Open: 03/03/26

Close: Until Filled

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Mental Health Therapist

RESPONSIBLE TO: Clinical Supervisor

SALARY: Step 25 ($59,406) - ($104,169); Full Benefits

CLASSIFICATION: Professional, Regular, Full-Time

LOCATION: Youth & Family Guidance Center

BACKGROUND: P.L. 101-630

POSITION OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of the Mental Health Therapist will be to provide evaluation and therapeutic services to eligible Tribal Members. The Mental Health Therapist will make appropriate referrals and will be responsible for ensuring services are meeting the needs of clients and that services being provided are in accordance with professional practices and legal requirements. Routine duties shall include providing health care related services to individuals eligible for services provided by Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services in homes, schools, clinics, alternate job sites and other community locations within the Klamath Tribes’ Service Unit.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBIITIES  

1. Assess, develop, implement, and evaluate an effective and efficient treatment plan that will appropriately meet the needs of individual clients, utilizing programs, agency and community resources.

2. Perform comprehensive diagnostic interviews, complete comprehensive assessments and brief crisis assessments.

3. Utilize evidence based, practice based, and culturally appropriate interventions in individual, group, and family therapy. Plan frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.

4. Provide treatment in outreach locations, as needed, such as jail, home visits and schools. Provide brief solution focused treatment in primary care setting, as needed.

5. Follow clinical guidelines for best practice, including level of care decisions and appropriate referrals. Collaborate with Substance Treatment Counselors, Behavioral Health Consultants, Case Managers, Behavioral Health Aids, Peer Supports, Intensive Case Managers, and Psychiatric Med Managers to provide comprehensive care.

6. Assist clients in navigation through other community systems such as schools, courts, and primary care.

7. Advocate for client needs and assist clients with linkage to other community resources and support services.

8. Adheres to KTHFS Policy on documentation in the Electronic Health Record in compliance with State, Federal, Professional and Ethical guidelines and adhere to federal laws protecting patient’s personal health information. 

9. Participate in clinical staffing/triage meetings to discuss appropriate referrals and review charts for quality assurance, and grant or contract compliance.

10. Participate in group and/or individual clinical supervision in accordance with licensure and ethics requirements.

11. Network with other professionals, in various Oregon DHS programs, Tribal Administration programs, the criminal justice system, schools and health care systems, as needed to implement effective treatment.

12. Provide information for the monthly department report to the Behavioral Health Director, when requested.

13. Participate in the development and implementation of new services, as needed.

14. Participate in accreditation and site reviews, as needed.

15. Like all employees of the Klamath Tribes, the incumbent will be called upon to accomplish other tasks that may not be directly related to this position, but are integral to the Klamath Tribes’ broader functions, including but not limited to, assisting during Tribal sponsored cultural, traditional, or community events that enable the successful operation of programs and practices of The Klamath Tribes as aligned with The Klamath Tribes’ Mission Statement. Some of these tasks may be scheduled outside of regular work hours, if necessary.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS  

The Mental Health Therapist works under the direct supervision of the Clinical Services Manager, who provides general instructions. Work is assigned in terms of functional/organizational objectives. Specific caseloads and job duties within the scope of work may be assigned by the supervisor and may vary due to program goals and needs.  The supervisor will provide guidance with unusual situations that do not have clear precedents. The Clinical Services Manager will monitor and review work of unlicensed Mental Health Therapists, as required when working toward independent licensure.

The employee works independently, resolves problems on the basis of past precedent; exercises judgment interpreting guidelines and applicability; and ensures deadlines are met.

The employee plans and carries out various stages of a project by selecting and using approved methods and techniques as appropriate. Assignments are reviewed for quality and compliance with established policies and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES  

Knowledge of theories, principles, and practice to include various theoretical models of psychotherapy; psychological assessment and report writing; crisis intervention; and ethical issues in the practice of mental health counseling. If a Licensed Psychologist, knowledge of both cognitive and personality psychological testing and report writing. 

Knowledge of psychotropic medications, treatment interventions for dual diagnosis, family systems theory, and trauma informed care models.

Knowledge of the psychological effects of illness on individuals and their families, and the role of psychological factors in the exacerbation of illness.

Skill in providing diagnostic, preventative and/or therapeutic services to clients.

Ability to meet all state licensing requirements, including obtaining clinical supervision and adequate direct client service hours in preparation for independent licensure or adequate CEUs to maintain independent licensure.

Ability to obtain and maintain necessary licensure. 

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to compile information to aid clients in carrying out treatment objectives. 

Ability to function positively in an environment of limited resources.

Ability to relate well with a diverse group of people, including staff and the public.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of medical records and adhere to the standards for health record-keeping, HIPAA and Privacy Act requirements.

QUALIFICATION, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION  

Minimum Qualifications: Failure to comply with minimum position requirements may result in termination of employment.

· REQUIRED to have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology; OR a master’s degree in counseling, or Couples and Family Therapy, or Clinical Social Work. (Must submit copy of degree or transcripts with application.)

· REQUIRED to obtain independent Oregon licensure within two years from date of hire, if unlicensed at time of hire.  Out of state licensed professionals must be able to acquire an Oregon License within six months of hire. Klamath Tribal Health will reimburse up to $500 of the cost for testing and license. (Must submit copy of applicable license with application, if currently licensed).  

· REQUIRED to have a minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience. Clinical practicum, internship, and post-graduate supervised training may count toward this requirement.

· REQUIRED to possess and maintain a valid Oregon Driver’s License, (out of state applicants must receive ODL within 90 days of hire), have good driving record and be insurable by the Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services’ vehicle insurance policy. (Must submit copy of driver license with application.)

· REQUIRED to have experience in the assessment of suicide risk, self-injurious behavior, and all high-risk behaviors, case management of high-risk clients.

· REQUIRED to have experience with clients who have been victims of physical and/or psychological trauma, with attention to early intervention.

· REQUIRED to be free from exclusion from providing Federal health care benefits including Medicare and Medicaid as per the Federal OIG and GSA exclusion lists.

· REQUIRED to submit to annual TB skin testing and adhere to KTHFS staff immunization policy in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control immunization recommendations for healthcare workers. 

· REQUIRED to submit to a background and character investigation, as per Tribal policy. Following hire must immediately report to Human Resource any citation, arrest, conviction for a misdemeanor or felony crime.

· REQUIRED to acquire and maintain BLS certification within 180 days of hire; strongly recommend certification within 90 days of hire, probationary period will be extended for a maximum of 180 days pending certification.

· REQUIRED to accept the responsibility of a Mandatory Reporter in accordance with the Klamath Tribes Juvenile Ordinance Title 2, Chapter 15.64 and General Council Resolution #2005 003, all Tribal staff are considered mandatory reporters.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Independent licensures such as LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or Clinical Psychologist are strongly preferred.

· Experience working with a multidisciplinary team is highly preferred.

· Knowledge of Traditional Tribal Healing Practices. 

· Experience working with Native Americans is strongly preferred.

· Experience in program development is preferred.

Indian Preference:

Indian and Tribal Preference will apply, as per policy. (Must submit tribal documentation with application to qualify for Indian Preference).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  

This position description is intended to provide an overview of the requirements of the position. It is not necessarily inclusive, and the job may require other essential and/or non-essential functions, tasks, duties, or responsibilities not listed herein. Management reserves the sole right to add, modify, or exclude any essential or non-essential requirement at any time with or without notice. Nothing in this job description, or by the completion of any job requirement by the employee, is intended to create a contract of employment of any type.