18863 - Mental Health Associate (Psrb Icm)

This position is based out of our Greg Lowe Hope Center in SE Portland. This is an on-call position for day (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and swing shifts (2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.)

The Mental Health Associate works as a member of an interdisciplinary team to implement and monitor treatment for consumers who are under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board and mandated to follow conditions of release. This position is with an intensive case management program that provides services to consumers in community settings including their homes. Services provided included, but are not limited to, monitoring and supervision of PSRB conditions and changes in mental status, risk assessment, medication assistance and review, skills training, assistance connecting with community resources, and social skills development. Some services will also take place in a day treatment environment whereby consumers participate in a variety of rehabilitative, case management and wrap-around services.

The Mental Health Associate will also collaborate with clinic-based staff to develop treatment goals and interventions. Additionally they will promote a strengths-based, client centered approach to assisting clients in achieving individual goals that would support their achieving wellness and recovery and transitioning to the least restrictive setting given their capabilities.

All incumbents must understand, appreciate and respect the diversity and cultural differences within our Cascadia community. It is expected that there is an awareness and sensitivity to the perspectives and perceptions to those we serve, as well as our colleagues. As Cascadia is Trauma informed, the incumbent must support a Trauma Informed Care Environment. With the high prevalence of trauma among individuals receiving behavioral health services, it is required that the incumbent understand the effects of trauma on health, coping, and other aspects of the lives of those we serve.

Essential Duties:

This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities or an all inclusive job description.

• Provide outreach to consumers’ homes, including safety checks, monitoring, and supervising of PSRB conditions.
• Support clients in developing and working towards treatment goals.
• Provide skills training in areas such as self-care, coping skills, hygiene, budgeting, meal preparation, use of public transportation, community integration, social skills, etc., as directed by the Mental Health treatment plan in coordination with the treatment team.
• Accompany consumers to and assist them during appointments in the community, such as medical, school counseling, social security, or opportunities for employment.
• Assist in crisis situations as appropriate, following emergency protocols and procedures. Practice and demonstrate competency in avoidance preventing escalation to avoid crisis situations or to neutralize crises in progress.
• Consult with clinic staff regarding client presentation and concerns.
• Collaborate with community stake holders including apartment managers, landlords, medical providers, employers, and the Psychiatric Security Review Board.
• Administer Urinary Analyses
• Respect and honor client rights and responsibilities and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics.
• Document and maintain clinical records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies and procedures and local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation associated with billing, assessment, treatment, residents’ progress and other activities as required. Complete electronic medical records (EMR) using Cascadia software.
• Adhere to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete annual employee training requirements on a timely basis as indicated in the licensing requirements for the facility as well as agency requirements.
• Must stay awake on all shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must meet the requirements and demonstrate the competencies to be credentialed as a Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA). Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a behavioral science field from an accredited college or university or three years of Mental Health work experience or a combination of work experience and education. Certification must be current and in compliance with MHACBO.
• Relevant experience includes working in community-based treatment settings, long term care facilities or residential settings and/or experience working with individuals coping with a serious mental illness. Experience working with older adults is a plus.
• Ability to implement treatment services that are tailored to the client’s goals.
• Ability to creatively engage and develop rapport with clients while working independently in the community.
• Must have strong risk assessment skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Mental Health Assessment, Individualized Service Plan, as well as the signature factors associated with the consumer’s instant offense and risk for decompensation
• Understanding of strength based case management philosophies and strategies
• Ability to implement recovery model, motivational interviewing, and illness management and recovery
• Ability to operate computer hardware and software (including Electronic Medical Record software) at a level needed to effectively perform job functions
• Knowledge of accepted treatment practice
• Ability to enter data and retrieve data
• Ability to prepare reports
• Possess a valid driver’s license, three year driving history; clean driving record, ability to pass Driver Motor Vehicle (DMV) check and complete the Cascadia online Defensive Driving course.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Work is primarily performed out of the office in a community setting. Shifts take place daily from 8 am to 5 pm and from 3 pm to 11 pm. Some flexibility with scheduled hours is possible to assist the employee in completing progress notes or training, and attending supervision. Due to the staffing requirements, may be required to work within the program and/or pick up additional shifts if the need arises
• Mental: The nature of the work dictates that the employee is alert and attentive during his or her assigned shift. Rest breaks and meal periods are subject to interruption. There is a moderate to high risk of personal injury/illness due to clients with violent behavior, exposure to disease, biohazards, noise and contaminants etc. The work assigned is diverse and involves facing new and unusual circumstances where outcomes could have negative effects on employee morale and/or residents.
• Physical: Regular moments of where one will be stationary at a desk using a computer ad typing, or moving about the facility to address client and program needs. Having the ability to visually assess and hear situation is constant to assess risk as well as high need to communicate to staff and internal stakeholders around client care, and being able to read policy and procedure. On rare occasions, there may be a need to run or move quickly to avoid potentially escalated situations.

Benefits

We offer generous benefits for our full-time and part-time employees (20 hours + pro-rated) including:

• Generous Paid Time Off Package Full-time employees earn 6 weeks of PTO in their first year!
• Medical and Dental Coverage (begins 1st of the month following 30 days after hire date)
• VSP Vision Discount Plan
• 403(B) Retirement Savings (Pre and post-tax plans with matching contribution)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) (Medical, dependent care, and transportation options)
• Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance
• Paid Bereavement and Jury Duty Leave
• Length of Service Award
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance

Wellness Benefits:

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Bicycle Reimbursement
• Discounted Fitness Memberships
• Trauma Support Team

Cascadia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at 503.963.7654.