POSITION:
Mental Health Professional – Jail Transition Services
Full Time, Days and times vary.
Come join our talented team supporting the recovery of individuals with mental illness in a beautiful building in south Pierce Co. Enjoy the camaraderie and opportunities for growth working with our collegial management team. Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare is a full service community mental health center in south Pierce County with 300 staff and an annual budget of $17 million. Greater Lakes has earned a positive reputation for delivering quality client-centered care and for collaborating proactively with staff and community partners on emerging issues.
DESCRIPTION: This position works primarily in the field and provides direct clinical services to clients and provides MHP supervision to non-MHP members of the Jail Transition Service (JTS) Team. Provides counseling, case management and advocacy to JTS clients, with the goal of promoting engagement with the mental health system, reducing recidivism into the Jail, as well as when appropriate, working to reduce reliance on ER’s and use of both medical and psychiatric inpatient hospitals. Assists clients with developing and using natural supports, with obtaining and maintaining stable living situations, obtaining necessary medical care and with the development of healthy and positive coping skills. Advocates for clients with landlords and the courts, and works cooperatively with the Jail staff and all court staff. As necessary provides crisis intervention and support to JTS clients in the community.
Knowledge and Skills Needed: A knowledge and understanding of mental disorders; familiarity with the DSM-IV and competency in accurate diagnoses; knowledge of the major components of a mental status examination and competency in performing on-going assessments; ability to implement a continuum of care for consumers based on consumer need and level of functioning; ability to develop and implement treatment plans; a basic knowledge of psychotropic medications with the ability to recognize side-effects; sound clinical skills and a high degree of professionalism; a basic awareness of substance abuse/dependence issues and strategies for working with chemically addicted individuals; a thorough knowledge of community resources and the ability to develop appropriate links for consumers; well-developed skills in managing time, priorities, and paperwork; a sensitive perception of the needs of individuals with disabilities; a keen understanding of the importance of clear, professional boundaries, and maintenance of such; possession of proven teamwork skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; and demonstration of good, common sense. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment and the ability to collaborate effectively with external partners is an absolute must.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: M.A. in a mental health related field plus a minimum of two years of clinical mental health experience under the supervision of an MHP; and must be eligible to obtain an Agency Affiliated Counselor credential in the State of Washington. Washington State Licensure is a plus. Must be able to pass the background check in order to be able to see JTS clients in the Pierce County Jail.
COMPETITIVE PAY & BENEFITS: Pay range: $18.64-$23.01/hr to start, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; 3% contribution to 401k retirement plan; 9 paid holidays, accrue 21 days paid time off & 5 days long-term sick leave per year, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement Program.
SEND LETTER, RESUME & APPLICATION: jobs@glmhc.org
Greater Lakes Mental Healthcare is committed to a policy of equal opportunity, equal treatment and non-discrimination in all employment service provisions and other activities, in compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws. If you need disability accommodations in the application/employment process, please call the ADA Coordinator, HR Department: (253) 620-5014 (voice); (253) 620-5218 (TDDY); (253) 620-5831(FAX).
