Mental Health Specialist I - Open Until Filled

Opening Date: October 4, 2024

Closing Date:   Open Until Filled 

Job Title: Mental Health Specialist I

Salary/Wage: $33.87/hr.

Tribal Level 122

Location: Eugene, OR

Classification: Full Time, Exempt, Limited Duration

Job Posting Number: 2390381

INTRODUCTION:  

The Mental Health Specialist provides mental health assessments and treatment to Siletz Tribal Youth at risk of delinquency, Tribal Youth involved in the juvenile justice system, and adults within areas served by the Portland and Salem area offices. Treatment services include individual, family, and group therapy. Treatment services to court-involved youth will be coordinated with juvenile justice agencies and may include participation in monthly case reviews and closed custody reviews. The Mental Health Specialist will work closely with other Tribal Program Staff in providing adventure-based counseling activities, such as use of the challenge course, whitewater rafting, wilderness treks and community-based wellness activities. 

The Mental Health Specialist will provide mental health assessments and treatment or referrals to outside agencies for adult and youth tribal members and their families in the Portland and Salem Area Offices Overall supervision for this position will be provided by the Behavioral Health Program Administrator, however, daily on-site supervision will be provided by the area supervisor at the location where she/he is assigned.

DUTIES:

• Provides mental health assessments and treatment activities to clients and their families including individual, family, and group therapy. Provide assessments and brief services to adults in the Portland and Salem Area Offices. Treatment methods will include one-on-one counseling, group counseling, course presentation and use of adventure-based counseling practices. (Challenge course, whitewater rafting, and wilderness treks.)
• Work in conjunction with Behavioral Health Program, Indian Child Welfare, Education, and Cultural Program staff in case management and provision of services to Tribal youth and their families to ensure the development of comprehensive community mental health services.
• Work with Tribal Program Staff from Siletz and the three Tribal Area Offices in the organization and implementation of an annual Tribal Youth Conference.
• Work collaboratively with Tribal Alcohol and Drug, Culture, Education, Health Department, Law Enforcement, Indian Child Welfare, and TANF staff in organization and implementation of treatment and treatment activities. 
• Work collaboratively with Juvenile Departments and the Oregon Youth Authority within the eleven county service areas.
• Develop and assist in gathering data necessary for service provision to include regular documentation and service reports required by various funding agencies.

REQUIREMENTS:

Master’s degree in Psychology, Counseling or Medical Social Work and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) –OR- an equivalent licensure to the State of Oregon and ability to obtain Oregon licensure within 6-month of hire.

Knowledge of:

• Current theories and practices in the area of mental health treatment.
• Current theories and practices in the area of treatment, prevention, and aftercare regarding addiction and substance abuse.
• Community structure, values, culture, and language of the population served.
• Basic computer word-processing and communication skills.

Ability to:

• Organize and conduct group recreational therapy activities.
• Consult and collaborate with other Tribal health, education, juvenile justice, and social service staff in the development and implementation of treatment activities for youth and adults.
• Plan and organize work and complete written reports and documentation of mental health assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, case management, and discharge plans in both paper form and as part of the electronic health records system accurately and on time.
• Adhere to all departmental performance standards.

Other:

• Abstinence during employment in this capacity is essential to the overall effectiveness of the program. Individuals in recovery from the disease of alcoholism and/or from other drug dependence must affirm that previous employment performance has not been impaired by alcoholism/substance abuse over the past 2 years.  
• Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification is required or ability to acquire and maintain within one year of hire.
• Must be able to become certified in the use of a Challenge Ropes Course within one year.
• Must possess a valid Oregon State driver's license, insurance and be eligible to drive a GSA vehicle.