Mental Health Therapist, Child & Family #1207

About the role

The Mental Health Therapist, Child & Family at LifeWorks NW is responsible for assessing and diagnosing children and adolescents experiencing mental health issues and behavioral problems in an outpatient setting. They provide appropriate treatment and/or consultation with families, care providers, and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Performs client evaluations including initial intake interviews, formulating diagnoses, and identifying appropriate treatment services.
• Notifies client and significant other(s) of diagnoses and initial recommendations.
• Completes written narrative of the evaluation and obtains necessary releases within specified timeline standards.
• Collections supplementary information needed to assist clients such as medical records or school reports.
• Consults with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems such as truancy and misbehavior.
• Analyzes data such as interview notes, test results, and reference manuals to identify symptoms and to diagnose the nature of clients' problems.
• Develops therapeutic treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths and needs.
• Coordinates/collaborates with physicians, staff, families, caregivers, etc.
• Maintains awareness of community resources and provides referral services to clients and families.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses. Modifies plans and diagnoses as necessary.
• Uses program outcome measures as assigned.
• Maintains chart notes, obtains pertinent records from other treatment, and tracks client involvement, follow-through, and progress in treatment activities.
• Documents and maintains client records to ensure compliance with agency and confidentiality guidelines.
• Identifies cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting student development and determines whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists.
• Addresses legal issues such as child abuse and discipline. Assists with hearings and provides testimony.
• Travels between sites or in the community.

Qualifications

• A valid and active QMHP credential certification through MHACBO or a valid and active status (licensed or registered intern) with an approved Oregon licensing board.
• A Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a mental health related field.
• More than 1 year experience in broad range of clinical interventions and mental health assessment specific to children, adolescents and families.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, social and working relationships and conducting a mental status examination; complete a five-axis DSM diagnosis; write and supervise the implementation of an Individual Service and Support Plan; and provide individual, family and/or group therapy within the scope of their training.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally-competent treatment services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability in providing case management services and compliance with confidentially in accordance with federal, state and/or funding source requirements.
• Knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Knowledge of medications commonly used by client population.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.
• Ability to master proprietary software required, including electronic health record system.
• Requires access to a car and valid driver's license.