Licensed Therapist (LPHA) - Forensics (Connect and Protect) en The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD

Join our team at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The Harris Center") as a Licensed Therapist (LPHA) with our Forensics (Connect and Protect) team. We're seeking a dedicated professional who will revolutionize the way we provide clinical services. As a Licensed Therapist, you'll perform clinical activities such as independent assessments, and crisis and /or service interventions as directed by the treatment plan and/or identified consumer need(s). This position interfaces as a specialized co-responding unit trained in de-escalation. The LPHA will be paired with a designated Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Mental Health Detention Officer (DO) and will respond to individuals within Harris County Jail who are experiencing mental health crises or individuals identified as high utilizers of jail services. This position may provide monitoring, clinical supervision and training of other staff. Coverage on weekends and holidays may be required.

Your Role In Action:

Provides crisis intervention to individuals to reduce symptoms and prevent admission to a more restrictive environment.
Routinely engage individuals identified as “high-utilizers” of jail services (medical, mental health, crisis, correctional response).
Perform clinical assessments to evaluate the individual’s need for service and make appropriate referrals.
May provide cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on the reduction or elimination of symptoms of severe and persistent mental illness and increasing the individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living.
Monitors consumer progress to determine effectiveness of interventions.
Provides training and/or psychoeducation on the nature of mental illness, addressing the symptom related problems interfering with the individual’s functioning, the importance of medications, and other medication related information, as well as other skills trainings as designated.
Performs activities to assist consumers in gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and services based on individual needs.
Communicates and works with consumers/visitors/other staff in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to cultural diversities.
Completes reporting/training as designated in an accurate and timely manner.
Complies with agency policies and procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.
Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing work requirements.

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• Master’s degree (M.A.) from four-year accredited college or university with a major in a social, behavior, or human service field, including but not limited to: psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, human development, and educational psychology.

Experience:

• Must have 2 years experiencing working in a mental health setting.

Other Key Qualifications

• Clinical license through the State of Texas for one of the following: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT.
• Licenser credentials plus one to two years of clinical experience post Master’s degree preferred.
• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and be insurable under Agency policy.

Knowledge/Skills & Ability:

Knowledge of and ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
Understanding of Standard Precautions and infection control procedures for
dealing with sharp instruments, needles, blood and body fluids.
Understanding of good body mechanics to avoid injury.
Strong diagnostic skills, the ability to incorporate patient history, symptoms,
environmental and related issues to formulate proper diagnosis and treatment.
Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average,
written documentation is clear, concise, and well- constructed.
Effective time management and organizational skills.
Able to execute standard word processing software on the computer

About us:

The Harris Center is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas.  As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The Harris Center provides care to over 90,000 people and has an annual budget of over $300 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The Harris Center provides a full continuum of services at 80 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 40 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the largest communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

What else you should know:

This posting is associated with position #621101 & 621102

Shifts: 

• 621101 - Monday - Friday, 7a - 3:30 p. Coverage on weekends and holidays may be required.
• 621102 - Monday - Friday, 11a - 7:30 p. Coverage on weekends and holidays may be required.

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching – a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.