Mental Health Therapist, Child & Family #758

The Mental Health Therapist assesses and diagnoses children and adolescents ages 3 to 18 experiencing mental health issues and behavioral problems in an outpatient setting.  Provides appropriate treatment and/or consultation with families, care providers, and community partners about treatment options.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Rockwood site.

Essential 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.
• Collects supplementary information needed to assist client such as medical records or school reports.
• Obtains and studies medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing clients individually, in families, or in groups to assess their situations, capabilities, and problems. Determines what services are required to meet their needs.
• 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. Treatment plans will be based upon clinical experience and knowledge, and will have measurable goals and objectives based on the diagnosis and will specify type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy. Treatment plans will client driven and follow-ups will be completed on time, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
• Conducts individual, family and group therapy sessions based on current evidenced based practices e.g. collaborative problem solving, cognitive behavioral interventions, and solution focused therapy.
• Responsible for case management.  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. Completes documentation in electronic health record system. 
• 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.
• May provide training to staff, caregivers, and family regarding issues of mental health, addiction and behavior management as it relates to clients.
• Travels between sites or in the community

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a mental health related field. 
• QMHP required.
• May require a license e.g. LCSW, LPC, or Licensed Psychologist. 
• 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 confidentiality 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. 

Working Conditions

Office setting with the ability to work remote, upon supervisor approval.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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