Mental Health Therapist

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION: MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST I

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST II

RESPONSIBLE TO: Clinical Services Manager

SALARY: Step Range: 31-50; Full Benefits (working at least 20 hours a week)

Mental Health Therapist I Step Range 31-40

Mental Health Therapist II Step Range 41-50

CLASSIFICATION: Professional, Regular, Part-Time

LOCATION: Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services

Youth & Family Guidance Center

Healing Place, Klamath Falls, OR

BACKGROUND: P.L. 101-630 Level

POSITION OBJECTIVES

The primary purpose of the Mental Health Therapist is to provide behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and therapeutic services to eligible Tribal Members and other individuals eligible for services through Klamath Tribal Health & Family Services (KTHFS).

The Mental Health Therapist provides services through a trauma-informed, healing-centered, culturally responsive, and strengths-based framework that recognizes the impacts of historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and social determinants of health on individuals, families, and Tribal communities.

The Mental Health Therapist will provide evidence-based and culturally grounded therapeutic interventions that support emotional, mental, physical, cultural, and spiritual wellness while honoring Tribal values, traditions, family systems, and Indigenous ways of knowing.

Services may be provided in homes, schools, clinics, correctional facilities, alternate work sites, telehealth settings, and other community locations within The Klamath Tribes' Service Unit.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Mental Health Therapist I

This is the entry-to-journey level professional therapist position. The mental health therapist will provide assessment, treatment planning, individual, family, and group therapy services under general clinical supervision. Employees may be working toward independent licensure and are expected to develop increasing clinical independence and expertise.

Mental Health Therapist II

This is the advanced professional therapist position. The mental health therapist will independently manage complex clinical cases, provide advanced therapeutic interventions, assist with clinical consultation, mentor less experienced staff, and support program development and quality improvement activities. Employees demonstrate advanced clinical judgment and leadership in behavioral health service delivery.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assesses, develops, implements, and evaluates individualized treatment plans that address client needs utilizing evidence-based, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and healing-centered approaches.
• Conducts comprehensive diagnostic interviews, biopsychosocial assessments, risk assessments, brief crisis evaluations, and ongoing treatment planning.
• Provides individual, family, couples, and group therapy utilizing evidence-based, practice-based, and culturally appropriate interventions.
• Incorporates knowledge of historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), family systems, resilience, and protective factors into clinical assessment and treatment planning.
• Utilizes trauma-informed care principles that promote safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, cultural humility, and client self-determination.
• Provides treatment services in outreach locations, including schools, homes, correctional facilities, community settings, and primary care environments as needed.
• Provides crisis intervention, safety planning, stabilization services, and care coordination for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises.
• Follows established clinical guidelines, ethical standards, and best practices regarding treatment recommendations, level of care determinations, and referrals.
• Collaborates with Behavioral Health Consultants, Substance Use Disorder Counselors, Case Managers, Behavioral Health Aides, Peer Support Specialists, Intensive Case Managers, Psychiatric Medication Providers, medical providers, and community partners to ensure comprehensive care.
• Assists clients and families in navigating healthcare, educational, judicial, social service, and community systems.
• Advocates for client needs and assists with linkage to community resources, support services, traditional healing opportunities, and culturally relevant wellness activities.
• Promotes physical, emotional, psychological, cultural, and spiritual safety in all client interactions and service settings.
• Adheres to KTHFS policy regarding documentation in the Electronic Health Record and complies with all Tribal, State, Federal, Professional, and Ethical standards, including HIPAA requirements.
• Participates in clinical staffing, case consultation, triage meetings, quality assurance reviews, accreditation activities, and grant or contract compliance activities.
• Participates in individual and group clinical supervision in accordance with licensure requirements, ethical standards, and agency policy.
• Networks and collaborates with Tribal programs, Oregon Department of Human Services, schools, courts, healthcare systems, and community organizations to support client treatment goals.
• Assists in the development, implementation, evaluation, and improvement of behavioral health services and programs.
• Participates in accreditation reviews, site visits, audits, and quality improvement activities as assigned.
• Assists during Tribal-sponsored cultural, traditional, educational, and community events that support the mission, values, and services of The Klamath Tribes.
• Like all employees of The Klamath Tribes, the mental health therapist may be assigned additional duties that support the successful operation of Tribal programs and services.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES – MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST II

