School Based Qualified Mental Health Specialist (QMHS)

BENEFITS AND SALARY:
The salary for this position is $22.50 an hour.

At Applewood, we prioritize our employees and their wellbeing. We provide competitive benefit options to our employees and their families, including domestic partners.
Our offerings include:

• Comprehensive health and Rx plans, including a flat rate option.
• Wellness program including free preventative care
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• 50% tuition reduction at Case Western Reserve University for the MSW programs
• 403(b) retirement plan with an employer match
• Pet insurance
• Employer paid life insurance and long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Support for continuing education and credential renewal
• Ancillary benefits including: dental, vision, voluntary life, short term disability, hospital indemnity, accident, critical illness
• Flexible Spending Account for Health and Dependent Care

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Education: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field required.
2. Licensure: QMHS certification must be obtained before billing services for the Agency.
3. Experience : Experience working with children and families, preferably in a school setting, as part of a master’s degree internship program.
4. Other: Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the underwriting criteria of the Agency’s insurance company. Must be approved by Applewood to transport client in own vehicle.

SUMMARY:
The School Based QMHS provides guidance and instruction to foster emotional, physical and mental growth of clients through therapeutic intervention and positive role modeling. The QMHS provides TBS, consultation, prevention, and referral to individuals, groups and professional partners within an assigned school as well as within the community and/or office as needed. The School Based QMHS assists clients in accordance with established guidelines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Provide therapeutic behavioral services (TBS), Prevention and Consultation based on client assessed needs.
2. School Based QMHS staff are required to obtain Social Work Assistant credential.
3. Coordinates with School Based Therapist to provide referred families and individuals with assessment services, as needed.
4. Interview clients to obtain information pertinent to establishing and maintaining effective client records and Individual Treatment Plans (ITPs). Gather information in a timely and systemic manner that will enable ongoing treatment planning.
5. Develop and maintain strengths-focused, professional alignment and engagement with families.
6. Develop and coordinate focused, measurable and achievable ITPs that are consistent with the client and family's identified needs.
7. Collaborate with families and clients in the development of crisis plans and provides crisis assistance and coaching as needed.
8. Assist clients and families with the development of skills that will enhance and improve family functioning in areas that include but are not limited to interpersonal relationships, anger management, coping, etc.
9. Provide supportive services to client and school staff as needed and requested by parents and school administrators.
10. Meet productivity expectations established for school based staff.
11. Close cases in a timely manner, accurately completing discharge and aftercare plans and related paperwork based on goal achievement and/or agency policy/procedure.
12. Form and maintain collaborative working relationships with natural supports, collateral professionals and/or agencies concerning individual cases.
13. Assist and advocate on behalf of clients and families to secure needed resources, services and supports.
14. Consult with professional staff at the school regarding treatment planning, progress, and ongoing needs in a timely and consistent manner.
15. Provide mental health-related training to teachers and other school personnel.
16. Contact and meet with parents of clients for purposes of ongoing training and service coordination. Contact may include home and community site visits.
17. QMHS must follow the assigned school schedule and maintain flexibility in scheduling to accommodate evenings for appointments as needed.
18. Maintain a professionalism with clients and families that reflects courtesy, respect and the highest ethical standards.
19. Complete all required documentation completely, accurately, legibly and within specified timeframes and consistent with contractual obligations.
20. Secure supervisory signatures per licensing guidelines and agency policy/procedure.

OTHER DUTIES:

1. Attend team meetings and consultations on time and as scheduled. Be open to feedback and suggestion from others, be prepared for meetings, actively participate as a supportive team member, and maintain a positive working relationship with co-workers.
2. Incorporate supervisory suggestions and directions into clinical practice.
3. Apply professional training to revise and update clinical practice.
4. Collaborate with agency staff and administration on behalf of program changes.
5. Participate, as required, in program and performance improvement initiatives.
6. Have or maintain a good on-time attendance record.
7. Perform other duties as directed.

#ACI-BH-1

Applewood Centers, Inc. (“Applewood”) is a private, nonprofit agency providing mental health services, social services and education to children, adolescents and families living in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Dedicated to addressing a variety of behavioral, emotional and learning problems, we provide a continuum of care from outpatient counseling to residential treatment. Applewood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applewood’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applewood also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.