Mental Health Associate
Mental Health Associate

**To be considered for a position at Options, applicants will need to complete an application through our website: ------------/employment/ **

Sign-on Bonus, starting at $500!

General Description:
Provides variable hours of "hands-on" in-community demonstration, teaching, and support to achieve behavioral changes in families where child mental health issues are present. The Mental Health Associate will assess the youth’s needs and co-create a behavioral plan with the assigned therapist and client. Families served include those in which children have behavioral, social, emotional and mental health issues and may be reuniting with their families after out-of-home placement, working to avoid out-of-home placement, and/or transitioning to less intensive level of care. Collaborates with other service providers and community agencies, provides oral and written reports. Ability to travel to families’ homes and communities required.


Schedule/Hours:
This position is anticipated to be full-time (40 hours/week). However, some weeks may have fewer scheduled hours. The actual hours worked may vary daily depending on the needs of the referring agency or individual client families. Some overtime may be required and approved by your supervisor in response to client needs, referrals, or other factors.


Here's what you need to qualify:
The State of Oregon is requiring all Healthcare Providers and Healthcare Staff in Healthcare Settings to complete their COVID-19 vaccination series. New employees must submit vaccination documentation or be approved for an exemption/accommodation before beginning work. For more information, visit OAR------------


Minimum Qualifications:
Must be able to qualify as a Qualified Mental Health Associate with the Mental Health & Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO). Pass a ODHS background check and/or fingerprinting. Two years of knowledge in behavioral interventions, basic knowledge of parenting skills, and experience working with disadvantaged individuals and families in the provision of services. Knowledge of dynamics of high-risk families including drug and alcohol abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse and neglect. Must have respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients and their families. Must have a valid Oregon driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance.*


Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, family studies or related field. Strong understanding of available community resources and supports. Bilingual, English/Spanish


Essential duties and Responsibilities:

50% - Direct Service
Provide practical in-community services and support to clients to promote, maintain, or restore successful community living
Provide respite care services in the home or community, including recreational activities and behavioral monitoring
Identify family and individual client strengths to help resolve child and family safety and attachment concerns
Provide supervised visits to children separated from one or both parents to ease the transition from foster care or relative placement to home
Establish goals based on client living standard choices
Teach and model appropriate play, and attachment and behavior management techniques
Work with a variety of disadvantaged individuals and families in difficult circumstances
Identify clients with drug and alcohol dependence
Identify physically and sexually abused children
Empathize with and motivate clients
Recognize client needs and abilities
Learn and work within specific agency operations, policies and procedures affecting assigned work

35% - Case Coordination
Coordinate access and provision of services from multiple agencies, including establishing service linkages, advocating for service needs and obtaining entitlements based on mental or emotional disability
Cooperate with therapists, case managers, courts, attorneys, public school teachers, care coordinators and other professional individuals
Attend and participate in group supervision
Maintain effective working relationships with professional service staff

15% - Documentation
Prepare clear, concise written reports, including treatment plans, closing summaries, and other reports as required
Keep accurate records of client services provided
Perform assigned tasks quickly and accurately from written and oral instructions
Schedule a variety of daily tasks and handle crises independently
Communicate effectively orally and in writing to answer questions and gather and exchange information
Other duties as assigned


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 work station 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

* 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 applicants with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.