Qualified Mental Health Associate

Department Overview

About The Department of PsychiatryLink https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/psychiatry

The fundamental purpose of OHSU and The Department of Psychiatry is to improve well-being.

The OHSU Department of Psychiatry is part of the OHSU Brain Institute, and focuses on providing excellent clinical treatment to our patients, leading innovative research, and offering hands-on training for the next generation of psychiatrists. Our specialists care for people of every culture and background and it is our mission to value and show appreciation for diversity, showing respect for all people who we treat, teach, and serve.

The Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) provides outpatient mental health care, including case management, group and individual therapy, and medication management support to people in Oregon whose first language is other than English. IPP has about 7 psychiatrists and /or psychiatric residents, 13 QMHA & QMHP- level clinicians (mental health counselors), and an administrative staff of four persons. This staff currently serves roughly 1,300 patients.

Function/Duties of Position

The Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) works closely with staff psychiatrists of the Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) as part of an integrated team model to provide comprehensive, holistic care for individuals seeking mental health services in a culturally sensitive environment. This position adheres to the Oregon Health Authority Oregon

Administrative Rules 309 as it relates to Outpatient Mental Health Services. Duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

The Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) works in a dyad with staff psychiatrists of the Intercultural Psychiatric Program (IPP) to provide trauma-informed approach in language and cultural interpretation, individual and group services, and interventions to psychiatric outpatients to Somali-Speaking patients. This position provides clinical case management and other clinical support to Somali-speaking patients and potentially other IPP patients, as specified by the director or manager of the IPP clinical services. This position shall provide services as assigned by the supervisor in furtherance of the university’s missions and goals of teaching, research, patient care, outreach, and public service.

Required Qualifications

• Fluency in written and spoken English and fluency in written and spoken Somali.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR 3 years of relevant work experience.
• QMHAs must demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and apply each of these concepts, implement skills development strategies, and identify, implement and coordinate the services and supports identified in an ISSP.
• Requires basic skills in word processing and ability to complete reports and other documentation in electronic format.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English and fluency in written and spoken Somali.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and comfort with culture of people from other cultures as well as be able to function cooperatively in a multicultural environment.
• A strong patient-service orientation, the interpersonal skills necessary to work effectively in a diverse psychiatric outpatient program and the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Must be registered as a QMHA with the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) or hold QMHA Basic Certification (QMHA-I).
• Registered candidates must meet OAR 309-019-0125 standards for initial qualification for employment in State Approved Mental Health Agencies.
•  QMHA-R (registered) candidates must register prior to employment and become fully certified within 2 years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two to three years of employment or mental health field as a Bicultural Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA).
• Experience working with immigrants and refugees in a clinical setting.
• Experience delivering culturally appropriate interventions.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed treatments.

Additional Details

***Apply here online. Upload cover letter and resume.  Please be sure to include months and years (MM/YYYY format) to the resume for jobs/work experience.***

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]