Mental Health Associate #1052/#1053

This program serves adult male clients in a residential setting who are experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and behavioral problems. This position provides coverage for two five-bed residential treatment homes for clients transitioning back into the community.

The Mental Health Associate provides services to adult male clients in a residential setting who are experiencing severe and persistent mental illness and behavioral problems by providing skills training, case management, and other services as outlined in a treatment plan. 

Location: NE Portland

Days/Hours: This is a part-time position scheduled for 24 hours per week. Specific schedule: Fri, Sat, and Sun 11:00 pm-7:00 am. 
Pay/Benefits: $24.39-$31.71 per hour, plus full comprehensive benefits.
Additional $1.50 per hour shift differential working graveyard shift hours.

Salary Placement Notice:
The posted salary range reflects the compensation potential for this role. Most candidates will be placed between the entry level and midpoint of the range, depending on their experience and qualifications. However, more seasoned professionals with extensive exact or similar experience may be considered for placement toward the higher end of the range. Final salary offers are made in alignment with internal compensation processes in accordance with Oregon Pay Equity laws.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Administers oral medications, following physician's prescriptions and hospital procedures   
• Provides skills training, case management, and other services as outlined on a treatment plan.
• Coordinates services with other staff and external organizations such as government agencies, social services providers, and healthcare providers.
• Assesses client's needs, limitations, and potential, using observation, review of hospital records, and consultation with parents and/or hospital personnel. 
• Observes and interviews clients and confers with other professionals to evaluate the clients' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
• Establishes and enforces rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among clients, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement. 
• Monitors clients in order to detect unusual behavior and reports observations to professional staff.
• Encourages clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives and help them to develop insight into themselves and their relationships. 
• Counsels clients individually and in groups on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, financial difficulties and overcoming dependencies, mental or physical illness, and to help them understand and overcome personal, social, or behavioral problems. 
• Guides clients in the development of skills and strategies for dealing with their problems.
• Organizes, supervises, and encourages client participation in social, educational, and recreational activities. 
• Provides, finds, or arranges for job and/or school training.
• Provides crisis intervention to clients experiencing difficulties.
• Participates in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor provide written and verbal reports to supervisor regarding cases.
• Prepares meals and snacks for and/or with residents 
• Serves as back-up for other staff when needed.
• Checks e-mail/voice mail daily/throughout the day when working responding to contacts within
• 48 hours for routine matter (urgent matters may require a more immediate response) 
• May be required to transport clients in a LifeWorks vehicle.
• May administer first aid only if certified, according to prescribed procedures

Qualifications: 

• This position requires a valid and active QMHA credential certification through MHACBO.
• A bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a related behavioral sciences field OR a minimum of three years' experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively; understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and individual, group, family and other counseling techniques; program policies and procedures for services and supports identified in an Individual Services and Supports Plan.
• 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 to provide psychosocial skills training, implement elements of a treatment plan, and provide case management services in compliance with confidentiality requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook and Word.  Ability to master proprietary software including electronic health record system required. 
• May requires a valid driver's license and verification of safe driving record from DMV.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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