Mental Health Counselor/Assessor

Description

Description of Position:

The Mental Health Assessor/Counselor provides initial and annual assessments, including DSM diagnoses and collaborative treatment plans, for individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. This role also includes counseling, care transitions, and crisis intervention services. Services may be provided in-home or in community settings when medically appropriate.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct and document assessments and service plans to Medicaid standards and within Laurel Hill Center timelines
• Provide individual and group behavioral health counseling and psychoeducation, including in-home or community-based services when medically appropriate
• Provide crisis intervention including face-to-face assessments
• Collaborate with other staff members, community agencies/supports, and natural supports
• Assist with transitions of care for individuals with complex needs
• Prepare professional authorization requests and utilization management reviews as required by payers
• Attend supervisory and team meetings
• Meet Universal Job Expectations regarding productivity, professionalism, and dependability
• Meet ethical and legal standards
• Other duties as required
  
  

Knowledge And Abilities

• Ability to assess, diagnose, develop service plans, and provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions
• Ability to work with diverse healthcare and social service systems to provide care coordination and case management
• Ability to communicate appropriately and work effectively with staff, clients, community members, and providers
• Ability to provide supportive, professional, and appropriate services to individuals
• Ability to follow and manage scheduled commitments
• Ability to use mobile technology, computers, and standard office equipment
• Ability to enter clinical documentation into an electronic health record system and complete collaborative documentation
• Ability to multitask and complete a variety of tasks each day (e.g., phone calls, outreach, referrals, EHR documentation)
• Ability to effectively engage clients by telephone or in person
• Knowledge of HIPAA confidentiality requirements as they relate to behavioral health
• Ability to offer understanding and respond effectively and with sensitivity to special populations (e.g., race, ethnicity, language, age, sex, sexual orientation, economic standing, disability, migrant and seasonal worker status, homelessness, HIV/AIDS)
• Ability to follow policies and procedures
• Ability to meet Universal Expectations of Employment
• Ability to perform physical requirements of the position, including lifting up to 25 pounds, standing, sitting, navigating stairs, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, grasping, using fingers, tolerating strong odors, speaking, repetitive motion, extensive use of computer, and local travel
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• MA/MS in mental health, social service, or related behavioral health field
• Must hold QMHP certification through MHACBO at the time of hire, or be in active pursuit of certification and in good standing toward licensure
• Experience assisting individuals with severe mental illness or co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorder preferred
• Documentation through experience or education of ability to assess, diagnose, develop service plans, and provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions
• Ability to proficiently utilize Laurel Hill Center’s Electronic Health Record and complete collaborative documentation
• Must have current and valid Oregon driver’s license in accordance with Laurel Hill Center vehicular policy and procedures
• Documentation of successful completion of a background and fingerprint check as specified by Oregon law, as well as a urinalysis drug screen
  
  

Drug Screening Requirement

• Successful candidates must complete and maintain compliance with Laurel Hill Center’s drug-free workplace standards, which include:
• Passing a urinalysis drug screening with a negative result for THC
• Ongoing compliance with agency drug testing policies, as applicable
• While marijuana is legal under Oregon state law, this requirement is based on Laurel Hill Center’s contractual, regulatory, and funding obligations, which mandate adherence to drug-free workplace standards.
• Failure to meet or maintain these requirements may impact employment eligibility.
  
  

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and/or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• Demonstrated experience providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions, including individual and group counseling
• Experience completing mental health assessments, DSM diagnoses, and developing comprehensive treatment plans
• Familiarity with Medicaid documentation standards and utilization review processes
• Experience delivering services in community-based settings, including in-home or field-based work
• Strong care coordination and collaboration skills with multidisciplinary teams and community partners
• Proficiency using Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and completing timely, accurate clinical documentation
• Demonstrated ability to engage diverse populations with cultural humility and trauma-informed practices
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus