Description

This position is located at the Joyce. The schedule is Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Job Overview

The Mental Health Associate works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to provide skills training, case management, and coordination within the residential setting, while supporting a Trauma Informed Care environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving mental health services, it is required the Mental Health Associate understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve. This position must have the ability to work independently in the community and within the residential care setting, providing skills training and case management for clients. This position involves participation and implementation of program goals and objectives to promote a strengths-based, client-centered approach to assist clients in working towards their treatment goals.

Essential Duties

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties as necessary.

• Provide skills training in both individual and group environments with clients as required, and directed by the mental health treatment plan.
• Provide case management with clients as required, and directed by the mental health treatment plan, including filling out paperwork for referrals and applications for entitlements.
• Coordinate and consult with all members of the clients treatment team. Providing support in organization and communication.
• Integrate best practices into the day to day operations including; Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing.
• Participate in regular supervision and attends team meetings to gain knowledge and communicate program and client needs.
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics.
• Document and maintain electronic health record (EHR) and ancillary records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation as required, associated with billing, assessment, treatment, clients progress and other activities.
• Ability to develop and maintain organizational strategies to manage working independently, with access to necessary support as needed.
• Provide input on all relevant documentation and procedural requirements.
• Provide input to the ISSP in collaboration with primary clinician.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols/procedures and coordinating with the treatment team with interventions which support a trauma informed environment for clients and staff.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of clients, staff and property.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as defined by the agency and program.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

This position must understand, appreciate and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. As such, it is expected that this position promotes integrated care, our vision of trauma-informed and person-first approaches and helps create a work environment of inclusion, safety and acceptance.

Qualifications

Education:

The incumbent must possess a Bachelors degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of full time professional experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Must demonstrate the competencies as outlined in OAR 309-016-0005 to become credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).

Experience:

Some work experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Operate Computer hardware and software (Including Electronic Health Record Software) at a level to effectively perform the job functions, including entering and retrieving data.

Other:

Must possess a valid drivers license, three-year driving history, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and properly use AED equipment. CPR/ First Aid certifications are required and must remain current. Training will be provided for this.

Core Competencies

Leadership and Decision Making:

Ability to provide guidance, training and support to other staff, as assigned

Ability to make decisions under the guidance of the program leadership

Maintain confidentiality of information when necessary

Interpersonal:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Awareness of and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions of residents, peers and others

Work independently as well as part of a team

Demonstrate strong interpersonal, clinical, and organizational skills

Effectively influence, persuade or coach others into taking alternative courses of action.

Demonstrate a work history of dependability

Promote safety and welfare of clients, and foster a cohesive workplace for employees

Demonstrate initiative and creativity in approach to problems and tasks

Work accurately, efficiently, and effectively to control operating expenses

Demonstrate a flexible time management approach when disruption of planned tasks occurs

Understand, appreciate, and respect diversity and cultural differences

Represent the company effectively in a variety of settings and with diverse communities

Working Conditions

Staff must have the ability to drive and be approved to provide transportation utilizing agency vehicles so that clients may access the community.

Staff must also have the ability to assist clients in participating in a variety of skill building outings as well as accessing community resources.

Must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all clients and staff in potentially volatile situations.

Occasionally stooping, lifting 20 to 50 lbs., climbing (stairs), crouching, reaching and running

Regular sitting, Standing, walking, and keyboarding

Constant visual and auditory

Mental Demands:

The Residential Counselor II will have a varied routine which requires the ability to address new and usual circumstances in which outcomes may negatively affect costs, employee morale or clients. There is a degree of unpredictability, disruptions, requiring flexible time management.

Physical Demands:

Staff must have the ability to assist residents in participating in a variety of active leisure and recreational events, as well as skill building outings and accessing community resources. These are required to avoid behavioral incidents and volatile situations. The Residential Counselor II must have the ability to assist the team in providing safety to all clients and staff in potentially volatile situations.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1^st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with matching contribution)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654.