Behavioral Health Professional 2

State of Iowa - Executive Branch

Independence (IA)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 100,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Dental coverage

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The State of Iowa - Executive Branch seeks a Psychologist or MA‑Level Therapist to join Independence Mental Health Institute (IMHI). This full‑time role involves youth-focused, trauma‑informed care in an acute psychiatric setting with opportunities for leadership and professional growth.

Master’s level candidates with licensure or progress toward licensure are encouraged to apply; licensure is not required.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in psychology or related field.
Licensure or credentialing as LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, or related psychology licenses preferred.
Experience with youth in behavioral health settings is desirable.

Responsibilities

Provide individual, group, and family psychotherapy for youth in an acute psychiatric hospital.
Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to deliver trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care.
Conduct psychological assessments and prepare reports to support treatment planning.
Offer supervision or guidance to trainees and participate in staff training.

Education

Master's degree in psychology

Master's degree in mental health counseling

Master's degree in behavioral sciences

Provisional Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

Job description

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a full‑time Psychologist or MA‑Level Therapist to join the team at the Independence Mental Health Institute (IMHI). The position is at the doctoral or master’s level, but licensure is not required. It offers opportunities for professional growth, leadership advancement, and team‑based clinical work with youth with serious emotional disturbances and complex behavioral health needs.

IMHI is a state‑operated, acute psychiatric hospital accredited by the Joint Commission and CMS certified. Independence MHI operates 56 total beds with 20 beds for adult patients and 36 beds for child/adolescent patients. It includes an off‑ward school that meets the educational needs of youth while hospitalized at IMHI.

Primary Duties

Provide professional psychological or mental health counseling services for youth admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital. Services include individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, family psychotherapy or consultation, crisis and behavioral management, and psychological testing and report writing (as competent).
Actively participate as a multi‑disciplinary treatment team member providing evidence‑based, individualized, person‑centered, trauma‑informed, and recovery‑oriented interventions for child and adolescent patients.
Conduct various psychological screens, assessments, and reports to clarify diagnosis, determine eligibility for services, provide treatment and support recommendations, and address unique psycho‑legal issues such as incompetence to stand trial (as competent).
Provide psychological consultation, policy guidance, and staff training that promotes a strong continuity of care and improves the team’s ability to work more effectively with youth with challenging and complex behavioral health needs, including best practices for positive behavior management and restraint/seclusion reduction.
For licensed, doctoral‑level psychologists, opportunities may be available for clinical supervision of practicum trainees, pre‑doctoral interns, and post‑doctoral fellows. Preceptor guidance to psychiatric residents and fellows from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics may also be available through Iowa’s Public Psychiatry Fellowship program.
Clinical adjunct faculty appointment with UIHC may be available, including access to virtual learning opportunities, grand rounds, continuing education credits, and online access to clinical databases, journal articles, and electronic books.
Additional collegial engagement and support opportunities are available through the HHS Clinical Director and coordination with clinical leads across HHS’ state‑operated facilities.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage.
Paid Time Off: Vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
Retirement Plans: Participate in IPERS, Retirement Investors Club (RIC), and an Employer‑Sponsored Retirement Plan with state matching up to $75/month.
Flexible Spending Accounts: For medical and dependent care expenses.
Insurance Coverage: Life insurance and free long‑term disability insurance.
Employee Assistance Program: Resources and support for personal and professional challenges.
Employee Discount Programs: Discounts on goods and services.

Location

IMHI is located in Independence, Iowa, a city of approximately 6,000. The Wapsipinicon River flows through town, offering recreational opportunities such as canoeing and fishing. Independence is 30 minutes from Waterloo/Cedar Falls, 45 minutes from Cedar Rapids, and one hour from Iowa City.

EEO/AA Employer

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1‑800‑735‑2942 TDD).

E‑Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E‑Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E‑Verify system. The State of Iowa also complies with federal Right to Work laws, protecting employees’ rights to work without joining a labor organization.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in psychology, mental health counseling, applied behavior analysis, clinical social work, behavioral sciences, mental health, or a closely related field.

Additional Qualification Requirements