• Serves as a clinical resource and mentor for Mental Health Therapist I staff and other behavioral health team members.
• Provides consultation regarding complex, high-risk, and multi-system clinical cases.
• Assists with staff orientation, training, and professional development activities.
• Supports implementation of trauma-informed, healing-centered, and culturally responsive practices across behavioral health programs.
• Assists leadership with quality improvement initiatives, program development, and clinical outcome evaluation.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Mental Health Therapist works under the direct supervision of the Clinical Service Manager, who provides general instructions and guidance regarding program objectives and clinical standards.

Specific caseloads and assignments will vary according to organizational priorities and program needs. The supervisor provides consultation regarding unusual circumstances, ethical concerns, and situations without clear precedent.

Mental Health Therapist I staff may receive additional clinical supervision in accordance with Oregon licensing requirements.

Employees are expected to exercise independent professional judgment, maintain ethical practice standards, manage assigned caseloads, and complete duties within established timelines.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

•Knowledge of theories, principles, and practices of psychotherapy, behavioral health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and crisis intervention.

• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care principles including safety, trustworthiness, collaboration, empowerment, peer support, and cultural responsiveness
• Knowledge of historical trauma, intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), resilience theory, and healing-centered engagement.
• Knowledge of Indigenous wellness practices, traditional healing approaches, and culturally grounded behavioral health interventions.
• Understanding of the effects of colonization, historical oppression, systemic inequities, and social determinants of health on Native American and Alaska Native communities.
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, dual diagnosis treatment, family systems theory, and recovery-oriented care.
• Knowledge of suicide prevention, risk assessment, safety planning, and crisis stabilization.
• Skill in providing diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic behavioral health services.
• Ability to establish therapeutic relationships with individuals, families, and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to meet and maintain State licensing requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to compile and analyze information to assist clients in achieving treatment goals.
• Ability to function effectively in environments with limited resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA, Privacy Act requirements, and professional ethical standards.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION

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

Mental Health Therapist I

• REQUIRED to possess a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology; OR a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.
• REQUIRED to possess Oregon licensure or associate licensure eligible for clinical practice under Oregon law.
• REQUIRED to obtain independent Oregon licensure within two (2) years of hire if not independently licensed at time of hire.
• REQUIRED to have a minimum of one (1) year of clinical experience. Practicum, internship, residency, and supervised post-graduate experience may be counted toward this requirement.

Mental Health Therapist II

• REQUIRED to possess a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology; OR a Master's Degree in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical Social Work, or related behavioral health field from an accredited institution.
• REQUIRED to possess an unrestricted Oregon professional license (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, Clinical Psychologist, or equivalent).
• REQUIRED to have a minimum of three (3) years of post-graduate clinical experience.
• REQUIRED to demonstrate experience independently managing complex clinical cases and providing advanced behavioral health treatment.

REQUIRED FOR BOTH LEVELS

• Experience assessing suicide risk, self-injurious behavior, and other high-risk behaviors.
• Experience providing services to individuals affected by physical, emotional, psychological, historical, or intergenerational trauma.
• Valid Oregon Driver's License and insurable driving record.
• Successful completion of a background and character investigation.
• Compliance with KTHFS immunization and TB screening requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain BLS certification.
• Compliance with mandatory reporting requirements.
• Free from exclusion from participation in Federal healthcare programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Independent licensure as LPC, LMFT, LCSW, or Licensed Psychologist.
• Experience working within Tribal health systems or Native American communities.
• Knowledge of Traditional Tribal Healing Practices.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience in program development and quality improvement initiatives.
• Training or certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Seeking Safety, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or other evidence-based trauma treatment models.
• Knowledge of local behavioral health resources and community services.

Indian Preference

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

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT