Mental Health Therapist Licensed

Sea Mar Community Health Centers•Lynnwood, WA

2d•$69,118 - $77,251•Onsite

About The Position

Sea Mar Community Health Centers is seeking a recovery-oriented, experienced master’s-level clinician for its New Journeys First Episode Psychosis (FEP) program at the Lynnwood clinic. The clinician works as part of a five-person team to assess and treat individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis using an early-intervention, evidence-based model. The role includes some community-based services and training in an evidence-based practice intended to improve outcomes for this population. The clinician helps clients identify and develop recovery goals, understand psychosis and ways to manage it, build coping skills for stressful situations and persistent symptoms, and address barriers to achieving recovery goals. CBT skills are desirable but not required; experience with adolescents and young adults is an advantage but not required. The maximum caseload is 28–30, with clinical contacts ranging from multiple times per week to once per month depending on treatment phase. Other duties may be assigned by the program manager. This is a full-time position. Additional evening or weekend hours may be required. The position requires community visits. Sea Mar is a mandatory COVID-19 and flu vaccine organization. The role is represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

Requirements

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in psychology, counseling, or social work, including coursework in psychological diagnostics.
Up to three years of experience in the field.
Meet the criteria of a Mental Health Professional (MHP).
Hold and maintain an active Washington State Agency Affiliated Counselor License or mental health associate license (Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Counselor, or Clinical Social Worker). The Agency Affiliated Counselor License may be pending for up to 90 days if applied for within seven days of being offered employment.
Meet the minority mental health therapist requirement under WAC.
Understanding of Behavioral Health Organization requirements.
Ability to work effectively with people and groups, with an open mind toward cultural differences and knowledge of cultures.
Ability to accurately diagnose mental health issues and develop diagnosis-based treatment plans, without inappropriately diagnosing behavioral problems as mental illnesses.
Understanding of chemical dependency treatment and ability to coordinate mental health services with chemical dependency treatment providers.
Pass a Washington State Patrol background check.
Sign a permanent oath of confidentiality covering patient-related information.
Ability to read and interpret documents, write routine reports and correspondence, and speak effectively before groups.
Basic arithmetic skills, including calculating rates, ratios, and percentages and interpreting bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems, work with concrete variables where standardization is limited, and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Have and maintain a current TB test.

Nice To Haves

Background in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills, such as social skills training, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, coping skills training, relaxation training, and psychoeducation.
Experience with adolescents and young adults.

Responsibilities

Assess and treat individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Help clients identify and develop recovery goals, learn about psychosis and its management, build coping skills, and address challenges to achieving recovery goals.
Assist with agency compliance with applicable WACs, RCWs, laws, regulations, and contracts.
Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures as directed by the Program Director.
Educate staff about mental health service referrals and psychoeducational topics as directed by the Program Director.
Maintain documentation of mental health services and patient charts.
Conduct diagnostic assessments, document outcomes, justify diagnoses, and communicate outcomes and recommendations to the primary Chemical Dependency Counselor.
Provide age-appropriate care informed by growth and development across the lifespan and patients’ age-specific needs.
Refer patients to psychiatric services as appropriate; gather records and background information; attend psychiatric appointments as needed; monitor medication effects and side effects; and provide feedback to the psychiatrist.
Consult with Sea Mar staff on mental health and behavioral issues and develop treatment plans to address patients’ emotional needs and behavioral problems.
Provide individual counseling in coordination with other systems as needed.
Conduct suicide risk assessments and develop treatment plans for suicidal ideation or gestures; provide case management, follow-through, community support, and crisis stabilization as needed.
Gather information about prior mental health services for treatment planning, make referrals, and exchange information with outside service providers.
Support staff in addressing mental health needs, maintain confidentiality, help prevent splitting between staff and patients, and offer practical approaches to challenging situations.
Complete an annual clinical competency test and maintain required professional credentials and a current TB test.