Mental Health Associate 2

Lutheran Community Services Northwest•Kennewick, WA

About The Position

Lutheran Community Services is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope. A WISe Mental Health Associate works with youth and families enrolled in the WISe program and functions as a core member of a collaborative care team. The Mental Health Associate partners with youth, family, natural supports and other community service providers to promote safe, stable and healthy families. This position provides community-based services, including meetings occurring in the family’s home or community setting of their choice. This position requires a 24/7 On-Call availability on a rotating basis.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree granted by an accredited institution in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field, is required.
Currently pursuing Master’s degree in related field, with graduation expected within 1 year from hire date. If unable to fulfill this requirement, demotion or separation from employment with LCSNW will be the result.
A minimum of 3 years of applicable experience.
Ability to read, write and speak fluently in English are required.
Obtain Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration or related professional license (Within 60 Days).
CPR/First Aid (Within 90 Days).
Washington State CANS certification. (Within 90 Days).
Clearance through the Washington State Patrol (background check) and verification of ability to work around vulnerable populations is necessary.
Clearance of Motor Vehicle Report to meet LCSNW insurance requirements.
Valid driver’s license, proof of Insurance and reliable transportation is required.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of up to 25 youth and their families.
Provide culturally appropriate, trauma-informed mental health services, including individual, group, and family treatment, to youth and families with complex needs.
As a member of a WISe team, the Mental Health Associate works in close collaboration with Care Coordinators and Parent /Youth Partners to identify goals, assess strengths and needs, and coordinate access to community resources.
Attend and participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings. When unable to attend, the clinician will provide the Care Coordinator with updates on progress and other relevant information in advance.
Conduct mental health screenings and assessments to determine treatment needs.
Facilitate youth/family participation in the development of strengths based treatment plans and implement goals and objectives identified on the WISe Cross Systems of Care Plan.
Deliver clinical services using evidenced based practice models.
Identify potential barriers to participation such as transportation needs and work schedules. Collaborate with the youth, family, and other team members to identify solutions to remove barriers and meaningfully engage the youth and family in treatment.
Flexibly schedule therapy sessions with the youth and family to meet their needs for frequency, date/time, and location.
Approach responsibilities with a high degree of flexibility, including the ability to shift quickly from various tasks based on the needs of the youth and family.
Maintains strong working relationships with outside agencies, i.e. medical clinics, hospitals, DCYF, schools and other agencies, as appropriate, to ensure continuity of care for individuals served.
Monitor the individual’s risk to self, others, property and grave disability. Communicate safety concerns immediately to all WISe team members and take appropriate steps based on agency policy.
Model and encourage direct, professional communication among staff members.
Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served.
Stay up to date in knowledge and skills in the field.
Other duties as assigned by the Program Supervisor or designee.

Benefits

A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
12 paid agency recognized holidays
2 floating holidays to use your way
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status