Mental Health Specialist, Senior (B013)

Lane County Behavioral Health provides services to more than 1,200 individuals with behavioral health conditions.  We work with community partners to provide a continuum of care from prevention through treatment and aftercare in an environment that promotes a culture of resilience and recovery.

Duties included, but are not limited to: conduct pre-commitment screenings and investigations; appear in court to provide expert witness testimony; may review treatment plans and client records for quality assurance and to meet administrative rules and requirements; consult with in-house staff and other agency staff regarding delivery of services and treatment plans for clients; provide emergency mental status evaluations and consultations; conduct educational presentations to the community regarding the needs and care of the mentally ill; coordinate efforts between units, divisions, departments and agencies; provide expert consultation to mental health providers and the community on issues pertaining to dangerousness and involuntary treatment; may serve as liaison to state mental health offices on select projects.

To provide technical consultant and expert services for a mental health program area; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm.

*This is a AFSCME represented position*

*Please note that this posting will remain open until filled, but to ensure consideration applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Reviews treatment plans and client records for quality assurance and to meet administrative rules and requirements.

Consults with in-house staff and other agency staff regarding delivery of services and treatment plans for clients.

Provides direct client care including evaluation, referral, therapy and development of treatment plans.

Provides clinical backup to client caseloads for other treatment staff.

Provides emergency mental status evaluations and consultations.

May serve as liaison to state mental health offices on select projects.

Conducts pre-commitment screenings and investigations.

Appears in court to provide expert witness testimony.

Oversees or provides investigation into certification of foster homes.

Conducts educational presentations to the community regarding the needs and care of the mentally ill.

Coordinates efforts between units, divisions, departments and agencies.

Knowledge of:
Principles, practices and techniques of mental health treatment including counseling, social, emotional and behavioral aspects of disease.

Dynamics of personal and social adjustment.

Theories of normal and abnormal behavior and appropriate treatment modalities.

Psychopharmacology and diagnostic nomenclature.

Community agencies and their programs involving mental health including the state hospital system.

Laws, rules and regulations governing the provision of mental health services.

Theories, practices and techniques of psychological testing.

Ability to:
Apply mental health principles and concepts.

Secure accurate and personal data.

Establish and maintain effective and professional therapeutic and interpersonal relationships.

Utilize community resources in a mental health or substance abuse rehabilitation program.

Work independently on counseling and mental health service activities.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Test, evaluate and assess the mental status of individuals using a variety of examination tests and evaluation techniques.

Handle and deal with complex and difficult cases.

Present information as an expert witness in a legal setting.

Respond to crisis situations.

Make commitment determinations.

Training:
Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a mental health field, psychology, sociology, counseling or a related field.

Experience:
Three years of responsible professional mental health or professional mental health crisis experience.

An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:
• Oregon Clinical Licensure in one of the following:  Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• QMHP eligibility
• Diploma
• Transcripts
• NPI
• CV or Resume
• Immunization record/TB test within 10 days of hire

Notes:
As part of the screening process Lane County will verify licensure status.

This position is subject to a full criminal offender information record check. If fingerprinting is required, the fee is paid for by the successful candidate and the expense is non-reimbursable.   Offers of employment are contingent upon consenting to and successfully passing a drug screening test; negative results are reimbursable.

Lane County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application and/or interview process due to disability, requests must be made in a timely manner. Contact a recruitment specialist at 541.682.3124.