Mental Health Specialist

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Options Counseling and Family Services
, founded in 1991 in Florence, Oregon, has since expanded to serve fourteen counties in western Oregon. Headquartered in Eugene, we provide quality mental health and family preservation services to diverse communities. Committed to supporting health, safety, and empowerment.

Options offer these benefits to our full-time employees (full-time is any employee working 30 hours per week) company-paid health/vision and dental, long-term disability, and life insurance; for a full list of all benefits, please view our website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Provides services to families in which children are at risk of out-of-home placement, children are reuniting with families after out-of-home placement, children are currently in out-of-home placement, and/or foster or adoptive families who have children experiencing disruptive placements. Provides case management to caregivers involved with ODHS Child Welfare to address safety concerns. They will also accompany caseworkers for intakes when there are possible mental health concerns.

Implements effective service plans in collaboration with ODHS caseworker and family members. Supports families with mental health issues and assists in providing access to mental health services. Adheres to ODHS contract requirements. Co-located in ODHS branch. Ability to travel and transport clients to families’ homes and communities required.

This position is anticipated to be full-time (40 hours/week). However, some weeks may have fewer scheduled hours. The actual hours worked may vary daily depending on the needs of the referring agency or individual client families. Some overtime may be required and approved by your supervisor in response to client needs, referrals, or other factors.

Meet requirements as a Qualified Mental Health Associate
. Two years experience working with at‑risk families within the last five years or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience. Effective working with families in which children have experienced abuse or neglect has occurred. Must have respectful, open, unbiased, accepting attitude toward clients and their families. Relate effectively with children, adolescents, parents, staff and the community. Pass a ODHS background check and/or fingerprinting.

Maintain client confidentiality. Must have a valid Oregon driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance.

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or counseling. Knowledge of family dynamics that may include sexual abuse, substance use, and intimate partner violence.

50% – Direct Service

• Help family members overcome barriers and identify strengths to meet the child(ren)’s needs for safety, permanency, and well-being
• Maintain and carry out all scheduled appointments
• Collaborate with ODHS and follow the identified case plan
• Utilize Motivational Interviewing, Wraparound, Collaborative Problem Solving, and other evidence-based practices
• Refer client to supportive services to supplement services as appropriate
• Work a flexible schedule to meet families’ needs and be available for crisis consultation
• Provide interventions that are family-focused, culturally relevant, behavioral, goal-directed, and trauma-informed
• Assess for caregiver capacities as related to child safety and well-being
• Provide immediate assistance to caseworker, including attending appointments in homes and communities to assess family needs and determine case disposition
• Help caregivers improve diminished protective capacities
• Assist family members in accessing behavioral health services

35% – Case Coordination

• Coordinate case activities with Contract Supervisor, ODHS/Child Welfare, Juvenile Department, schools, and other community partners
• Participate in Family Decision Meetings, Citizens’ Review Board, and Court hearings (with a valid subpoena and court…