Mental Health Evaluation Specialist – Corrections
Mental Health Evaluation Specialist – Corrections
SALARY: $36.16 - $46.22 Hourly
OPENING DATE: 08/18/19
CLOSING DATE: Continuous
DESCRIPTION:
Employees in this classification are responsible for the evaluation of mentally ill inmates at Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center. Work involves the evaluation of inmates, crisis intervention and stabilization services, and referrals to community services upon release. Incumbents work closely with correctional staff regarding appropriate security levels and housing recommendations factoring in clinical assessment regarding suicide risk and vulnerability due to a mental disorder or development disability, and to oversee and ensure that appropriate care is given within the detention facility and/or available upon release or transfer to another facility.
POSITION SUMMARY:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Receive referrals for mental health care, triage and prioritize according to emergent level of need.
- Evaluate psychological condition of referred inmates as requested.
- Determine appropriate housing needs for mentally and emotionally disturbed inmates within the PCDCC and upon release or transfer.
- Assess the involvement and extent of substance abuse and make appropriate referrals.
- Write reports, including diagnoses, treatment plans and recommendations, progress reports, and other special reports as required.
- Screen referrals for psychiatric medication assessments.
- Make recommendations for on-going treatment options.
- Provide risk assessment and brief crisis stabilization services.
- Make involuntary treatment referrals.
- Follow up on treatment recommendation and deal with emergency and crisis situations as required within the jail setting.
- Coordinate transportation for voluntary hospitalizations and assure custody staff is advised of arranged ambulance transport by DMHP (Designated Mental Health Professional) for involuntary detentions.
- Participate in rotating call assignment to assure 24 hour mental health coverage.
- Consult with jail staff, coordinate care with multi-disciplinary team of treatment professionals within the PCDCC and work with provider liaisons/case managers to ensure proper treatment of mentally ill inmates.
- Present expert testimony to court regarding mental health status as required.
- Provide training to providers on accessing new and/or existing consumers from the correctional setting and to assure appropriate jail clearance approval.
- Identify system concerns and assist in developing appropriate interventions.
- Assist with resolution of appeals and grievances as requested.
- Provide education to providers as necessary to facilitate cross system coordination.
- Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours at assigned worksite.
- Meet travel requirements of the position.
- Perform the physical requirements of the position; work within the established working conditions of the position.
- Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime.
- For additional information, please refer to the job description - Mental Health Evaluation Specialist
QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY
- Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university.
- Possess and maintain current license or associate license in Washington State as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Advanced Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. License must be in good standing with no license restrictions or probationary status.
- Two years experience providing psychosocial/mental health services and/or crisis intervention services in an adult mental health setting required.
- United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident and the ability to read and write the English language as required by RCW 41.14.100.
- Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County Sheriff's Department background investigation, which may include a medical physical, behavioral assessment and polygraph, is required prior to hire.
- A valid Washington State driver's license may be required when travel is required of the position.
- As a condition of continued employment, employees with an associate license must obtain and maintain full licensure within the six year period as required by the Washington State law.
- As a condition of continued employment, employees with an associate license must obtain and maintain agency affiliated counselor designation.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
EXAMINATION PROCESS for MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION SPECIALIST Answering the supplemental questions is part of the examination process and is MANDATORY.
- Answer each question fully and clearly. Please describe in detail your past work experience and education in the following areas. List your employer(s) and dates of employment separately for each question.
- Your answers will be scored according to established criteria. Please be specific and detailed in your answers, so that enough information is provided in order to be evaluated. Incomplete information will result in a lower score or rejection of your application.
- Applicants must successfully complete the experience and training examination with a passing score of 70%.
- Applicant's job related experience, education and training will be evaluated and scored and will comprise 100% of the score used for establishing the Civil Service register of eligible individuals.
- Prior to appointment, a thorough background investigation will be conducted consisting of, but not limited to: personal history statement, personal interviews, employment check, professional and personal reference checks, job specific interviews, criminal and credit checks, neighborhood check, polygraph examination and a drug screen. Failure to pass any phase of the background investigation shall be cause for removal from the employment register.
- Veteran's preference will be granted in accordance with RCW 41.04. If you are eligible to have veteran's scoring criteria applied to your examination score, you must submit a copy of Copy 4 of your DD214 with your application.
- Candidates will be referred from the register to fill vacant positions occurring within one (1) year from the date the name is placed on the register.
- All Sheriff Department employees serve a one (1) year probationary period.