Mental Health Professional

MAJOR DUTIES: The MHP works under the supervision of the Program Director. This position provides behavioral health services to individuals. This position provides clinical services to agency patients. The MHP will be responsible for providing specialized crisis intervention and short-term intervention services to adults. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent performs the following duties independently:

1. Review Washington Administrative Codes (WACs) and Revised Codes (RCWs) and Federal regulations pertaining to behavioral health treatment to ensure compliance with these regulations in all therapeutic services.
2. Provides a welcoming environment for new participants.
3. Provides basic recovery support services and documents services provided using recovery focused language.
4. Ensures completion of designated mental health assessment for all participants
5. Determines a provisional diagnosis, obtains documentation of medical necessity, and submits authorizations for service.
6. Complete reauthorizations, as needed.
7. Develops an individualized service plan and recovery solution in partnership with participant and peer specialist.
8. Acts as an advocate for the needs and rights of every person.
9. Will work as part of a treatment team.
10. Conducts groups, as designated by the program’s schedule.
11. Assists in completing admission to the Center including:
    1. Orientation to the program, including an introduction to staff, tour of the facility, individual rights and grievances, program schedule, and community agreements.
    2. Assisting participants with shower and clean up using proper infection control procedures.
    3. Reviewing and storing personal property.
12. Partners with each participant to maintain a recovery environment by performing tasks including, but not limited to:
    1. Room Checks.
    2. Removes any hazardous objects and records findings as designated.
    3. Helps participants manage any risky behavior and completes required documentation.
    4. Implements contraband policy.
13. Maintain complete and up to date clinical files that document all services and contacts provided consistent with the requirements of WAC 246-341.
14. Assures incident reports are initiated and completed according to agency policy.

1. Supports and implements agency policies and procedures.
2. Ability to maintain a positive, solution-focused demeanor when responding to conflicts or problems.
3. Participate in verbal de-escalation and interventions in emergent situations and be willing to assist other team members as needed to maintain a safe and secure environment.
4. Networks within the community to identify outside agencies and services available to help individuals meet their needs.
5. Support and implement agency policies and procedures.
6. Other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

1. A master’s degree or further advanced degree in counseling or one of the social sciences from an accredited college or university required.
2. Meet the requirements of a mental health professional as defined in WAC 246- 341.
3. Current CPR and First Aid and Food Handlers permit, or ability to obtain one within 90 days.
4. Be willing to seek to understand each individual’s unique circumstances and personal preferences and goals and incorporate them into the crisis response to help individuals regain a sense of control.
5. Understand and support the Living Room Model of service delivery-specifically that MHPs are not the primary support in the CSC.
6. Have a strong understanding of recovery and resilience, the value of partnerships and individual choice, and the balance between protection from harm and personal dignity.
7. Interest or experience in working with individuals who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional behavioral health programs.
8. Subscribe to the philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs and of consideration and respect for individuals.
9. Ability to work effectively with individuals displaying a wide range of unpleasant and/or bizarre behaviors.
10. Demonstrated knowledge regarding the management of challenging behaviors.
11. Valid Washington State Driver’s License required including vehicle and appropriate vehicle.
12. Great attendance.
13. Familiarity with Washington State regulations related to the provision of behavioral health services (RCW 71.05).
14. This position requires shift work and requires the ability to work within a flexible schedule including weekends and evenings.

GUIDELINES

This position requires that the incumbent meet all educational and supervised postgraduate experience requirements for a Mental Health Professional as defined in WAC 246-341.

COMPLEXITY

The incumbent provides individual therapy, group therapy, case management and diagnostic services to individuals who differ widely in age and socioeconomic status and who may possess a variety of chronic and serious social, behavioral and psychological problems. Strong clinical skills, sound judgment, and creativity are required to help implement and deliver treatment services that will meet the complex needs of the individuals.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are with members of the treatment team, individuals, significant others and family members, representatives of various community agencies specializing in the treatment of behavioral health and crisis, and related community representatives including hospital personnel, lawyers, probation officers, and other court officials. All personal contacts are carried out in accordance with federal and state laws dealing with the confidentiality of individual records.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential functions of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, speak clearly, hear and use hands and fingers to manipulate writing utensils and keys on a keyboard. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or lift and/or move maximum of 15 lbs. The incumbent may be required to effectively operate an automobile on a regular basis.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Working hours are spent indoors in offices or meeting rooms and the milieu. Occasional supervision of outdoor activities, visits to community agencies, and participation in staff retreats and staff development activities may be required.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Program Director

Salary: $26.31 - 36.23/hr DOE

New Hire Bonus: $5.000

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Application Process:
To apply electronically for this position, please click "Apply Now" or visit our ADP career center. For more information on this and other positions, please visit our website at www.lifelineconnections.org

The Benefits:

Lifeline Connections strives to be an employer of choice by offering regular and full-time employees a robust and highly competitive benefits package designed to support both personal and family well-being. Our comprehensive benefits include multiple options for medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

In addition, Lifeline Connections provides employer-paid Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance, along with access to supplemental coverage options. Full-time employees and eligible part-time employees may also enroll in our 401(k) retirement plan, helping support long-term financial wellness.

Beyond benefits coverage, Lifeline Connections is proud to offer generous paid time off. Both full-time and part-time employees earn PTO at competitive accrual rates that increase with years of service, allowing for meaningful time away from work. Employees also receive paid holidays and personal holidays, reinforcing our commitment to work-life balance and employee well-being.