Mental Health Specialist (Behavioral Health Unit)
WHO MAY APPLY
The Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division is looking for a mental health professional to join the Behavioral Health Unit. The department is considering candidates meeting the Mental Health Specialist 1 or Mental Health Specialist 2 classification requirements.
The Mental Health Specialist 1 is the first working level in the Mental Health Specialist series. Incumbents in this class are assigned a broad range of caseloads and duties involving assessment and treatment procedures, or consisting of severe mental/emotional/behavioral disorders which require a high level of proficiency for effective treatment. Incumbents are not considered independent practitioners as they are not licensed and service/treatment plans must be approved by a licensed mental health professional.
This class differs from the higher level Mental Health Specialist 2, which is a licensed Mental Health Professional. Advancement to Mental Health Specialist 2 is predicated upon mental health licensure by a recognized governing board in Oregon. When entering as a Mental Health Specialist 1, licensure is required within 3 years of hire.
The Mental Health Specialist 2 is the advanced working level in the Mental Health Specialist series. Incumbents of this class are independent practitioners assigned a broad range of caseloads and duties involving sophisticated assessment and treatment procedures, or consisting of severe mental/emotional/behavioral addiction disorders which require a high level of proficiency for effective treatment.
This class differs from Mental Health Specialist 1 which is not a licensed Mental Health Professional. Incumbents in this class are currently licensed.
Clackamas County is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve. In that spirit, we encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and experience, including those in recovery, or who identify as having lived experience.
CLOSE DATE
This position will remain open until filled. The first application review will be Tuesday, November 27, 2018. We reserve the right to close this recruitment at any time on or after that date.
Screening interviews may be scheduled while position is open for qualified candidates.
PAY INFORMATION
Mental Health Specialist 1
Annually: $56,749.47 - $72,058.65 ; Hourly: $27.28 - $34.64
Mental Health Specialist 2
Annually: $68,740.17 - $86,959.51; Hourly: $33.04 - $41.80
A shift differential will also be included for evening and weekend hours.
Bilingual Spanish skills are desired, but not required. Bilingual skills are compensated at an additional 5%
BENEFITS
In addition to competitive wages, Clackamas County offers an attractive benefits package for employees in regular status positions.
This is a full time County position represented by the Employees' Association.
JOB INTRODUCTION
Clackamas County’s Behavioral Health Division is seeking an assertive and flexible Mental Health professional to work as part of its Crisis Services Team. This position will join the Behavioral Health Unit (BHU), which is a team of mental health professionals imbedded within the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. This position is part of a 24-7 Mobile Crisis service, and responds to 911 dispatch along with law enforcement and emergency medical services. The responsibilities in this role will involve providing risk assessment, crisis intervention, case management, consultation, and referral for a variety of individuals in need. This will require the ability to be empathic and solve problems. It will also involve outreach engagement of clients and families struggling with symptoms of mental illness and substance abuse. Incumbents must have excellent ability to interact with a diverse client base while maintaining professionalism as well as the ability to handle stress. You will be a critical partner and responsible for cultivating the partnership between Behavioral Health and local law enforcement.
Successful candidates in this position will have a strong background working with individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis as well as thrive in an environment with high volume demands for triage and crisis intervention. The ideal candidate, in addition to experience in crisis work, will be a licensed mental health professional with a strong background in collaboration and partnership with law enforcement.
Required Minimum Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
- Must be a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)** as established by the State of Oregon Mental Health Division
- Must have current licensure, or within 3 years of licensure at time of hire, as an Oregon Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD or PHD)
- Experience working with adults and children with mental health and substance abuse issues
- Experience working collaboratively with community partners, collateral service providers, law enforcement agencies and co-workers
- At least 1 year experience providing assessment, triage, and crisis intervention with individuals who are in mental health crisis
- At least 1 year experience assessing risk for suicidal and homicidal behavior
- Experience utilizing an electronic record or similar computerized data system
- Must be willing to work some evening and weekend hours as part of the regular shift
- Must successfully pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test
- Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check
- Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work. Must possess a valid driver's license, and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment. Specific information on the County's driving policy can be found at Driving and Vehicle Policy (EPP 52)
Preferred Special Qualifications/ Transferrable Skills:*
- Fluency in Spanish
- Willingness to work on rotation for 24-7 mobile crisis response
- Current licensure as an Oregon Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT); or Licensed Psychologist (PsyD or PHD)
*For Veterans qualified for Veteran’s Preference: If you believe you have skills that would transfer well to this position and/or special qualifications that relate to this position, please list those skills and/or qualifications in the open-ended question at the end of the application and explain how those skills and/or qualifications relate to this position.
** A "Qualified Mental Health Professional" (QMHP) means a Licensed Medical Provider or any other person meeting one or more of the following minimum qualifications as authorized by the Local Mental Health Authority or designee:
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing and licensed by the State of Oregon;
- Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and licensed by the State of Oregon;
- Graduate degree in psychology;
- Graduate degree in social work;
- Graduate degree in recreational, art, or music therapy; or
- Graduate degree in a behavioral science field.
QMHPs must demonstrate the ability to conduct an assessment, including identifying precipitating events, gathering histories of mental and physical health, alcohol and other drug use, past mental health services and criminal justice contacts, assessing family, cultural, social and work relationships, and conducting a mental status examination, complete a five axis DSM diagnosis, write and supervise the implementation of an individual service plan and provide individual, family or group therapy for the range of clients served. The person must be flexible in this work atmosphere as different job assignments are common.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Assesses consumers through intakes and other interviews to determine diagnosis and treatment needs; collects and evaluates critical information presented by consumer or other informants; examines history and current mental status; develops and implements treatment plans to meet specific requirements of consumers; reviews treatment options with consumer; prepares documents and findings in electronic clinical record in accordance with OAR and Division procedures.
- Provides crisis outreach and psychotherapeutic services to consumers and their families; enters and maintains documentation of services provided in electronic clinical record in accordance with OAR and Division procedures.
- Conducts assessments for involuntary hospitalization as a Director's Designee under ORS 426.233; gathers background information; coordinates hospital arrangements as needed; attends and testifies at commitment or other formal hearings; completes investigation reports; coordinates with County Counsel and Public Defender.
- Works as a key member of a diagnostic team consisting of physicians, psychologists, and other mental health professionals ; makes referrals to other community clinics, agencies, or care facilities; reviews consumer status, diagnosis, evaluations, treatment plans, treatment objectives and outcomes with diagnostic team, supervisors and other health care professionals as appropriate; provides case-specific consultation to other staff members, providers, families and/or community agencies; provides clinical consultation to students, volunteers and paraprofessional staff.
- Works as a consultant or trainer to staff, other individuals, other agency personnel, interested community groups or staff at institutions; provides mental health and chemical dependency education and training to other staff, outside professionals, family members and the community; may represent the agency on internal or external committees as appropriate; may act as liaison for specific projects or contract services.
- As a Mental Health Specialist 2, may participate in supervision of student interns or volunteers.
- Prepares client evaluations, writes case summaries, reports, and letters and maintains case records; completes program-related assignments as required.
- Provides crisis assessment and intervention to consumers and residents of Clackamas County and their families via telephone, in clinics or in the community as part of a 24/7 crisis response system.
QUALIFICATIONS
Working knowledge of: Accepted principles and theories of human behavior, personality and development, and social interaction and development; techniques and procedures employed in diagnosing, evaluating, modifying and motivating human behavior; principles and techniques of group and individual therapy; principles and methods of community intervention; techniques of identifying and utilizing community resources; case management methods and techniques; rules, laws, regulations, and ethics governing the treatment of mental patients and clients; office equipment, including personal computers and software programs.
Skill to: Apply social and psychological theories of behavior and personality to the treatment of difficult mental and emotional disorders and handicaps; diagnose, evaluate and implement a treatment plan and monitor the client's progress toward established goals; analyze and evaluate social, psychological, and physical factors affecting clients and their families; treat clients and their families in order to enhance their social, psychological, and physical functioning; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; make formal presentations to the public, community groups, and other mental health professionals; work effectively as a member of a professional mental health team to diagnose and treat clients; keep accurate and timely records; operate computer software and other office equipment; establish and maintain effective relationships.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position works 40 hours during a standard workweek of Monday through Friday.
This position will also require some evenings and weekends.
Specific hours of work will be discussed with the candidate selected for this position at the time an offer of employment is extended.
EXPLORE CLACKAMAS COUNTY
Clackamas County is in a prime location in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area and is recognized nationally as one of the most livable areas in the United States. Located on the southern edge of the City of Portland and extending to the top of Mt. Hood, Clackamas County is part of a thriving region in the Northwest. It has a population of about 400,000 citizens.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The Clackamas County Behavioral Health Division strives to provide excellent mental health and addictions services to Clackamas County residents who receive Medicaid and Medicare, or who may be uninsured. We offer services through partner providers located throughout the county. We also offer direct service through our Crisis Services programs.
Behavioral Health is a Division of the Health, Housing, and Human Services (H3S) Department.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Clackamas County only accepts online applications.
Help With Your Application:
If you have any questions or issues you may contact the Department of Human Resources at 503-655-8459 or e-mail us. Our office hours are Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time (closed on Fridays).
HOW TO CLAIM VETERAN'S PREFERENCE
VISA SPONSORSHIP
Clackamas County does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete an I-9 and confirm authorization to work in the United States.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Clackamas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.
If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date. You may request an accommodation during the online application process.
OTHER INFORMATION
If selected as a final candidate, you will be required to submit all State Professional Licenses/Certificates, DEA, National Board Certifications, Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), BLS and/or ACLS level CPR, and degrees (as applicable). Credentialing and Provider Enrollment processes will be completed prior to hire with the help of our Health Centers Credentialing team.