Mental Health Clinician at Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation – Dillingham, Alaska

PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The candidate will be responsible for the provision of services to adults with chronic mental illnesses, emotional disturbances and those that may be in crisis as well as, children with either severe emotional disturbance or chronic mental illness. The candidate will be expected to provide ongoing therapeutic services to the clients. Services are provided to children and their families according to an individualized treatment plan and may occur in the Behavioral Health Counseling Center, medical clinic, school, and/or community environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A Master’s Degree in psychology, social work, or counseling is required. It is preferred that the candidate be licensed in Alaska or another state. An Alaska license is required within six months of employment.
2. A minimum of one year of experience providing psychotherapy or counseling services to adults, children, and adolescents working in a clinical environment under supervision.
3. Must demonstrate leadership, stability, dependability and be able to work with some autonomy.
4. Possess core clinical skills that allow one to establish rapport with the client and their family members if needed.
5. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide:
   1. developmentally and age appropriate therapeutic interventions;
   2. knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span (e.g., pediatric/adult/geriatric);
   3. possess the ability to assess data reflective of the client’s status and;
   4. interpret information needed to identify each client’s therapeutic needs.
   5. crisis interventions with proficiency and sensitivity for clients and their families
6. Cultural knowledge of Native Alaskans/American Indians preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and relevant knowledge base (especially with Alaska Natives), be able to self-evaluate and know when to consult with other clinical staff.
2. Possess core clinical skills to gather and implement evidence-based therapeutic interventions that are conducive to the needs of the clients and their families.
3. Provide comprehensive assessment of adults, children, adolescents, and family members referred to mental health from throughout the Bristol Bay region, and provide or make recommendations for follow-up services. Assessments maybe conducted in the client’s community.
4. Responsible for the timely completion of accurate authorization requests and reporting requirements for Medicaid, and other payers of service. Become familiar with billing requirements and policies.
5. As a member of the interdisciplinary treatment team, provide support, direction, and assistance towards reaching targeted goals of the client's individual treatment plan.
6. Develops positive and empathetic relationship with clients and acts as a positive reinforcement and role model to motivate clients towards achieving personal goals.
7. Assists in planning and coordinating respite foster homes, recreational, educational, and vocational activities as required by individual treatment plans.
8. Provide assistance and oversight to clients in self-management of their medications.
9. Coordinate with community professionals as required, including outreach to social services, schools, hospital, employers, probation officer, Office of Children Services, ICWA Social Worker, and other provider agencies.
10. Transport, or assist clients with transportation needs, when scheduled for health, welfare, or rehabilitative service appointments, and during approved activities.
11. Maintain strict client confidentiality in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 HIPAA and HITECH Act, Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation policies, and Behavioral Health Center policy and procedures.
12. Develop treatment plans and maintain current documentation in client charts and online, according to established procedures.
13. Augment other outpatient services including prevention/education services on children and family issues.
14. Attend staff meetings, treatment team meetings, training and conferences when appropriate.
15. Become CPR and First Aid certified within one month of hire.
16. Be familiar with mental health emergency system procedures, and participate in emergency on call rotation.
17. Assess client’s potential for violence to self and/or others and make recommendations to family, referral agencies, hospital, or court.
18. Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK: This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some weekends or evening hours necessary in emergency situations. Attendance in accordance with the BBAHC Attendance policy is a job requirement.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: None

SUPERVISED BY: Clinical Director of Behavioral Health