*MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST 4
Pay Range GC22

INTRODUCTION

This classification serves as clinical and/or administrative supervisor or program specialist for a unit within the mental health division of the health and social services department. Incumbents provide a variety of services: 1) perform complex psychological social work for both voluntary and involuntary clients for children, adolescents and adults with mental/emotional disorders, 2) management of hospital and other contractor resources, and 3) quality assurance coordination.

This classification is distinguished from the mental health specialist 3 by the supervisory responsibility of mental health specialists 3 or the performance of highly specialized level clinical/administrative services. This classification is distinguished from the mental health specialist 5 who serves as program manager.

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. Provide psychosocial evaluation as well as outpatient counseling and psychotherapy to youth and families who meet eligibility criteria for County children’s mental health service. Plan, coordinate, advocate, implement, refer, monitor, evaluate and follow up treatment of clients within assigned program area.

2. Provide management of hospital and other contractor resources. Review appropriateness of and approve referral and authorize payment for inpatient and private outpatient treatment of Jefferson Behavioral Health members; serve as liaison and monitor performance of private provider panel; make final determination regarding disputed in-house client assignments.

3. Supervise, assign work to, coordinate and monitor work activities of assigned professional support staff; offer assistance to staff members. Ensure work is in compliance with appropriate standards and regulations. Assume accountability for work performed within program area. Participate in the selection, training, evaluation and discipline of staff. Interpret policy and procedure. Facilitate development and monitoring of quality assurance standards and outcome measurements.

4. Participate in mental health division management activities. Assist program manager or division director in ongoing policy, procedure and budget development. Formulate, monitor and evaluate performance objectives for the program unit or division. Serve as liaison/consultant between mental health division and other health divisions, hospitals, schools, state agencies, other service agencies, judicial and law enforcement agencies and various committees/councils. Coordinate and consult regarding treatment plan or referral.

5. Intake and assess individuals who voluntarily apply for treatment or who are ordered through the Courts, for treatment or evaluation; interview allegedly mentally ill clients and significant others involved in court commitment process to determine if person has a mental disorder of sufficient severity for commitment to state hospital or if an alternative treatment would be appropriate; perform pre-commitment investigations.

6. Consult with and advise department professionals with assessment and diagnosis on treatment of clients.

7. Provide emergency mental health and/or behavior support services; perform crisis intervention as necessary.

8. Provide training in specialty areas for staff, other county staff, professionals, agencies and the public; develop, modify and/or obtain training programs and/or materials; attend staff meetings, training, workshops and seminars.

9. Maintain and complete required records, reports, clinical evaluations and correspondence as required by departmental policy and state law; may serve as program manager in their absence.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of psychological/psychosocial theory, principles and practices of mental health treatment including assessment, diagnosis and treatment of specific client population; thorough knowledge of human behavior/development as it relates to crisis situations and problems of client population; thorough knowledge of behavior intervention, management and support strategies and principles; thorough knowledge of quality assurance principles and practices; considerable knowledge of the laws relating to mental health and services provided to client population; considerable knowledge of community resources and 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 DSM IV and ICD-9 diagnoses; considerable knowledge of psychoactive medication and treatment applications; reasonable knowledge of and ability to participate in program planning, implement and evaluating mental health programs to meet specific objectives; thorough knowledge of sound case management; considerable knowledge of substance abuse and addictive behaviors as it pertains to client population. Skill in: Writing clear and concise correspondence, records, treatment plans, legal documents, reports and statistical data; interviewing, counseling, listening, negotiating and therapeutic techniques and principles; family and group dynamics; assessment, diagnosis, coordination, mediation and treatment of client population. 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; support, supervise and motivate a staff of mental health specialists and support staff; establish and maintain records, reports and statistical data; work with and relate to a diverse population of people with mental and physical handicaps; assess, diagnosis and treat clients; develop treatment plans; conduct thorough interviews, assessments and evaluations and to deal effectively with target population; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable, 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; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, clients, families, hospitals, schools, state agencies, judicial and law enforcement agencies, physicians, other service professionals and agencies, service providers, contractors, committees, advisory councils and the public.

Education, experience and training: Master's degree in psychology, social work or related field and four years post-graduate experience in mental health counseling and psychotherapy which includes supervisory, quality assurance coordination or resource management experience. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Certifications: LCSW preferred. Some positions may require additional professional licensing or certification in specialized areas and/or experience with specific target population.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the general direction of a mental health specialist 5 or mental health division director. 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. Capacity for independent judgment is expected in the diagnosis and treatment of clients at this level. Direction, assistance and review will be given for difficult cases. Employee estimates and manages time efficiently. Work is reviewed periodically 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, guidelines and ordinances; mental health, alcohol and drug and counseling reference materials, corrections guidelines, application of clinical ethics of social work; physical restraint procedures. Available guidelines may not completely apply to every situation encountered, so the mental health specialist uses considerable judgment in interpreting and adapting to individual situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment and in the field; may involve bending, hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, lifting up to 14 pounds, sitting, standing 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. A reasonable amount of driving is required.