Mental Health Evaluation Specialist - Corrections Bureau

Pierce County; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a Mental Health Evaluation Specialist to evaluate and coordinate mental health care for inmates at the Detention and Corrections Center in Tacoma, WA. The role works with correctional staff and medical teams to ensure appropriate care during incarceration or upon release.

The position requires a Master’s degree in psychology or related field, licensure in WA, and at least two years of psychosocial/mental health experience in an adult setting.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Two years of experience providing psychosocial/mental health services and/or crisis intervention in an adult mental health setting.
• Must be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident or DACA recipient, and able to speak, read and write English as required by RCW 41.14.100.
• Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County Sheriff's Office background investigation, including medical, behavioral assessment and polygraph, prior to hire.
• As a condition of continued employment, license maintenance requirements for associate licenses (as applicable).

Responsibilities

• Triage and prioritize referrals for mental health care according to emergent level of need.
• Provide risk assessment and brief crisis stabilization services.
• Coordinate care with multi-disciplinary team and ensure proper treatment of mentally ill inmates.
• Identify system concerns and assist in developing appropriate intervention.
• Provide education to medical and corrections staff to facilitate cross-system coordination.
• Work rotating call assignments to assure 24-hour mental health coverage.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Psychosocial services

Education

Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field

Job description

About the Sheriff’s Office:

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has over 302 commissioned corrections personnel who maintain the safety of the community by supervising approximately 1100 inmates in two facilities as well as providing for the movement between the Pierce County Corrections Detention Center and the courts.

The Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center Mental Health Department provides services to people with mental illness who are incarcerated in the correctional facility. This position is exciting, challenging, multifaceted and rewarding.

Why it's a great opportunity:

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office prides itself on upholding our Core Values: Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility. Pierce County Sheriff’s Office employees are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism to serve citizens and help make Pierce County one of the best places to live and work in the beautiful Great Northwest.

Employees in this classification are responsible for the evaluation and risk assessments of mentally ill inmates at Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center. Incumbents work closely as an integrated team with correctional staff and the medical department to oversee and ensure that appropriate care is given within the detention facility and/or available upon release or transfer to another facility.

Employees have the choice of working either five 8-hour shifts or four 10-hour shifts. Work is performed during day shift. Weekend and paid on-call hours may be required. On-call is at least 1 night per week and consists of being on call from 6:00pm to 8:00am.

The Mental Health Manager is an approved supervisor who can supervise hours toward a Licensed Mental Health Counselor license for those that have a Licensed Mental Health Associates.

• Triage and prioritize referrals for mental health care according to emergent level of need.
• Provide risk assessment and brief crisis stabilization services.
• Work with outside agencies on release planning and follow up in the community.
• Determine appropriate housing needs, within the Pierce County Detention and Corrections Center (PCDCC) for those with a mental disorder or developmental/ intellectual disability and upon release or transfer.
• Assess the involvement and extent of substance use and make appropriate referrals.
• Assess for the need for psychiatric medication and make referrals to the provider.
• Make involuntary treatment referrals when needed prior to the release of the inmate.
• Participate in rotating call assignment to assure 24-hour mental health coverage.
• 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.
• Identify system concerns and assist in developing appropriate intervention.
• Provide education to medical and corrections staff as necessary to facilitate cross system coordination.
• Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings, weekends, holidays and overtime.
• For additional information, please refer to the class description - Mental Health Evaluation Specialist

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.
• Must be a United States citizen, lawful permanent resident or deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) recipient, and ability to speak, read and write the English language as required by RCW 41.14.100.
• Ability to successfully complete a Pierce County Sheriff's Office background investigation, which may include a medical physical, behavioral assessment and polygraph, is required prior to hire.
• 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.

ASSESSMENT PROCESS for MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION SPECIALIST

• After you have submitted your application and it has been determined that you meet the requirements for the position, Civil Service staff will review your application.
• 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.
• 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 assessment 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.

ATTENTION: All communication from Pierce County Civil Service is sent by email using the email address listed on your application. This may include communication that contains confidential or private information such as exam results and reasons for removal, etc. You are responsible for keeping your email address updated.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision. Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place people are proud to call home?