Mental Health Worker Jobs

Mental Health Worker

Summary: This position provides a broad range of comprehensive mental health and addictions services within guidelines established by the Organization and specific programs, based on motivational enhancement strategies, stages of change, reduction of behavior-related harm, and trauma-informed practices. Populations served will vary by program but may include people who are homeless, children, adults, families, immigrants, refugees and individuals with serious mental illness, history of trauma, and/or substance use disorders. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

· Engages individuals, families and groups in a therapeutic relationship within which mental health and addictions services can be provided;

· Completes a comprehensive psycho-social assessment in collaboration with the treatment team with special emphasis on participants’ current functioning, strengths, and abilities;

· Collaborates with the participant to develop an individualized treatment plan, inclusive of the participant’s goals and treatment recommendations which will enhance the participant’s quality of life with regard to mental health and substance abuse issues;

· Maintains a strong therapeutic alliance with participants through assertive case management, advocacy and resource assistance, including but not limited to medical health needs, housing, vocational services, benefits and entitlements;

· Works to teach and enhance skill-building/development with regard to activities of daily living including but not limited to grocery shopping, money management, hygiene, household resources, etc.;

· Provides education and support in relation to mental health and/or substance use issues.

· Assesses, identifies and responds to emergency or crisis needs of program participants;

· Ensures a therapeutic, safe environment for all participants and staff by utilizing de-escalation techniques and violence prevention skills.

· Provides individual, family, and group counseling and/or facilitation, as assigned.

· Provides medication monitoring and training, as assigned.

· Completes accurately and in a timely manner all necessary forms, case records and statistical reports in accord with program guidelines and contractual obligations. Submits such documentation to the supervisor/manager within the designated time lines.

· Participates and contributes actively in multi-disciplinary treatment team meetings, regular supervisory and team/unit meetings, in-house and external training sessions, conferences, seminars and independent study.

· Develops and maintains appropriate relationships with external social service, mental health and addictions service providers.

· Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, NASW (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans/policies and program guidelines. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in-house and external staff training to ensure that he/she understands and continues to adhere to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.

· Other duties may be assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

· In residential programs, household maintenance responsibilities may be assigned including cleaning of common areas, assistance with room turnover and helping participants maintain a clean and safe living environment.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:

· High school diploma or GED and 5 years supervised clinical experience in mental health or human services settings. Other certifications such as Recovery Support specialist, family partnership professional certificate, licensed occupational therapy assistant, a certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program plus a high school diploma or GED and 2 years of experience in providing mental health services

· Bachelor’s Degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field with 2 years of supervised clinical experience in a mental health setting preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· The employee may be required to remain on Organization premises during breaks and/or meal periods and may be required to stay on Organization premises until their replacement arrives.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.

· The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.

· The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

· The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Shifts available:

Second shift: 4:00 pm – 12:30 am, Thursday through Sunday

Third shift: 12:00am – 8:30am, Thursday through Sunday