
• Model and encourage direct, professional communication among staff members
• Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served
• Stay up to date in knowledge and skills in the field

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Ability to read, write and speak English is required; bilingual in English and Spanish a plus
• Master’s degree granted by an accredited institution in Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field is required
• Must meet State of Oregon Administrative Rule requirements for a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and possess, or work toward, MHACBO certification as a QMHP-C unless already pursuing licensure through another counseling/social work profession’s board.
• Successful completion of a background check through DHS and the FBI is required
• Cannot be excluded from participation in any federal healthcare programs (Medicaid, Medicare, and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits)
• Previous experience conducting assessments, diagnosis, and treatment planning acquired through internship or employment is preferred
• Must not be prohibited from entering school grounds or classrooms for any reason

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.