Mental Health Specialist 2 (Underfill) - Assertive Community Treatment

Marion County • Salem, OR

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Marion County Adult Behavioral Health is hiring a Mental Health Specialist 2 for its Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team. ACT is a multidisciplinary team providing intensive, integrated, community-based treatment to people with serious mental illnesses and co-occurring disorders. Services are delivered in the most integrated setting possible to support independence, community integration, and recovery, and may take place in clients’ homes, shelters, hospitals, jails, licensed care settings, and other community locations. At least 75% of services are provided in the community.

The role provides assessment and treatment to individuals and families, including group services, crisis assessment and intervention, and intensive treatment for people with complex needs and diagnoses. The specialist works with the ACT team to provide person-centered, recovery-oriented care in accordance with ACT National Program Standards, fidelity standards, and Oregon Administrative Rules. A Mental Health Specialist 2 may have a higher caseload and/or more complex cases than a Mental Health Specialist 1.

This is a full-time, on-site position; remote work is not available. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility based on department and program needs. Hours may include weekends, and the position participates in an after-hours on-call rotation. The position is eligible for overtime and is represented by a union. Driving is required to provide community services.

The position works under a supervisor who assigns work, establishes goals, and reviews results. Supervision of others is not a regular responsibility, although the employee may assist with supervision of practicum students and/or volunteers. A Crisis Clinician 2 may serve as a clinical supervisor designee when needed.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in psychology, social work, recreational therapy, music therapy, art therapy, or a behavioral science field; or a bachelor’s degree in nursing with an Oregon license; or a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy with an Oregon license; or status as a second-year graduate student waivered as a QMHP by the Oregon Health Authority.
• For the Mental Health Specialist 2 classification, at least one year of full-time, post-master’s-degree experience in the behavioral health field.
• Within the first 30 days of employment, must be licensed by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors or Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers, or credentialed or registered through MHACBO as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP).
• Must hold a current driver’s license in the state of residence and have an acceptable driving history.
• Must not be excluded from federal health care programs or federal procurement and non-procurement activities.
• Final candidates must pass a criminal history background check and pre-employment drug screen, including marijuana testing.
• Ability to work in a team and establish positive working relationships with colleagues, clients and families, agencies, and the public.
• Ability to prepare timely, concise, complete, and professional clinical documentation.
• Working knowledge of community mental health concepts and/or chemical dependency case management and treatment; individual assessment, treatment planning and protocols; mental health disorders; and diagnostic classifications.
• Ability to act professionally regarding ethics and confidentiality.
• Applicants may be required to pass a practical knowledge and skills assessment during the interview process.
• Must complete Incident Command System 100 and 700 training.

Nice To Haves

• Preference is awarded to applicants who are licensed.
• Post-master’s-degree experience is preferred.
• For positions within the Juvenile Department, experience working with adolescents, particularly in a juvenile justice setting, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group therapy using evidence-based practices as clinically indicated, such as CBT, DBT, SFBT, CAMS, CPI, and Motivational Interviewing.
• Conduct crisis assessments and interventions, develop safety and crisis plans, and assess suicide and self-harm risk.
• Conduct intake and annual comprehensive mental health assessments using standard assessment tools; assess symptoms and functional skills, determine treatment needs, develop individualized treatment and crisis-prevention plans, and direct treatment services.
• Determine service needs, eligibility, and appropriateness of services.
• Provide case management, referrals, service and resource coordination, advocacy, and brokerage to help clients access community resources, benefits, and entitlements.
• Consult with providers and community partners on individual cases, including making recommendations for risk reduction, and help develop clients’ natural supports.
• Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation in accordance with federal, state, county, and program requirements; meet time and billing standards.
• Participate as a collaborative ACT team member in treatment planning, daily clinical team meetings, and client crisis intervention, and follow ACT standards, fidelity requirements, and Oregon Administrative Rules.
• Provide at least 75% of services in community settings, including homes, hospitals, jails, licensed care settings, and shelters.
• Participate in the after-hours on-call rotation to support people in crisis and coordinate or consult with agencies and providers.
• Work with clinicians and supervisors on clinical supervision, treatment planning, staff and departmental meetings, and training.
• May provide mental health or substance use disorder education and training to staff, and may represent the agency on committees as requested.
• Drive to provide services in the community and perform other duties as assigned.
• In an emergency, make a reasonable effort to report to work and may be required to perform duties outside regular assignments or work an extended or flexible schedule; complete ICS 100 and 700 training.

Benefits

• Great benefits are offered (specific benefit details are not stated).
• Superb training is offered.
• LPC and LCSW licensure supervision is provided.
• The County is a qualifying public employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness; eligible full-time employees may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan.
• The position is eligible for overtime.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level