Counselor I (Emergency Hire)

Description

The PUYALLUP TRIBAL HEALTH AUTHORITY, Kwawachee Counseling Center (KCC), located in Tacoma, Washington is looking for a professional licensed mental health counselor (emergency hire) to provide quality, individualized treatment to our growing network of clients. KCC is a fast-paced and growing mental health clinic within a larger public health clinic, Puyallup Tribal Health Authority (https://eptha.com). This position is temporary and not benefits eligible.   

At our core, we are driven by the need to expand access to evidence-based culturally competent care from our patient base, of over 12,000 Indigenous people, who may be living with mental health conditions in Pierce County. We are seeking outstanding clinical care professionals passionate about making an impact on clients’ lives. Your voice and contributions will play an integral role in helping us grow in our efforts to reach and support the underserved Indigenous peoples of south Puget Sound.

“It is the mission of the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority to provide quality healthcare and promote wellness in a culturally appropriate manner.”

 Position Close Date: Friday, 2/3/25

GENERAL FUNCTION

Provide assessments, group, family, and individual counseling, crisis response, and treatment for clients and their family members.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Perform comprehensive intake interviews of clients’ mental, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
• Operates as crisis outreach and Tribal Designated Crisis Responder (TDCR), as needed.
• Ability to competently screen and/or treat clients with suicide thoughts/behaviors, using evidenced based practice approaches (i.e., CBT, DBT).
• Provide at least 28 hours (or 75% time for shorter weeks) of direct billable service to children and adult.
• Maintain at least weekly (aka 4x /month) documented contact with each client assigned for individual counseling services at least 95% of the time. Exceptions to this must be approved and documented by Supervisor.
• Accurately document in-person client contacts electronically, on date of service, at least 95% of the time.
• Develop and conduct individualized treatment plans on time at least 95% of the time.
• Treatment plans will be completed according to WAC and accreditation guidelines for all assigned clients and will include measurable goals in “client voice.”
• Participate in prevention planning and provide at least 4 hours of community based outreach and education activities per quarter.
• Maintain State licensure in respective field by completing required CEU’s and attending annual Marty Smith training.
• Provide individual and group counseling to clients in the office and tribal school (as appropriate).
• Demonstrates a thorough working knowledge of the DSM-5 mental and substance use diagnosis.
• Establish and maintain client case files ensuring current quality standards as required by WAC and any other accrediting body and/or county/government/contract entities.
• Coordinate with other PTHA staff in providing multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.
• Assist in training and educating of staff and community, including obtaining any necessary certification as directed.
• Caseload demographics can vary widely based on community need at any given time. Must be willing to see all ages, diagnoses and gender, based on this fluctuation.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Human Services or Behavioral Health field from an accredited university.
• Experience and/or ability to work with electronic health record systems.
• Current BLS certification.
• Must have a current Washington State Associate license as a Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, or Marriage and Family Therapist.

Salary : $34 - $38