Mental Health Clinician

Lutheran Community Services Northwest•Pasco, WA

About The Position

A WISe Mental Health Clinician works with youth and families enrolled in the WISe program and functions as a core member of a collaborative care team. The Mental Health Clinician provides mental health services, incorporating evidence-based practices, that focus on the strengths of youth and families served, and 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 the ability to work flexible hours including evenings. Individuals in this position may optionally participate in 24/7 On-Call availability on a rotating basis.

Requirements

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology, or a related field.
1-2 years experience working with At-Risk youth is preferred.
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.
Knowledge, education, and training in the areas of human behavior and mental health; awareness of individual differences in ability, personality, and interest.
Dependable, flexible, and punctual performance, including managing one's own schedule within a 37.5 hour full time work week.
Ability to work in an unstructured and unpredictable setting, ability to adapt to change
A strong work ethic and a focus on serving youth and families.
Able to work respectfully and cooperatively with a variety of persons, including coworkers, supervisors, community partners, the public, volunteers, and enrolled youth and their families.
Able to stay calm and present in tense situations.
Able to actively support and uphold the mission, beliefs, and values of Lutheran Community Services at all times.
Proficient use of computer-based programs; preferred experience with Microsoft Office, Gmail and Google Calendar or similar web-based and computer programs.

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 Clinician 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