Mental Health Specialist

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer at recruiting@options.org to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.Options Counseling and Family Services, founded in 1991 in Florence, Oregon, has since expanded to serve fourteen counties in western Oregon. Headquartered in Eugene, we provide quality mental health and family preservation services to diverse communities. Committed to supporting health, safety, and empowerment.Benefits Options offer these benefits to our full-time employees (full-time is any employee working 30 hours per week) company-paid health/vision and dental, long-term disability, and life insurance; for a full list of all benefits, please view our website: https://options.org/careers/benefits.Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they have every one of the qualifications as described. We are most interested in finding the best candidate and our hiring processes are centered on assessing candidates based on diverse experience. Please let us know if you have questions.General Description: Provides services to families in which children are at risk of out-of-home placement, children are reuniting with families after out-of-home placement, children are currently in out-of-home placement, and/or foster or adoptive families who have children experiencing disruptive placements. Provides case management to caregivers involved with ODHS Child Welfare to address safety concerns. They will also accompany caseworkers for intakes when there are possible mental health concerns. Implements effective service plans in collaboration with ODHS caseworker and family members. Supports families with mental health issues and assists in providing access to mental health services. Adheres to ODHS contract requirements. Co-located in ODHS branch. Ability to travel and transport clients to families’ homes and communities required*Schedule/Hours: This position is anticipated to be full-time (40 hours/week). However, some weeks may have fewer scheduled hours. The actual hours worked may vary daily depending on the needs of the referring agency or individual client families. Some overtime may be required and approved by your supervisor in response to client needs, referrals, or other factors.Minimum Qualifications: Meet requirements as a Qualified Mental Heath Associate. Two year’ experience working with at-risk families within the last five years or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience. Effective working with families in which children have experienced abuse or neglect has occurred. Must have respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients and their families. Relate effectively with children, adolescents, parents, staff and the community. Pass a ODHS background check and/or fingerprinting. Maintain client confidentiality. Must have a valid Oregon driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance.*Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or counseling. Knowledge of family dynamics that may include sexual abuse, substance use, and intimate partner violence.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 50% – Direct Service

• Help family members overcome barriers and identify strengths to meet the child(ren)’s needs for safety, permanency, and well-being
• Maintain and carry out all scheduled appointments
• Collaborate with ODHS and follow the identified case plan
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing, Wraparound, Collaborative Problem Solving, and other evidence-based practices
• Refer client to supportive services to supplement services as appropriate
• Work a flexible schedule to meet families’ needs and be available for crisis consultation
• Provide interventions that are family-focused, culturally relevant, behavioral, goal-directed, and trauma-informed
• Assess for caregiver capacities as related to child safety and well-being
• Provide immediate assistance to caseworker, including attending appointments in homes and communities to assess family needs and determine case disposition
• Help caregivers improve diminished protective capacities
• Assist family members in accessing behavioral health services

35% – Case Coordination

• Coordinate case activities with Contract Supervisor, ODHS/Child Welfare, Juvenile Department, schools, and other community partners
• Participate in Family Decision Meetings, Citizens’ Review Board, and Court hearings (with a valid subpoena and court order)
• Assist ODHS/Child Welfare caseworkers by providing consultations/courtesy assistance in evaluating the goals of intervention
• Provide office hours in the ODHS/Child Welfare branch to be available for consultation to referring caseworkers
• Attend and actively participate in weekly group supervision meetings with supervisor and peers

15% – Documentation

• Report any potentially dangerous situations or safety plan violations to ODHS or law enforcement, including making required mandatory reports
• Document all travel time, mileage, and other required work-related activities
• Document all client and peripheral interactions related to the services
• Maintain accurate and complete client records, including regular reports, treatment plans, service summaries, and memos to chart, within the electronic client record (ECR), to meet contract requirements
• Develop a written record of appropriately used direct support funds for client family

Working Conditions:

• May be required to work afternoon, evening, and/or weekend hours
• Will travel locally and transport clients with own vehicle. Must be insured with liability insurance*
• Extended periods of time sitting at work station updating client records, phone work, and client sessions
• Provide services in challenging environments; families may be impacted by poverty
• Ability to stand, work, and drive throughout the day
• Mobility and dexterity sufficient to assist clients and handle required job-related functions and move about the facility
• Ability to cope with clients who may use challenging or offensive language with potential for escalation to physical aggression

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