Mental Health Specialist 1 (Forensic Team) (B068)

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.

This position will be part of a multi-disciplinary team which includes law enforcement, psychiatrists, and behavioral health staff serving individuals with severe persistent mental illness that are currently incarcerated at the Lane County Jail which excludes inmates slotted for prison or federal jurisdiction.  Duties include, but are not limited to: provide discharge planning, facilitation of groups, coordination with families, serve as a liaison between internal and external providers fostering community linkages to facilitate post release access to community resources, community networking and will require weekly staff meetings with the staff of California Forensic Medical Group and Correction staff.

In collaboration with other mental health professionals, to provide professional level mental health assessment and treatment services to clients who have mental illnesses or mental disorders; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After approximately 6 months will change to Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

*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.

Collaborates in the provision of mental health services to clients who may have mental illness or mental disorders, to include substance use disorders or psychosexual disorders.

Screens and evaluates referred clients to determine whether clients have a mental illness or disorder, and meet criteria for eligibility for program services.

Performs assessments of referred clients to assess mental health needs; completes client interviews, obtains social, emotional, criminal and substance abuse histories, identifies client needs, and assesses treatment options; under supervision, conducts mental status evaluations using approved diagnostic manual.

Assists in the preparation of written reports with diagnostic impressions for review by psychiatrist / physician.

Works with clients to establish goals and objectives and determines treatment methods.

Provides individual and group counseling; guides clients in obtaining insight into their emotional problems and in changing behavior patterns; works with short- and long-term cases.

Refers clients to outside agencies for additional social, economic, and medical services as needed; coordinates client service provision.

Observes clients using prescribed medications for possible side effects and for effectiveness of medications, and may refer clients to physicians/psychiatrists.

Assists in the preparation of reports to courts regarding sentencing alternatives, treatment options and client progress.

Monitors client payment records and billing information, and sets payment schedules with clients.

Maintains detailed, up to date and accurate records of all client evaluations, therapy sessions, consultations, treatment plans, progress notes and other information; prepares summaries and evaluation reports.

Interviews relatives of patients applying for services to obtain psychological histories, present behavior and personal and social factors.

May perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:
Theories, principles, practice and techniques of mental health assessment and counseling.

Community mental health programs and services and their procedures and practices.

Techniques, tests, and procedures employed in evaluating, modifying and modifying behavior.

Basic laws, rules and regulations governing the assessment and treatment of mental health clients.

Techniques of identifying patterns of alcohol, drug issues, and treatment methods.

Principles and techniques of effective group and individual therapy.

Ability to:
Assess mental, addictive, and psychosexual disorders within the scope of mental health services provided by Lane County.

Counsel and negotiate with clients to provide an effective treatment plan as a member of a professional mental health team.

Coordinate efforts with other specialists, agencies and organizations.

Provide treatment within the scope of a clearly defined law, regulation or program definition.

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

Present and discuss topics in front of a group of clients, staff or the public.

Interview clients and their families to determine psychological history, assess eligibility and determine treatments, needs and options.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

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

Experience:
One year of some experience working directly with mentally or emotionally disturbed clients in the provision of behavioral health services is highly desirable.
An equivalent combination of experience and training that will demonstrate the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Special Requirements:
• QMHP eligibility
• Diploma for Master's degree
• Transcripts
• NPI
• CV or Resume
• Immunization record/TB test within 10 days of hire.

Notes:
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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace.  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act and would like to request an accommodation, you may request an accommodation during the online application process, or request an accommodation by contacting the Department of Human Resources prior to the recruitment close date at 541-682-3124.