Job Description:

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:

In collaboration with the ODHS/Self-Sufficiency program, the Mental Health Specialist provides support to clients to enable them to fully participate in mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) assessment and treatment.  Families served include those participating in the JOBS program. The Mental health Specialist will assess and administer mental health and alcohol and drug screening instruments to clients and make referrals to community support services as needed. This is accomplished through respectful, strength-based services that create an appropriate therapeutic relationship in a brief period of time. Mental Health Specialists attend to non-verbal cues to quickly establish rapport, which enhances the veracity and validity of the mental health assessment and report. Will participate with ODHS and partner staff in work screening and staffing to develop Participant Development Plans (PDPs). 

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or relevant field. At least two years of experience in working with disadvantaged individuals in the provision of services. Knowledge and experience of ODHS/Self Sufficiency guidelines and expectations, as well as mental health and/or alcohol and drug issues preferred. Must be familiar with community resources and crisis services and how to access them.  Must have respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients and their families.

Essential duties and Responsibilities:

50% - Direct Service

• Through ODHS/Self-Sufficiency TANF, administer mental health and alcohol and drug screening instruments to clients entering the JOBS program to determine clients’ ability to participate in JOBS activities.




• Participate with ODHS and partner staff in work screening and staffing to develop Participant Development Plans (PDPs).




• Provide support to clients to enable them to fully participate in mental health and SUD assessment and treatment. 




• Further screening on an as-needed basis, as determined by the mental health specialist and TANF Family Coach.




• Refer clients for full psychological or neuropsychological evaluations, as needed.

35% - Case Coordination

• Administrative tasks, such as getting paperwork signed by the client, tracking client attendance and treatment progress at community agencies, writing letters of referral for additional screening, completing ODHS forms to authorize payment, ensuring completion of the required evaluation, and meeting with the Family Coach to interpret results of all additional assessments or evaluations.




• Clear understanding of JOBS requirements and an ability to quickly discern client ability for participation.




• Assist ODHS staff and other contractor staff in managing emergency mental health and alcohol and drug situations as they occur.




• Present findings at weekly staffings with ODHS/Self Sufficiency Family Coaches




• The majority of work is performed at the various ODHS branch sites.

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




• Maintain accurate and complete client records per ODHS requirements, including weekly progress reports and service summaries within the electronic ODHS client record system 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 workstation updating client records, phone work, and client sessions




• 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

Salary: $40,160 to $60,240/year DOE

Options complies with the Oregon Equal Pay Act. To support pay equity within the agency, salaries are calculated based on qualification and/or years of experience. 

*Positions that require driving clients must maintain vehicle insurance as required by law, with a minimum of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 personal auto liability coverage (proof of insurance will be required).

**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

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