This is a part-time position.  Salary based on experience. Position open until filled.

Essential Duties

• Take the lead in planning, organizing, directing and insuring the completion of all project activities, including those of subcontractors.
• Participate in reviewing and advising adaptation of curriculum for teaching employment facilitation skills to peers, including obtaining input from members of the project’s advisory council.
• Organize and provide training and technical assistance to individuals using the curriculum.
• Prepare timely reports to funder.

Required Experience

• Knowledge of and experience with peer-run programs
• Knowledge of and experience using empowerment and self-determination approaches
• Have recent work history
• Ability to provide training and technical assistance to individuals with wide range of abilities
• Ability to work in collaborative manner with others
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Use of computer and standard office software programs
• Willingness to travel (mostly in State)

Desired Experience

• Willingness to self-identify as someone who uses/has used mental health services
• 1-2 years experience as employment/vocational counselor working with individuals with disabilities, preferably psychiatric disabilities
• Knowledge of person-centered planning methods
• In-depth knowledge of various types of accommodations for people with disabilities
• Knowledge of and experience with employment related resources such as Vocational Rehabilitation, Worksource , and Social Security Work Incentives
• Oregon Driver’s License and good driving record

People of Color, Veterans, Sexual Minorities and People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Send resume and cover letter to:

Beckie Child

Mental Health America of Oregon

1600 SW Fourth Ave. Suite 900

Portland OR 97201

mhaoforegon@gmail.com

No Phone Calls Please!

Portland, Oregon–Mental Health America of Oregon (MHAO) has been awarded a $210,000 grant (over a three year period) from the Substance Aubse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for the OPEN Project (Oregon Peer Employment Network).

The OPEN Project will help people who use mental health services, including Veterans,  learn employment seeking skills.  OPEN will also be producing a monthly electronic newsletter that is focused on employment.

“Meaningful work plays a vital role in promoting recovery and social inclusion, yet people who live with mental health conditions are disproportionately unemployed,”  comments Beckie Child, President of MHAO.  Nationally, between 60 and 80 percent of people diagnosed with mental illnesses are unemployed and, for people with the most severe mental illnesses, unemployment rates are as high as 90 percent.

“We are very pleased that SAMHSA is funding peer-run services in Oregon that promote employment for people who live with mental illness.  This is a needed investment that will reap returns for Oregonians with psychiatric disabilities.”

For more than 30 years, MHAO has provided support and advocacy for mental health recovery and system transformation.  MHAO in one of the primary mental health advocacy organizations in Oregon focused on mental health policy and the Oregon State Hospital. In 2001, MHAO became a peer-run organization and has been networking people who use mental health services through the Frontier Leadership Network in Eastern Oregon and the Central Oregon Leadership Network.

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On behalf of Mental Health America of Oregon, Rollin Shelton and I would like to congratulate the Frontier Leadership Network’s Board of Directors on their newly elected officers.

Newly elected to office are:

Chris Cooley, President (Ontario)
Heather (Mousey) Helmer,Vice-president (location to be determined)
Teresa Bingham Secretary/Treasurer (Ontario)
Additional Board Members:
Barb Thomas (Burns)
John Barrett (Burns)
Hyram “Paul” Vickerie (Irrigon)
Georgia Osborn (Dayville)
Joe Wessel (Enterprise)

Congratulations to the Frontier Leadership Network.  Best wishes to you all!

Frontier Leadership Network newly elected officers

Frontier Leadership Board of Directors

There is a new episode of Advocate for Wellness-Disability Rights Oregon now available at www.advocateforwellness.blip.tv
It is an interview about Disability Rights Oregon with Bob Joondeph, Executive Director and Chris Shank, Staff Attorney. Bob speaks about Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon State Hospital. He mentions his organization’s work with Mental Health America of Oregon. Chris talks about child seclusion and restraint.

Portland Cable Access Showtimes
The following 5 dates are scheduled for the program
“Advocate for Wellness:  Disability Rights Oregon”, starting 6/16/2010.

Wednesday 6/16/2010, 7:30 PM, Channel 22

Saturday 6/19/2010, 7:30 PM, Channel 23

Sunday 6/20/2010, 8:00 PM, Channel 11

Thursday 6/24/2010, 8:00 PM, Channel 22

Sunday 6/27/2010, 6:00 PM, Channel 23

February 15, 2010

The Board of Directors of Mental Health America of Oregon (MHAO) is deeply saddened and outraged at the loss of your sons, brothers, fathers, uncles and friends, Aaron Campbell and Timothy Douglass. While we did not know Aaron or Timothy personally, we strongly believe that all people deserve understanding, support and skillful assistance when experiencing emotional duress and extreme stress. We feel deep sorrow at the injustice and violence that resulted in Aaron’s loss of life. We wish that somehow through our work, we could bring Aaron and Timothy back to you. Of course, that isn’t possible, but Aaron’s life will not have been in vain.

We want you to know that Aaron’s life and the terribly wrong response to his distress will only add to our strong commitment to change the way the Portland Police and law enforcement everywhere treat persons of color and people who are undergoing mental health issues. We will not forget Aaron Campbell.

