Mental Health Therapist

Basic Job Purpose/Function

Mental Health Therapist - Behavioral Health Department - Goldendale, WA - Full-time, Non-Exempt, Grade 69, Step 1-5, $31.44 - $35.39/Hr, DOQ, open until filled.
This position is part of a collaborative team responsible for providing individual and family therapy, as well as case management services to a diverse population of children, youth and adults in Klickitat County. This position will deliver counseling services based on evidence-based practices to support community members and reduce the need for psychiatric hospitalization

Essential Job Duties

• Client Assessment and Diagnosis: Evaluating clients’ mental health needs through comprehensive assessments, including intake interviews and psychological testing to provide diagnosis.
• Treatment Planning: Develop individualized treatment plans that outline specific goals, interventions, and timelines. Collaborate with clients to set realistic and achievable goals. These plans may include case management, psychiatric evaluations, and recommendations for substance use disorder services.
• Counseling and Therapy: Provide individual, group, and family counseling sessions using evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
• Referral and Coordination: Coordination and referral of clients to additional services, including medical care, mental health services, housing assistance, and vocational training. Coordinate with other healthcare providers, social workers, and community resources to ensure comprehensive care.
• Monitoring and Follow-up: Regularly monitor clients’ progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes. Prepare reports and documentation in compliance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards.
• Advocacy and Support: Advocate for clients' needs within the healthcare system and the community. Provide emotional support and encouragement throughout the recovery process.
• Collaboration: Working with a multidisciplinary team to provide holistic care. Attends weekly supervision meetings and team meetings as required.
• Communication: Clearly and effectively communicate with clients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure understanding, convey important information, and build strong supportive relationships in the department, with clients, and with the community.
• May be called to support the crisis team or substance us disorder team to provide coordinated care, ensuring clients receive timely and appropriate crisis intervention services.
• May be called to testify in court.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or a related social science field plus documented clinical experience or internship.

Experience: Must be registered (or be able to be registered) as an Agency Affiliated Counselor, or the ability to obtain a registration in the state of Washington; or licensed as a Social Worker or Mental Health Counselor (or be able to be licensed) in the state of Washington. The successful candidate will work towards Washington State licensure as a condition of employment.

• Minimum of two years of clinical experience is required.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, supporting colleagues and contributing to a collaborative environment in the department, the County, and the Region.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with clients, families, multidisciplinary teams and the community. Bilingual Preferred.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with clients through empathy, active listening, and shared experiences.
• Commitment to maintaining client confidentiality and adhering to ethical guidelines, HIPAA/FERPA and CFR 42 part 2 as it specifically pertains to Behavioral Health programs.
• Demonstrated reliability, punctuality, time management and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Sensitivity to and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to manage crisis and conflict mitigation through de-escalation techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Work hours general expectation is Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, but there may be times when there is work needed outside these hours to meet clinical needs.
• Basic proficiency in using computers, copiers, fax machines, phones and electronic medical record systems for documentation and communication. Familiarity with current computer software including Google Sheets and Google Docs.

Licenses, Certificates and Other Requirements

• Ability to pass a criminal background check, as required by Washington State Law.
• Ability to be a licensed driver in Washington State or a Washington State Drivers License.
• Meet all state requirements for course work and supervised experience for Mental Health Therapist licensure.
• Meet all state and department requirements of continuing education on annual basis.