Mental Health Therapist TAY

LifeWorks NW's Transition Age Youth (TAY) program serves youth and young adults, ages 16 to 24, during their transition into adulthood.

The program works with young adults who have a significant mental illness impacting their ability to successfully function in the community and achieve normal developmental milestones.

The Mental Health Therapist assesses and diagnoses children and adolescents to young adults experiencing mental health issues and behavioral problems in an outpatient setting.

Provides appropriate treatment and / or consultation with families, care providers, and community partners about treatment options.

Location : Positions available at LifeWorks NW's Beaverton & Milwaukie site.

Pay / Benefits : $65, starting annual salary, plus .

Essential Responsibilities :

• Meets performance standards for productivity, documentation (including progress notes, assessments, treatment plans and authorization requests) proficiency in clinical model and evidence-based practices, quality of care (including engagement and retention), and teamwork as defined in the Performance Review.
• Continually increases level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency. Actively participates in a minimum of four hours of training related to cultural effectiveness in working with diverse populations.
• Performs client evaluations including initial intake interviews, formulating diagnoses, and identifying appropriate treatment services.

Notifies client and significant other(s) of diagnoses and initial recommendations. Completes written narrative of the evaluation and obtains necessary releases within specified timeline standards.

• Collects supplementary information needed to assist client such as medical records or school reports.
• Obtains and studies medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing clients individually, in families, or in groups to assess their situations, capabilities, and problems.

Determines what services are required to meet their needs.

• Consults with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems such as truancy and misbehavior.
• Analyzes data such as interview notes, test results, and reference manuals to identify symptoms and to diagnose the nature of clients' problems.
• Develops therapeutic treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, strengths and needs. Treatment plans will be based upon clinical experience and knowledge and will have measurable goals and objectives based on the diagnosis and will specify type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.

Treatment plans will client driven, and follow-ups will be completed on time, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.

• Conducts individual, family and group therapy sessions based on current evidenced based practices e.g., collaborative problem solving, cognitive behavioral interventions, and solution focused therapy.
• Responsible for case management. Coordinates / collaborates with physicians, staff, families, caregivers, etc.
• Maintains awareness of community resources and provides referral services to clients and families.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses. Modifies plans and diagnoses as necessary.

Uses program outcome measures as assigned.

Maintains chart notes, obtains pertinent records from other treatment, and tracks client involvement, follow-through, and progress in treatment activities.

Documents and maintains client records to ensure compliance with agency and confidentiality guidelines. Completes documentation in electronic health record system.

• Identifies cases involving domestic abuse or other family problems affecting student development and determines whether clients should be counseled or referred to other specialists.
• Addresses legal issues such as child abuse and discipline. Assists with hearings and provides testimony.
• Acts as client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations. May serve as Clinician of the Day.
• May provide training to staff, caregivers, and family regarding issues of mental health, addiction and behavior management as it relates to clients.
• Travels between sites or in the community
• Administers first aid (if certified) according to prescribed procedures. Notifies emergency medical personnel when necessary.
• Completes critical incident reports when indicated within 24 hours of a critical incident.
• Qualified licensed clinicians may be requested to provide licensure supervision as part of their regular position in compliance with the rules of their licensing board.

Qualifications :

• This position requires a valid and active QMHP credential certification through MHACBO or a valid and active status (licensed or registered intern) with an approved Oregon licensing board.
• Master's degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or a mental health related field.
• May require a license e.g., LCSW, LPC, or Licensed Psychologist.
• More than 1 year experience in broad range of clinical interventions and mental health assessment specific to children, adolescents and families.
• Demonstrated 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, social and working relationships and conducting a mental status examination;

complete a five-axis DSM diagnosis; write and supervise the implementation of an Individual Service and Support Plan; and provide individual, family and / or group therapy within the scope of their training.

• Demonstrated effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally competent treatment services to diverse client populations and maintain a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability in providing case management services and compliance with confidentially in accordance with federal, state and / or funding source requirements.
• Knowledge of community resources and treatment agencies enabling appropriate referrals for specific client needs.
• Knowledge of medications commonly used by client population.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word. Ability to master proprietary software required, including electronic health record system.
• Requires access to a car and valid driver's license.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.

LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include : Compassionate, Impactful Care;

Holistic Health; Passionate Team; and a Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission.

We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.