|
MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANT
Pay Range GC11
INTRODUCTION
This classification performs duties to assist a mental health treatment team in client intake, case management, treatment and rehabilitation for the mental health division of the health and social services department. Typical duties include serving as a member of treatment team; assisting clients in basic living skills; providing informal individual and group guidance oriented toward improvement of individual social skills and enhancement of self-concept; initiating, organizing and participating in client activities; providing transportation to needed services.
This classification is the entry level position in the mental health series and is distinguished from the mental health specialist 1 in the degree of professional skill and judgment necessary at the higher level.
EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES
(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples. Any one position may not perform all listed duties.)
1. Serve as
member of
treatment team
for clients of
the mental
health
division.
Assist
professional
staff in
providing
aftercare
services to
expedite
hospital
discharge of
clients.
2. Provide
assistance to
staff
psychiatrists
and nurse
practitioners
with client
contacts.
Contact
clients of
appointments
missed either
by phone or in
person;
transport
clients to
treatment or
crisis
appointments
and
facilities,
emergency
service
providers,
etc.; furnish
information to
clients
awaiting
medication
appointments.
3. Assist
clients in
basic living
skills such as
shopping, job
seeking,
telephone
skills,
medication
management,
budgeting,
nutrition,
correspondence,
etc.
4. Provide
informal
individual and
group guidance
oriented
toward
improvement of
individual
social skills
and
enhancement of
self-concept.
5. Initiate,
organize and
participate in
craft
projects,
games, social
and physical
recreation
activities;
assist in
group therapy
such as
alcohol and
drug recovery
group and art
therapy group.
6. Organize
and supervise
clients in
in-house
sheltered
workshop
activities;
assist in new
client
orientation
regarding day
treatment
program.
7. Assist
clients in
obtaining
services
through
community
resources; may
contact health
department
personnel,
coworkers,
state and
county social
service
agencies
regarding
client social
services;
provide
transportation
as necessary.
8. Complete a variety of reports and records as required by departmental policy, federal and state laws and regulations; update progress notes with client progress/participation in various activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION
Knowledge of: Basic knowledge of treatment planning for the chronically mentally ill or mentally retarded/developmentally disabled; basic knowledge of social service practices and procedures as it relates to the chronically mentally ill or mentally retarded/developmentally disabled. Skill in: Preparing records, reports and communications; use of automated equipment. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both written and oral form; plan, organize and implement activities; teach basic socialization and living skills to individuals with various learning levels; operate job related equipment such as computer, motor vehicle; relate to a diverse population of CMI or MR/DD individuals; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures and use initiative and judgement in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; efficiently prioritize and organize time, work independently, and meet established deadlines; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, public agencies, hospitals, clients and the public.
Education, experience and training: Two years work experience in a human service setting working with the chronically mentally ill or mentally retarded/developmentally disabled or a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training to perform the duties of the position. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.
Desired qualifications: Experience working with individuals with a history of substance abuse/addiction.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION
This classification works with supervision from a mental health specialist who assigns special work projects. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience. Employee estimates time and materials and manages time efficiently. Employee uses initiative and judgment in completing routine assignments and interpretation of general administrative or operational policies and procedures is sometimes necessary. Work is performed within well established guidelines of the mental health division. Significant deviations require prior approval. Work is reviewed in progress and for effectiveness in meeting program goals. Employees may or may not work in proximity of supervisor.
GUIDELINES
Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; social service guidelines, NASW Code of Ethics and accepted social service practices. Work is performed according to specific guidelines and instructions; employee uses some judgment in determining appropriate procedure
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Regular and consistent attendance is required. Work is performed in a residential living setting, office environment or in the field; may involve bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 15 pounds, sitting, standing and walking. Good physical condition necessary to participate in physical activities with clients. A reasonable amount of driving is required.
|
