Mental Health Specialist

The Mental Health Specialist will assist the Program Manager or Clinical Director in carrying out the clinical service plan for their assigned program. This will include providing and supervising individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and advocacy for assigned clients. The Mental Health Specialist will ensure that clinical services are provided according to program structure and schedule.

Essential Functions (Principal Duties and Job Responsibilities):

• Provide clinical services (such as group therapy and individual counseling) utilizing best practices such as the Hazelton Curriculum for group and CBT for individual.
• In collaboration with the Program Manager, provides behavioral and therapeutic structure.
• Responsible for appropriately intervening and/or reporting program violations as they occur.
• Collect and report statistical data to administration as required by funding and other agencies.
• Provide psycho-educational groups and family counseling when appropriate.
• Complete scheduled and unscheduled room searches for possible weapons, contraband, etc.
• Maintain a functional knowledge of best practices for service delivery that are trauma-informed, client-centered, and goal-oriented such as Motivational Interviewing.
• Maintain, and practice skills regarding sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds of clients and others contacted in carrying out job responsibilities.
•  Monitor and supervise clients in the absence of the Mental Health Technician.
• Verify clients have received new client’s orientation, insuring full understanding of program rules and procedures within twenty-four (24) hours of their arrival.
• Utilizing appropriate forms hardcopy or electronic, document group and individual sessions with clients. 
• Maintain clinical records and required paperwork in compliance with agency standards.
• Attend and participate in treatment team meetings in order to give and receive client condition reports.
• Attend all appropriate client care conferences and staff meetings.
• Participate in funding agency training activities as required.
• Perform other departmental mission related duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Be courteous, tactful, and discrete in relating to the public, other staff, and clients.
• Adhere to the guidelines as stated in the Meharry Medical College Policy and Procedures Manual.
• Provide other services that benefit the program and/or agency as assigned by the Program Manager or Clinical Director.

Education and Experience Required:

• M.A. or M.S. in the Social Services Field with a
• Minimum of two years’ experience providing clinical services to mental health or substance abuse.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification is preferred. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and organizational ability.
• Bilingual (Spanish).