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Mental Health Specialist 1 or 2

About the Position
This 2 year grant funded position is a part of the Forensic Intensive Treatment Team (FITT) providing community-based care and coordination of services for individuals with mental health and/or chemical health issues that have been referred for services by the criminal justice system including law enforcement and the courts. They will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team that includes mental health clinicians, peer support specialists, a nurse and psychiatrist as well as social service providers in the community. This is a mobile position that works remotely and in the community.

About the Division
Lane County Behavioral Health provides services to more than 1,200 individuals with behavioral health conditions. We work with community partners to provide a continuum of care from prevention through treatment and aftercare in an environment that promotes a culture of resilience and recovery.

MHS 1: In collaboration with other mental health professionals, to provide professional level mental health assessment and treatment services to clients who have mental illnesses or mental disorders; and to perform related duties as assigned.

MHS 2: To provide professional mental health assessment and treatment services to clients who have mental illnesses or mental disorders; and to perform related duties as assigned.

To provide professional mental health assessment and treatment services to clients who have mental illnesses or mental disorders; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

*This is an AFSCME represented position*

Lane County Health & Human Services is committed to providing Trauma Informed Care. As an organization, we recognize that many of the people we serve have experienced trauma, either currently, recently or in their past. Our agency is dedicated to incorporating an understanding of trauma, both with our clients and with each other. Our employees receive ongoing training to develop or deepen their understanding of trauma and its impacts.

In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions.

The 2018-2021 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.
 

 
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - DUTIES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:
Mental Health Specialist 1:
Collaborates in the provision of mental health services to clients who may have mental illness or mental disorders, to include substance use disorders or psychosexual disorders.
Screens and evaluates referred clients to determine whether clients have a mental illness or disorder, and meet criteria for eligibility for program services.
Performs assessments of referred clients to assess mental health needs; completes client interviews, obtains social, emotional, criminal and substance abuse histories, identifies client needs, and assesses treatment options; under supervision, conducts mental status evaluations using approved diagnostic manual.
Assists in the preparation of written reports with diagnostic impressions for review by psychiatrist / physician.
Works with clients to establish goals and objectives and determines treatment methods.
Provides individual and group counseling; guides clients in obtaining insight into their emotional problems and in changing behavior patterns; works with short- and long-term cases.
Refers clients to outside agencies for additional social, economic, and medical services as needed; coordinates client service provision.
Observes clients using prescribed medications for possible side effects and for effectiveness of medications, and may refer clients to physicians/psychiatrists.
Assists in the preparation of reports to courts regarding sentencing alternatives, treatment options and client progress.
Monitors client payment records and billing information, and sets payment schedules with clients.
Maintains detailed, up to date and accurate records of all client evaluations, therapy sessions, consultations, treatment plans, progress notes and other information; prepares summaries and evaluation reports.
Interviews relatives of patients applying for services to obtain psychological histories, present behavior and personal and social factors.
May perform other related duties as assigned.
Mental Health Specialist 2
Provides a variety of mental health services to clients who may have mental illness or mental disorders, to include substance use disorders or psychosexual disorders.

Screens and evaluates referred clients to determine whether clients have a major mental illness or disorder and meet criteria for eligibility for program services.

Performs in-depth assessments of referred clients to determine mental health needs; completes client interviews, obtains social, emotional, criminal and substance abuse histories, identifies client needs, and assesses treatment options; conducts mental status evaluations using approved diagnostic manual.

Prepares written reports with diagnostic impressions for review by psychiatrist/physician.

Develops written comprehensive community treatment plans based on identified needs; works with clients to establish goals and objectives and determines treatment methods.

Provides individual and group counseling; guides clients in obtaining insight into their emotional problems and in changing behavior patterns; works with short- and long-term cases of a difficult nature.

Refers clients to outside agencies for additional social, economic, and medical services as needed; arranges and coordinates service provision; develops support service information and referral procedures.

Observes clients using prescribed medications for possible side effects and for effectiveness of medications, and refers clients to physicians/psychiatrists.

Acts as special consultant to other community agencies serving patients with significant mental health needs.

Serves as expert witness and consultant in civil and criminal proceedings; provides reports to courts regarding sentencing alternatives, treatment options and client progress.

Monitors client payment records and billing information, and sets payment schedules with clients.

Serves as liaison with hospitals on screening and discharge planning for patients.

Maintains detailed, up to date and accurate records of all client evaluations, therapy sessions, consultations, treatment plans, progress notes and other information; prepares comprehensive evaluation reports.

Interviews relatives of patients applying for services to obtain psychological histories, and interprets data regarding prior mental health problems, present behavior, and personal and social factors.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
Theories, principles, practice and techniques of mental health assessment and counseling.
Community mental health programs and services and their procedures and practices.
Techniques, tests, and procedures employed in evaluating, modifying and modifying behavior.
Basic laws, rules and regulations governing the assessment and treatment of mental health clients.
Techniques of identifying patterns of alcohol, drug issues, and treatment methods.
Principles and techniques of effective group and individual therapy.

Ability to:
Assess mental, addictive, and psychosexual disorders within the scope of mental health services provided by Lane County.
Counsel and negotiate with clients to provide an effective treatment plan as a member of a professional mental health team.
Coordinate efforts with other specialists, agencies and organizations.
Provide treatment within the scope of a clearly defined law, regulation or program definition.
Utilize community resources in a mental health or substance abuse or other related rehabilitation program.
Present and discuss topics in front of a group of clients, staff or the public.
Interview clients and their families to determine psychological history, assess eligibility and determine treatments, needs and options.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Mental Health Specialist 2
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and techniques of mental health assessment and treatment including the social, emotional and behavioral aspects of mental illness, addictive and/or psychosexual disorders.

Community mental health programs and services and their procedures and practices.

Psychological testing procedures and the interpretation of results.

Laws, rules and regulations governing the assessment and treatment of mental health clients.

Clinical manifestation and patterns of chemical dependency, and chemical dependency treatment methods and practices.

Group dynamics and the theories and practices of group therapy.

Ability to:
Assess and treat a variety of mental, addictive, and psychosexual disorders within the scope of mental health services provided by Lane County.

Counsel and negotiate with clients to provide an effective treatment plan.

Coordinate efforts with other specialists, agencies and organizations.

Provide treatment within the scope of a clearly defined law, regulation or program definition.

Utilize community resources in a mental health or substance abuse or other related rehabilitation program.

Present and discuss topics in front of a group of clients, staff or the public, and lead the group to an appropriate conclusion.

Interview clients and their families to determine psychological history and assess eligibility and appropriate treatments.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING; ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Mental Health Specialist 1:
Training:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, counseling, social work or a related field.
Experience:
One year of some experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients in the provision of behavioral health services is highly desirable.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
Special Requirements:.
• QMHP eligibility
• Transcripts
• NPI
• CV or Resume
• Diploma
• Immunization record/TB test within 10 days of hire.
• Valid Oregon Driver's License by time of appointment
• When there is no professional licensure a QMHP-C Certification issued by MHACBO is required.

Mental Health Specialist 2
Training:
Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field.

Experience:
Two years of responsible professional mental health experience, including one year of experience specific to the program or area of assignment.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:.
• Oregon Health Licensure is required. Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Transcripts
• NPI
• CV or Resume
• Diploma
• Immunization record/TB test within 10 days of hire.
• Valid Oregon Driver's License by time of appointment

Notes:
This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check. If fingerprinting is required, the fee is paid for by the successful candidate and the expense is non-reimbursable.  
 
Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test; negative results are reimbursable. 

Please note that as part of the screening process Lane County will verify license and certification status.

Tobacco Free Campus Policy
The Board of County Commissioners wants to help Lane County be the healthiest county in the state. Effective October 1, 2018, any tobacco use, including vaping devices, will not be allowed inside or on the grounds of properties owned or occupied by Lane County including: All outdoor areas, parking lots, County vehicles, and personal vehicles while on County property.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act and would like to request an accommodation, you may request an accommodation during the online application process, or request an accommodation by contacting the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date at 541-682-3124.