The Mental Health Specialist - Level 1 role will deliver individualized, evidenced-based, outpatient behavioral health mental health services to individuals, families, and groups. Working under the supervision of a Mental Health Professional (MHP), the Mental Health Specialist - Level 1 role provides mental health services to treat a broad array of behavioral health disorders with an emphasis on effective, outcome-oriented treatment.

Individuals working in the Mental Health Specialist - Level 1 role will work with team members and community partners to organize and implement the delivery of appropriate mental health services, consultation and referrals. This position works with a variety of populations including but not limited to, low income, homeless, adult, youth, individuals struggling with substance abuse, disadvantaged individuals and families, veterans, the historically unemployed and/or underemployed and individuals with a criminal background.

Typical Work

Offers individual, couple, family, and/or group mental health support services to CORE Health clients and identifies and reduces barriers through case management principles;
Regularly conducts daily living activity (DLA-20) assessments for the tracking of client outcomes;
Collaborates with inner-agency departments to enroll clients in all required services;
Participates in consultation with relevant community agencies, the coordination of multi-agency services, and multi-agency support teams on behalf of consumers. Provides education and training to clients and/or partner agencies as necessary;
Collaborates with clients to develop individualized and comprehensive treatment plans that identify the unique needs of each individual;
Participates in crisis intervention services with participants;
Holds the mental health crisis phone when scheduled to provide urgent services to clients outside of office hours;
Completes all required clinical and administrative documentation by the organization's specified due date;
Assures that participants understand their rights to confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality, to include participant's rights as recipients of mental health services and substance use treatment services;
Provide individual supportive evidence-based services including but not limited to, problem solving, role-playing, modeling and support, social skill development, and assertiveness training to increase client social and interpersonal activities in community settings;
Provide ongoing measurement of individual in service outcomes and evaluation of intervention effectiveness. Address barriers and potential health problems that impede the development of skills necessary for independent functioning in the community;
Represents the agency in coordinating service plans with other community providers;
Participates in, and leads as necessary, quality improvement and assurance process for cases;
Participates in a unit team and provides team coverage;
Complies with all HIPAA and 42 CFR privacy and security regulations;
Perform other duties and projects as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

Holds a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Studies, Nursing, or equivalent, required;
Possesses an active Agency Affiliated Counselor Registration (R-AAC) in Washington State or is able to obtain a pending AAC in Washington State prior to hiring;
Knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR regulations;
Must maintain all certifications necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position;
Strong communication, organization, documentation and record keeping skills;
Ability to work with various computer software programs, including an electronic health record system;
Ability to safely transport self and clients between multiple locations, as required;
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license;
Must pass and maintain a clear background record as required for healthcare organizations under state and federal contracts;
At least two (2) years of experience providing direct treatment to persons experiencing behavioral or mental health issues, preferred;
Must be able to life up to 25 pounds at a time;
Must be able to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time.