Do you have a passion for making a difference? We are seeking an exceptional Licensed Mental Health Professional to join our nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives and creating positive change in our community.

Ouachita Behavioral Health and Wellness (OBHAW) is the oldest nonprofit mental health organization in the area, and we are dedicated to transforming lives and creating positive change in our community. Our team members work together to create a collaborative, empowering environment where individuals are able to heal. We are a values-driven organization and believe that these values should guide us: Openness - Balance - Honesty & Integrity - Accountability - Work Together.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Paid holidays and a generous PTO (Paid Time Off) plan.
• 401k retirement plan with 4% employer match.
• NHSC student loan reimbursement.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a mission-driven organization.
• A collaborative and inclusive work culture that values innovation, creativity, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

Join us today in our mission to create lasting change!

OBHAW is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 501.620.5126.

Job Description: Mental Health Professional in our Forensic Outpatient Restoration Program (FORP)

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Summary:

The Mental Health Professional is responsible for providing mental health assessment, diagnosis, case coordination, and providing medically necessary counseling services to individuals and families in accordance with OBHAW's Mission, Vision and Values.

This individual will provide services through our Forensic Outpatient Restoration Program (FORP).

Under Arkansas law, individuals who have committed a crime and are suspected to have a mental disease or defect are ordered to DHS for evaluation for fitness and responsibility. Individuals who are evaluated and found to be unfit to stand trial may be ordered into DHS custody for restoration treatment and detention, or they may be released to receive treatment through the Forensic Outpatient Restoration Program. After receiving restoration treatment and education the unfit defendants are re-evaluated for fitness. The DHS Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services is responsible for the management of the forensic population including coordination of restoration and treatment services for individuals who have been found unfit to stand trial.

FORP aims to provide services for individuals to receive court-ordered competency restoration services tailored to their individual needs with the goal of managing mental health and restoring individuals to competency, assisting them in developing coping skills and decision making skills to help in court and community re-entry and helping them develop and understanding of the court process and the roles of the people involved in order to encourage full participation in their defense.

The successful individual in this position will demonstrate exceptional ability to multitask with a strong focus on detail and follow-through. They will work daily with the courts, DHS, and correctional systems and must be comfortable doing so. Services may be provided in-person or via telehealth however, the position is based from and reports to the Hot Springs office daily.  Individual will represent the organization professionally and will follow established procedures at all times. Training on our processes and systems is provided. Once onboarded, the successful individual should be able to fulfill objectives/requirements of the position and meet daily service goals without micromanagement.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

If working with a QBHP the employee will be responsible for providing the documented clinical supervision as required by Medicaid and the Behavioral Health Agency Guidelines.

Essential Duties:

• Follow appropriate lines of communication to report and resolve problem situations according to established guidelines, chain of command, and approved committee actions.
• Accept constructive criticism related to performance and demonstrating acceptance by taking personal responsibility for appropriate change.
• Use appropriate e-mail etiquette such as replying to e-mails in a timely fashion, using discretion when forwarding another person's e-mail, encrypting all non OBHAW emails, and using personal e-mail accounts for non-work-related e-mails.
• Adhere to work schedule and submitting requests for leave according to OBHAW procedures. Unscheduled PTO/Absences (leave taken that is not scheduled and approved in advance) should not exceed 3 in a 12-month period.
• Perform other work-related tasks as requested by an authorized supervisor
• Comply with OBHAW computer, social media, and internet usage policy, reporting problems, and suggest improvements to OBHAW procedures, software, and equipment
• Complete required annual online training (Relias) and any other training according to OBHAW

Required Skills / Abilities / Education and Experience

• Master's degree or higher in social work, counseling or related field
• Licensure as a mental health professional in the state of Arkansas (LAC, LPC, LMSW, LCSW)
• Capacity to function effectively within the context of the cultural beliefs, behaviors and needs of clients and the community
• CPR and Handle with Care if required
• Clean background check
• Working knowledge of and ability to use personal computer for E-mail and electronic medical record.
• Child abuse statutes and mandated reporting

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must have the ability to use a computer as required. The employee must be able to communicate with others in an understandable manner. The employee must be able to operate standard office equipment. There is a moderate level of activity including moving throughout the building occasional movement of light equipment involved in the position. Regular attendance at work is a requirement of this position.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Performance Expectations:

• Meet DST standard each quarter of medically necessary services
• Assist as back-up for WIC and Crisis Team
• Quality of Care: Meets Individual positive response from client survey
  • If clients provide a rating, must be a minimum of 4.6 stars (5 stars preferred).
• Clinical Metrics: Meets the following expectations for clinical client care
• Outcome assessment completed at a minimum every 3-6 months
  • 60% improvement in "OBHAW scoring" across one or more VBC measure (PHQ, DLA, GAD, PCL-5, SCARED, total) and/or participation in development of a successful measurement tool for the program
  • 15% or lower DNKA rate
  • 95% completed documentation (notes, treatment plans, etc.) per quarter
  • Complete one EBP training or certification
  • Daily responsiveness to failed activities and claims
  • Complete Person-Centered Treatment plan according to program and payer standards. Treatment plans must be individualized and in the client's words, include future planning beyond symptom management and updated/ documented without carryover of goals for a year
  • Progress note narrative reflects medical necessity and is clinically appropriate (appropriate length of time for the documented intervention and the evidenced based intervention is appropriate for the service provided)

• Other duties as assigned to meet OBHAW mission, vision and values