Mental Health Specialist I - Community Based Team

Location: Pendleton • Supervisor: Clinical Supervisor, Program Manager • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt • 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week) • Schedule: 8am–5pm, Monday–Friday

Pay

• Pay Grade B8: $24.95 – $35.96 hourly, depending on experience
• Eligible for a $5,500 hiring bonus (paid in two staggered payments; bonus-taxed; 2-year commitment required)

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 6% initial 401K match
• Potential tuition reimbursement
• Generous paid time off: vacation, floating holiday, community service day, mental health days, and paid holidays
• Student loan forgiveness (NHSC & Public Service)
• Paid licensure supervision
• Employee Assistance & Wellness Benefits

About the Role

The Mental Health Specialist I functions as the Coordinator & QMHA for the Umatilla County Community-Based Team. This team provides services and support to clients outside of the traditional outpatient setting, focusing on either:

• Preventing a client’s need for a higher level of care or removal from primary placement, or
• Assisting with reintegration back to primary placement after removal or a higher level of care.

The position delivers culturally competent and appropriate behavioral health treatment in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs) and the mission and values of Community Counseling Solutions (CCS).

Responsibilities

• Coordinate mental health services with outside agencies, including placement agencies, Developmental Disability services, and educational services.
• Assist referrers with collecting information for referral packets and serve as the point of contact for submission.
• Organize and facilitate Community Resource Team (CRT) meetings to identify the strengths and needs of children and families.
• Facilitate communication between the family, treatment providers, natural supports, community resources, and involved child-serving agencies.
• Provide services to enhance clinical treatment in the community, school, in-home, or desired location, including teaching and practicing life and problem-solving skills with clients and/or families per their Service Plan.
• Perform joint case planning and coordination with other community agencies, such as schools, group homes, police organizations, courts, hospitals, and Department of Human Services agencies.
• Maintain data tracking and required documentation for fidelity programs.
• Provide behavioral health and addiction education, prevention, and information to various interest groups.
• Promote safety and assess risks associated with community-based activities in collaboration with the team.
• Provide crisis support to youth and families using de-escalation techniques and collaborate on safety plan adjustments.
• Observe and report on the social functioning and skill development of individuals to the clinical team.
• Promote individual equality, diversity, rights, and responsibilities.
• Act as a liaison and advocate between clients and other agencies.
• Actively participate in group and individual supervision sessions.
• Initiate, review, evaluate, and revise programs in collaboration with staff and community representatives.
• Complete all paperwork professionally, clinically sound, and timely as prescribed by OARs and other guidelines.
• Ensure client records are well-maintained using agency software and computer systems.
• Attend trainings, meetings, and conferences as directed and apply the information to benefit the agency and clients.
• Assist in facilitating groups as requested.
• Transport clients as required.
• Report all abuse to appropriate legal offices, complete necessary paperwork, and develop safety plans.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, behavioral health, or a related field (entry-level professional position).
• Three years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience working with individuals with high ACEs scores, severe or persistent mental illness, or alcohol and drug dependency.
• Must obtain QMHA certification within the first 30 days of employment.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate state licensure/certification.
• Must pass a drug test and criminal background check.
• Must pass all criminal history check requirements as required by ORS 181.536-181.537 and OAR 410-007-0200 through 410-007-0380.
• Monthly checks against OIG, GSA exclusion lists, and other federal/state agency lists; exclusion or sanction results in immediate termination.

Skills

• Knowledge of symptoms and challenges faced by people with mental illness and addictions.
• Knowledge of relevant Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs).
• Effective verbal and written communication skills; ability to work independently and complete tasks thoroughly and timely.
• Ability to build a flexible schedule accommodating client, parent, and school availability.
• Comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based practices, including group skills, one-on-one skills, and community/parent skills.
• Experience with electronic medical records and telemedicine (highly desirable).
• Knowledge of cultural and family issues contributing to clinically relevant and effective care.
• Bilingual/multilingual abilities a plus.
• Proficiency with computers, copy machines, faxes, and scanners.
• Adherence to rules and laws pertaining to client confidentiality.
• Ability to professionally coordinate services across agencies and community groups.
• Ability to develop cooperative and respectful relationships with clients and their families.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to sit, walk, or stand; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to drive long distances routinely as part of job duties.
• Occasional out-of-area travel and overnight stays for meetings/trainings.
• Schedule may include working after 5 pm and/or weekend shifts to accommodate youth and family needs.
• Required to work in communities, homes, and other client living environments, which may lack handicap access.
• May respond to environments where a client is in crisis, including unpredictable or uneven terrain.
• Exposure to everyday risks or discomforts typical of office, field, or crisis environments.
• Risk of verbal and physical threats from clients.
• Use of keyboard and computer monitor (repetitive hand motions and potential eye strain).
• Possible exposure to airborne pathogens.

Working Conditions: 40% office-based, 60% field; noise level mild to moderate.

Equipment & Materials Used

• Common office machines: computer, printer, calculator, telephone equipment, telehealth system, copier, scanner, and facsimile.
• May drive personal or agency vehicle.

Additional Requirements

• Must hold personal auto insurance for vehicles used for CCS business (e.g., client services, travel between offices, meetings, trainings).
• Proof of $300,000 or more liability coverage for bodily injury and $100,000 property damage; must maintain coverage for the duration of employment.
• Employee’s insurance is primary; CCS insurance is secondary. CCS reserves the right to deny use of agency vehicles.