Mental Health Specialist

THE SALVATION ARMY

North and Central Illinois Division

Harbor Light

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Mental Health Specialist

LOCATION: Harbor Light/OPC Department

REPORTS TO: Director of Clinical Programs

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: Regular Full Time

DEPARTMENT MISSION

To provide leadership using policies, procedures and available systems to support the Harbor Light Center in meeting the mission of The Salvation Army

PROGRAM/CLIENT ENVIRONMENT

The backgrounds of the clients served by The Harbor Light Program will manifest a variety of inappropriate behaviors. When this occurs, employees are to respond within the context of the treatment environment of the site. Employee conduct (actions, dress, etc) and interactions (conversations, written communications, etc.) with clients must also be within the treatment environment of the facility.

OUTCOMES

To provide quality behavioral health service to Harbor Light clients and comply with the organizations policies and procedures

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Completes Mental Health Evaluations when assigned.
2. Carries a caseload; provide direct services to clients via individual and group counseling.
3. Treatment provided is overseen and delivered according to individual treatment plans and within current policies and procedures.
4. Ensures that case files are up to date and maintained in accordance with agency and DASA standards.
5. Network with current and prospective referral sources and other community agencies to ensure the needs of the client are met.
6. Participates in staff meetings and clinic staffing.
7. Presentations of client's issues are made and notes are taken on assigned days in the Review Board.
8. An active interest and involvement is maintained in the field of mental health and substance use disorders.
9. Record keeping functions are performed, statistical and other required reports are prepared.
10. May oversee program in the absence of the Outpatient Program Manager.
11. Administrative policies and practices are maintained and implemented with the guidance of the Outpatient Program Manager.
12. All other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Director of Clinical Programs.

This position relates to all support and clinical staff of all departments. Back-up consultation to all clinical staff of the Harbor Light Center related to dual diagnosis clients. Provides direct service to clients within clinic policies and programs; administratively responsible to the Clinical Supervisor.

In contacts related to this person's duties this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

1. The position requires a graduate Master's Degree from an accredited University. LCSW or LCPC preferred but not required. LSW or LPC.
2. At least two years' experience in the addiction and/or mental health field.
3. Experience conducting mental health evaluations, familiarity with DSM -5, working with clients with a psychiatric or dual diagnosis, assessing clients for risk of harm to self or others, crisis intervention experience, charting, knowledge of community resources and experience working with an interdisciplinary team including a psychiatrist is preferred

COMPENTENCIES

• Must possess a strong personal conviction for the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Have an attention to detail and able to complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Work within the ethical boundaries of the field.
• Competent in providing individual counseling, group counseling, substance abuse assessments, mental health evaluations and client documentation.
• Ability to work cooperatively with supervisor, support and clinical staff as well as other community providers.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Director of Clinical Programs informed on all critical issues relating to his/her area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light physical work, be able to walk two flights of steps, and lift up to 25lbs.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• The work environment for this position includes an office environment with a low to moderate noise level.
• Must be able to work with clients that have poor social skills, suffer from mental illness, and have substance abuse problems