Mental Health Associate

The Mental Health Associate (MHA) provides direct behavioral health services under the direct supervision of an Approved Behavioral Health Practitioner in accordance with Kentucky Medicaid and Department for Behavioral Health (DBHDID) guidelines. The MHA role is a temporary professional designation, granted by the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) for a maximum of three (3) years while the individual is actively matriculating toward a Master’s Degree in a Human Services field.

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral health services consistent with supervision and scope of practice outlined by DMS.
• Assist in the delivery of individual, group, and family services under supervision.
• Conduct screenings, assessments, and document services in accordance with agency policy and Medicaid regulations.
• Support treatment planning, care coordination, and client follow-up as directed by a licensed practitioner.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation within the electronic health record (CareLogic).
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and clinical supervision sessions.
• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards consistent with HIPAA and Comprehend policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or licensed clinician.
• All MHA/Clinicians will complete a full assessment yearly on all clients to whom they deliver services to.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA or BS) in a Human Services field (e.g., Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, Human Services, or related field).
• Must be actively enrolled and progressing toward a Master’s Degree in a Human Services field.

Licensure / Certification:

• Must obtain Mental Health Associate (MHA) designation through the Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) prior to providing services.
• The MHA status is valid for up to three (3) years from the approval date by DMS.
• Under certain circumstances, a one-time, one-year extension may be requested by Comprehend if the degree is not yet completed.

Experience:

• Experience working with individuals with behavioral health needs preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.

Other Requirements:

• Must work under the direct supervision of an Approved Behavioral Health Practitioner.
• MHAs may not provide services to individuals with intellectual disabilities unless there is an established mental health diagnosis.
• Must maintain an active MHA approval letter in the employee personnel file.
• Must be available for on-call rotation, including evenings and weekends, with QMHP backup.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting: You may need to sit for extended periods, especially when working at a computer workstation.

• Standing/Walking: You will need to be able to stand and walk regularly as part of your duties.

• Lifting, pushing, and pulling: You may be required to occasionally lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and regularly lift objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

• Travel: Some travel between Comprehend sites may be required.

Special Requirements  

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation license.
• Successfully pass pre-employment criminal records check and urine drug screen.