Mental Health Associate

Maricopa County; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 35,000 - 58,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Work-life balance

Growth opportunities

On-site childcare center

Job summary

Maricopa County is seeking a Behavioral Health Specialist to support the jail-based mental health program. The role involves assessing patient needs, triaging follow-ups, and coordinating care with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and community providers.

You will work within a multidisciplinary team, delivering CRT and re-entry planning, with emphasis on confidentiality, documentation, and adherence to HIPAA policies.

Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred or required.
• Experience triaging internal and external referrals.
• Ability to document and maintain HIPAA-compliant records.

Responsibilities

• Responds to Health Needs Requests with face-to-face assessments and triage.
• Monitors changes in mental health status of patients in segregated areas and conducts rounds.
• Coordinates and documents mental health care with MCSO and outside providers.
• Performs biopsychosocial and suicide risk assessments under supervision of licensed staff.
• Maintains confidentiality and completes routine clinical documentation.

Skills

Bilingual in Spanish/English

Crisis triage

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in behavioral health, social services, or a related field

Master of social work / LMSW / LAC / LAMFT / LBSW (valued)

Job description

Posting Date08/19/26Application Deadline08/21/26Pay Range$25.25 - $42.25 hourlySalary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification. This position is eligible for overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in the designated workweek.Job TypeUnclassifiedDepartmentCorrectional HealthAbout the PositionMake a meaningful impact on both the criminal justice system and the community by supporting individuals incarcerated in the Maricopa County Jail. Help promote rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society! In this role, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside a dedicated team of mental health professionals within a nationally recognized, accredited organization. You'll tackle complex situations, manage emergencies, and analyze critical data to prioritize effective treatment interventions.Join our dynamic multidisciplinary Mental Health team and play a pivotal role in transforming lives and shaping a better future. Apply today!About UsIt's time for you to utilize and perfect your talents.Correctional Health Services is an industry-leading healthcare organization for the incarcerated population, providing 24/7 medical, dental, mental health, psychiatric care, and substance abuse treatment (i.e., Medication-Assisted Treatment and Opioid Treatment Program). Our department's culture promotes collaboration, continuous training, and flexibility. We challenge our team to spearhead initiatives, break down barriers, and advance their expertise.Apply now to work with a dynamic group of diverse and talented professionals.Proud to OfferWork with a greater purposeTuition reimbursementExceptional work-life balanceOpportunities for growth and development within Maricopa CountyLow-cost, high-value healthcare for you and your qualifying dependentsChild care benefits, including access to our on-site center Maricopa County Kids Club , dedicated to serving Maricopa County familiesPaid vacation, sick time, and parental leaveExtensive wellness program, including an incentiveEnrollment in the Arizona State Retirement System, a defined retirement benefit requiring a 11.98% per paycheck contribution rate that includes a 100% employer match on Day 1Want to learn more about the County’s Qualifying and Compensation Philosophy? Follow this link to learn more! Work With Us | Maricopa County, AZWe RequireOne year of full-time behavioral health work experienceBachelor's degree in behavioral health, social services, or a related fieldWe Also ValueMaster of social work, counseling, or related field; LMSW, LAC, LAMFT, or LBSWBilingual in Spanish/EnglishExperience with triaging internal and external referralsExperience with coordinating the completion of Mental Health Petitions with community providers and testifying in courtJob ContributionsResponds to Health Needs Requests (HNRs) by conducting a face-to-face encounter with patients to assess their mental health needs, triage these requests, and prioritize the urgency of subsequent follow-up appointmentsMonitors any changes in the mental health status of patients housed in segregated areas by conducting regular roundsMaintains a working knowledge of community resources and develops re-entry plans to support patients when released from jailCompletes special needs treatment plans (SNTP)Evaluates patients for substance use disorders using brief screening tools, such as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Drug Screening Questionnaire (DAST)Requests mental health treatment records from outside agencies and organizationsResponds to grievances submitted by patientsCreates psychoeducational packets containing information about mental health, puzzles, a calendar, and informative news articles, etcCompletes biopsychosocial and suicide risk assessments under the supervision of an independently licensed mental health professionalCompletes routine clinical documentation, such as consent forms for treatment, treatment refusal forms, and notes completed for non-face-to-face interactionsWorks collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team members regarding patient careCoordinates and documents mental health care with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO)Maintains HIPAA patient confidentiality in the management of informationWorking ConditionsMust successfully complete a thorough background checkTravel or floating to various clinical locations is required within a 5-mile radiusMust be able to respond to emergenciesMust maintain CPR certification and get on the floor to perform CPR/chest compressions, push medical equipment, climb stairs, and lift patients on a gurneyMust be able to work inside a jail and stand/walk/bend for extended periods of time throughout the shiftMust be able to pass a fingerprint/security clearance process and maintain MCSO jail accessThis position requires accurately handling a high volume of work, communicating with a culturally diverse patient population, and adapting to frequent changes, interruptions, and unscheduled tasksPosition includes day or night shift work, which may include weekends and holidaysSelection ProcedureConsideration will only be given to candidates who submit online applicationsCandidates will be contacted primarily through email and their Workday online application profileMust pass a pre-employment background and/or fingerprint investigation as required by statute or policy, including drug and alcohol testing requirements for positions designated as safety-sensitiveMaricopa County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.