Mental Health Technician Jobs in Washington

POSITION TITLE: Mental Health Therapist
DEPARTMENT: HHS – Behavioral Health
LOCATION: DuPont, Washington
REPORTS TO: Clinical Supervisor
STATUS: Hourly; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $45.45 - $54.50 per hour (Dual-Credentialed falls higher within the range)

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes a Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Provides client-centered, strengths-based, and culturally responsive therapeutic services to individuals, families, and groups in a clinical setting. Conducts evaluations, diagnostics, therapy, and crisis intervention using evidence-based practices, with a focus on co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders, including addiction, mental illness, and trauma-informed care. Supports clients in their recovery journey by facilitating engagement in behavioral health services. Adheres to HIPAA and confidentiality requirements. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the HHS department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides comprehensive assessment of clients using a variety of instruments to determine the diagnosis, treatment motivation, relapse potential, physical health, mental health, environment, and vocational situation; determines level of care, intervention strategies, and an individualized treatment plan.
• Collaborates with a diverse team of professionals integrating care in assessment, treatment, and medical care to people in our Behavioral Health program.
• Adheres to established DSM guidelines and ASAM protocols.
• Works with other community services and resources in obtaining and providing continuous care in an individualized recovery plan for clients.
• Discovers and discusses the underlying causes of addiction for each client and assesses co-existing health issues and concerns.
• Counsels clients in a group or individual setting on the effects of drugs and alcohol and special health considerations such as pregnancy, mental health conditions, or chronic health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure and the emotional/cognitive complications that may arise.
• Engages clients through outreach and building rapport.
• Develops appropriate individualized treatment plans to address the client’s mental health and substance use issues, coping strategies, and recovery needs; educates families, friends, or other caregivers on how to help addicts stay on track.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of treatment programs; monitors client progress; remains aware of the signs of recidivism; conducts urinalysis as needed.
• Participates as a member of a clinical team that meets weekly to discuss cases regarding progress updates, hurdles, feedback, recommendations, and other regular clinic topics.
• Manages client caseload ethically in accordance with established procedures
• Incorporates traditional cultural approaches as needed to aid in therapy and recovery.
• Completes all required documentation in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Prepares current client progress reports and completion notices and provides them to courts, probation departments, DCFS, and referral sources as appropriate.
• Participates in professional development and maintains required certifications and licenses.
• Adapts to changes in safety protocols and procedures.
• Works collaboratively in a team environment to achieve shared goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of client evaluation and plan of care procedures.
• Knowledge of client outreach services and activities.
• Knowledge and understanding of clinical counseling principles, substance and chemical abuse, programs, and methodology.
• Knowledge and familiarity with the use of DSM-V in the development of treatment plans for the client with substance abuse issues.
• Skills in interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation.
• Skill in preparing and maintaining client records.
• Ability to apply mental health counseling methods and techniques.
• Ability to conceptualize client and family experiences through a culturally and historically informed lens.
• Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic programs and to make individual modifications.
• Ability to develop and present educational programs and workshops.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate individual patient care programs.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with clients and their families.
• Ability to integrate training, experience, and common sense sufficiently to identify potentially dangerous situations and resolve the situation with minimum injury to self or other persons.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, or closely related field, required.
• Licensed to provide mental health services (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, PsyD) in Washington state, required.
• Three years of experience serving as a mental health counselor, required.
• Two years of experience providing behavioral health services to youth, preferred.
• Certified as a substance use disorder professional (SUDP) in Washington state, with two years of experience, preferred.
  • Candidates with an Associate or trainee-level credential, or no current credential, may be considered for the role.
• Experience working within American Indian and/or Alaska Native communities preferred.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.
• Has not been found guilty of, charged with, received a deferred sentence, received a conditional discharge of, or entered a plea of not contest to, or entered a plea of guilty to any one felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, exploitation or sexual contact; prostitution; or crimes committed against person(s) or children.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers for a variety of tasks, talk, and hear. The employee occasionally is required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distances.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office/clinical setting with a moderate noise level. Employees may be exposed to bodily fluids, bloodborne pathogens, and infectious diseases. Situations may occur where PPE (personal protective equipment) is needed. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.