Mental Health Professional

Minimum Requirements

Identify items that are minimally required to perform the essential functions of this position.

Preferred or Specialized

Not required to perform the essential functions of the position.

Education:

Eligibility as determined by the Illinois Register Department of Healthcare and Family Services 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140 by at least one of the following qualifications:

* Requires a high school diploma or GED

and a minimum of five years documented clinical experience in mental health or human services; or

* An individual possessing a certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program, plus a high school diploma or GED, plus two years' documented experience in providing mental health services; or

* Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in human services or related field.

Illinois Register Department of Healthcare and Family Services 89 Ill. Adm. Code 140:

* An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, Psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or a related human service field; or

* An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in any field, other than those identified in subsection (b)(4)(D), with two years of documented clinical experience in a mental health setting under the supervision of a QMHP; or

* A practical nurse who holds a valid license in the state of practice and is legally authorized under state law or rule to practice as a practical nurse, so long as that practice is not in conflict with the Illinois Nurse Practice Act; or

* A recovery support specialist with a current certification from the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.; or

* A family partnership professional with current certification from the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association,

Inc.; or

* An occupational therapy assistant with at least one year of experience in a mental health setting that holds a valid license in the state of practice and is

legally authorized under state law or rule to practice as an occupational therapist assistant, so long as that practice is not in conflict with the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act. In the event the state of practice does not provide a legal

authority for licensure, the individual must meet the requirements of 42 CFR 484.4 for an occupational therapist.

Experience:

Two years supervised experience in mental health or human services.

License(s)/Certification(s):

* Valid driver's license.

* Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 6 months of hire.

* Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training within 6 months of hire.

* Obtain certification within 2 months of hire and re-certify annually according to the requirements set forth in the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services related to the Illinois Medicaid Comprehensive Needs & Strengths (IM+CANS)

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

* Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to a wide range of client situations.

* Able to accurately collect and assess information, understand ethical standards of behavioral healthcare, and utilize teaching/learning theories.

* Demonstrated excellent communication skills (orally and in writing) and presents self in a professional manner.

* Able to establish effective consultative relationship with health care providers, outside agencies, co-workers, and the community.

* Able to work sensitively with clients.

* Able to handle multiple priorities, maintain composure under stress, and adapt to a fast paced changing environment.

* Proficiency in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) applications

Other: