*MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 2
Pay Range GC18

INTRODUCTION

This classification serves as a lead case manager and performs professional mental health social work services for the mental health division of the health and social services department. Employees provide individual and group psychotherapy and counseling; coordinate and monitor treatment plan or referrals; perform crisis intervention as necessary; provide consultation and training; recruit, certify and train adult foster home providers; direct vocational unit of community support program. May serve as program manager in their absence.

This classification is distinguished from the mental health specialist 1 by serving as a lead to other case managers. This classification is distinguished from the mental health specialist 3 who performs duties in the evaluation and treatment of clients who present more complex and difficult problems.

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. Interview clients and significant others in the formulation of social histories and collect other data relevant to diagnosis and intervention.

2. Provide individual, marital, dyad, family and group psychotherapy and counseling as primary or co-therapist; assess and treat emergency mental and emotional disturbance cases; perform crisis intervention as necessary.

3. Consult with and coordinate treatment plan or referral of clients with social service agencies, schools, organizations and other professionals; monitors progress of treatment plan.

4. Provide consultation and training for and with clients, staff, professionals, other service agencies and the public; attend unit meetings and workshops; develop, modify and or obtain training programs and materials.

5. Supervise community support consumers (employees). Meet with potential employers of consumers and discuss vocational objectives.

6. Assist with needs assessment, planning, developing, coordinating and implementing activities and programs of a specialized program area of mental health.

7. Recruit for, certify and train foster home providers; monitor foster home budget and set service payments; monitor clients referred and ensure compliance with state, county and departmental rules, regulations, policy and procedures; assist with state on-site inspections.

8. Serve as member of inter-disciplinary team; consult with other staff regarding client assessment, diagnosis and treatment plan.

9. Maintain and complete required records, reports, clinical evaluations and correspondence as required by departmental policy and state law; perform special projects as required.

10. Lead, assign work to, coordinate, train and assist staff in specialized program area; participate in the selection and evaluation of staff in specialized program area.

11. May serve as program manager in their absence.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Considerable knowledge of psychological theory, principles and practices of mental health treatment including assessment, diagnosis and treatment of mentally ill persons; considerable knowledge of human behavior as it relates to crisis situations and problems of client population; considerable knowledge of behavior intervention, management and support strategies; considerable knowledge of sound case management; considerable knowledge of the laws relating to mental health and adult foster homes; considerable knowledge of community resources the functions and procedures of other social service agencies and service providers; considerable knowledge of psychological and personality testing and application to diagnosis and treatment of mentally ill persons; considerable knowledge of and ability to participate in program planning, evaluating and implementing programs to meet specific objectives; reasonable knowledge of educational theories and techniques; reasonable knowledge of psychoactive medication and treatment applications; reasonable knowledge of management including personnel supervision, financial and physical facilities and equipment. Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, treatment plans, reports and statistical data; interviewing, counseling and listening techniques and principles; family and group dynamics. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both written and oral form; plan/consult/coordinate with source agencies, physicians, families of clients and the community; work within inter-disciplinary team; relate to a diverse population of people with mental and physical handicaps; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques. work independently, efficiently organize time and meet established deadlines; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; teach socialization, living skills and vocational components to individuals with various learning levels; establish and maintain records, reports and statistical data; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, clients, families, schools, service agencies, employers, physicians, professionals, team and committee members and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelor's degree plus four years experience in a mental health setting OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training. At time of appointment, must possess valid Oregon driver's license.

Certification: Some positions may require additional professional licensing or certification in specialized areas or experience or training with specific target population.

Desirable qualification: Master's degree in psychology, social work or related field plus two years experience in a mental health setting.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the general direction of a mental health specialist 5. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience. The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is subject to active supervisory control and review in more complex cases through regularly scheduled conferences to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance to department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedure, federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; clinical ethics in counseling, approved physical restraint procedures, various skills guidelines and social service guidelines. Judgment on day-to-day activities is required as needed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed both in an office environment and in the field; may involve bending, kneeling, lifting up to 60 pounds, pulling, pushing and walking. Considerable attention is given to personal safety when in contact with potentially aggressive clients. Employees must maintain a positive mental attitude and a tolerance for pressure situations. Some positions may require considerable amount of driving.