We will hold your family close in our thoughts and prayers as we work to hold law enforcement and city officials accountable in order to prevent another tragic loss. We will also work with the Albina Ministerial Alliance to support their work and efforts to bring some sense of justice for your families. If there is anything that we can do to be of support to your family and community, please do not hesitate to call us.

Our prayers are with Aaron and Timothy and with you all.

The Board of Directors wishes peace and blessings to you all, your families and friends, our community, and our world.

You are subscribed to News Releases for Oregon Department of Human Services. The following news release has been issued:

Date: Jan. 28, 2010

Contact: Nelsa Brodie 503-945-5690

Low-income Oregonians have a chance for health care coverage

The Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are spreading the word to low-income Oregonians that they have an opportunity for health care. The 2009 Legislature provided funding for coverage for an additional 35,000 low-income Oregon adults through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). However, DHS estimates there are approximately 140,000 Oregonians whose incomes would qualify them for this coverage.

To ensure everyone qualified has an equal opportunity for the coverage, state health workers are trying to reach as many people as possible to let them know it is available. Anyone who contacts the state will be added to the Oregon Health Plan reservation list, which will be the source of monthly drawings for health care coverage. People who qualify, based on income status and other factors, will be able to join the Oregon Health Plan Standard insurance coverage.

“Everyone without health insurance is at greater risk for serious disease because of delayed treatment or lack of preventive care, which is a tragedy for them and a greater cost to society. Today we have the opportunity to lessen that burden, but we have to make sure everyone who qualifies has an equal chance,” says Bruce Goldberg, M.D., director of DHS and the OHA.

DHS has set up a Web site and toll-free number for people to add their names to the reservation list. The agency is working with health care providers in local communities to help spread the word about the available health care coverage.

To add your name to the list, go to www.oregon.gov/DHS/open or call 1-800-699-9075. You can also go to a local Department of Human Services office to request a reservation packet. Local county health departments, most hospitals and health care clinics also have reservation packets.

“Every day at Central City Concern we see people who lack health insurance,” says Carole Romm, MPA, RN, director, community partnerships and strategic development, Central City Concern in Portland. “Although OHP cannot help everyone who needs it, we’re happy that the list is open and more people will be able to get the health care they need.”

The next drawing from the current list of names will be Feb. 1, and drawings will be held on a regular basis until all funded health care coverage is filled. Once a person’s name is drawn, he or she will be sent an application packet to apply for the health plan. Eligibility is based on strict income limits of less than the federal poverty level, which is based on the number of people in a household. For example, the limit is $903 for an individual or $1,526 for a family of three.

The Oregon Health Plan is part of the new Oregon Health Authority. The OHA is the central location for publicly purchased health care in Oregon, including the Oregon Health Plan and coverage for teachers or public employees. The Health Authority’s mission is to lower costs for everyone in the health care system while increasing access to care and improving the quality of care. As part of the reform efforts, the 2009 Legislature also passed health care funding for all Oregon children.

OHP-Standard covers physician services, prescription drugs, mental health and chemical dependency treatment, emergency medical services and limited dental, hospital and vision services.

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New Visions of Mind and Crisis with Ed Knight and Will Hall

Two spiritual practitioners diagnosed with schizophrenia ask, Is “mental illness” spiritual? How does trauma relate to enlightenment? What do Eastern religious traditions tell us about madness? Are there holistic treatment alternatives? Can we acknowledge spirit without romanticizing crisis?

Join us for a presentation and discussion to discover new perspectives in mental health.

With:

Ed Knight is dually diagnosed with schizophrenia and alcoholism, the Steward of The Healing Circle, a Zen Peacemaker Circle, and a Senior in the Buddhist Zen Peacemaker Sangha. A widely recognized researcher and teacher in mental illness recovery and mutual support, Ed is Vice President of Recovery, Rehabilitation and Mutual Support at Valueoptions, as well as a mentor in the Prison Dharma Network.

Will Hall is diagnosed with schizophrenia and his advocacy work includes Portland Hearing Voices, Mental Disability Rights International, The Icarus Project, and hosts Madness Radio heard on KBOO FM. A longtime western Taoist meditator and yoga practitioner, Will is currently studying Process Oriented Psychology. Will was recently featured in the Newsweek magazine article “Listening to Madness.”

Tendremos una mini-presentacion en espanol para participantes hispanohablantes.

Wednesday, November 18th, 6 PM - 8:30 PM
Bamboo Grove Salon, 134 SE Taylor (on 2nd Avenue between SE Taylor and SE Salmon), Portland, Oregon

$8 - $15 donation (no one will be turned away) benefits Portland Hearing Voices. Physical mobility accessible; call with other access needs.

Info: Portland Hearing Voices 413 210 2803, portlandhearingvoices@gmail.com, www.portlandhearingvoices.net

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This events is supported by Portland Hearing Voices, ValueOptions, the Mental Health Association of Portland, the Mental Health Association of Oregon, Portland Evolver, Portland Padmasambhava Buddhist Center, Process Work Center of Portland

MHAO is sponsoring a Round Table Dialogue on Thursday, September 24th from 7-9 p.m. at the Multnomah County Commissioners Board Room located at 501 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

Speakers
Richard L. Harris, MSW
Interim Assistant Director for Addictions and Mental Health – DHS