Family Based Mental Health Worker

Job Title: Mental Health Worker

FLSA:  Non-Exempt

Reports To: Program Coordinator

Department: Family Based Mental Health

SUMMARY

Family Based Mental Health Services are a team based, intensive, strength based in-home/community system designed to strengthen families by identifying the family's individual, corporate and cultural strengths, building on these strengths and, in so doing, mitigating problems within the family.  The FBMH Worker provides counseling and crisis intervention services to consumers, and their families experiencing family, personal social or substance abuse problems.  Participates in the preparation of a treatment plan which documents service responsibilities of all agencies involved in the primary consumer and families' care.  Records goals addressed at each session, progress on goals and planning for the next session in daily Case Notes for each session completed.  Participates in monthly Treatment plan update meetings with involved CASSP agencies including school and family member representation.  The Mental Health worker should have a Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, andpossess the knowledge and ability to de-escalate crisis and conflict situations and develop positive relationships with consumers and their families. 

In addition to the details and requirements listed below, Folium, Inc. expects the employee to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles in trauma treatment will be required through attendance in training and the use of identified evidence-based practices. Trauma informed care includes cultural sensitivity and emphasizes a safe and respectful environment for all clients and staff.??

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with the Mental Health Professional, participate in the preparation of family assessments outlining specific strengths and needs within the primary consumer and other family members, as indicated.  An initial treatment plan must be assembled within 5 working days of the initial intake/assessment meeting.  A more in-depth treatment plan which is a cooperative effort with all involved CASSP agencies must be completed within 30 days of contact.

• Provide an average of 30.0 hours direct service delivery addressing assigned goals as specified on the Treatment Plan to the authorized consumers/families per week. 

• Provide24-hour X 7 day a week coverage for crisis intervention.  Response by telephone should be within 15 minutes of receipt.  Calls requiring onsite response should have the appropriate team member on sight within 1 hour of receipt.

• In conjunction with input from the consumer, family member(s), attending CASSP agencies, and other FBMHS team members, the Mental Health Worker is responsible forparticipating in the development of the Treatment plan.

• Participate in 30-day treatment plan review meetings including all signatories of the treatment plan.

• Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with community and contractual agencies so as tofacilitate treatment services provided to consumers and their families.

• In cooperation with other treatment team members, participate in the preparation of required program reports including, the Assessment/Intake Report, Treatment Plans, Monthly Treatment Plan update reports, Safety Reports, Unusual Incident reports, Court Reports, Discharge Plans, Closure Reports and other required communications as indicated.

• Candidate will have to successfully complete and maintain certification of ESPI training. ESPI techniques are only used in compliance with Laurel Life policy and procedure and within guidelines established by third-party experts in the proper and legal use of ESPI.

• May perform other duties, activities or special projects as requested by the Family Connections Group Director, Division Administrator or Executive Director.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, knowledge of clinical issues, treatment strategies, and the ability to develop meaningful relationships with clients, must be able to remain calm,identify problem situations and de-escalate potentially explosive situations.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Through knowledge of counseling and emotional de-escalation techniques as would be acquired through either a Bachelor's level or higher degree in Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Rehabilitation, Theology or other Social Welfare specializations; have 12 college level semester hours in humanities in an of the above specializations and be enrolled for certification by the Department of Public Welfare, Office of Mental Health(OMH) as a mental health family worker, in an of the above specializations, or licensing as an RN and be enrolled for certification by the Department of Public Welfare, Office of Mental Health(OMH) as a mental health family worker,.

EXPERIENCE:

One year experience in a CASSP system program for Bachelor's level or the licensed RN.  Through knowledge of how to apply emotional de-escalation and counseling skills, counseling experience with children, adolescents and adults experiencing psychiatric, behavioral or substance abuse problems of a magnitude sufficient to be in risk of out of home placement.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This is a team-based, intensive in-home clinical position that is primarily performed in consumer homes and the community.  Due to the nature of the services performed, the employee in this capacity will be required to visit children/adolescents and their families in their homes, the courtroom, schools, etc.  This is a direct service position requiring approximately 30% travel. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  This job description is not intended to be a contract of employment.  The employee covered by this job description is an at-will employee of Laurel Life.