Jail - Mental Health Professional chez Spokane County, WA

About the Department

This recruitment may be used to fill up to two (2) vacancies working 40 hours per week. 

Under the authority and direction of the Detention - Mental Health Manager, the Mental Health Professional is responsible for providing mental health care and access for all offenders incarcerated in the Spokane County Detention Services.

TOTAL COMPENSATION: $81,795 - $114,484 annually. Total compensation is an estimate based upon base compensation, median retirement fund contributions, and current employer-paid health and related benefit contribution rates (including medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, and leave). The actual total will vary depending upon each employee's enrollment choices.

Position Duties

The Detention - Mental Health Professional functions under the direction and supervision of the Detention - Mental Health Manager and Detention Services Physician.  Duties include providing mental health services to offenders with short term crisis episodes or serious to severe chronic mental health needs.  In addition, the Detention - Mental Health Professional works with Community Health Care Providers and outside organizations to ensure continuity of care, and appropriate discharge planning.  The Detention - Mental Health Professional will comply with all federal, state and local legal requirements regarding mental health treatment, referral, and confidentiality issues as well as requirements pertaining to the Regional Support Network (RSN).

Minimum Qualifications

• Age 21, United States citizen who can read and write the English language
• Master's degree from an accredited college or university in mental health or a related field and two years experience in direct treatment of persons with mental illness or emotional disturbance, such experience gained under the supervision of mental health professional.

LICENSE:  Possess and retain current registration in a mental health profession in the state of Washington or actively in the process of obtaining current mental health profession licensure in the state of Washington to be received within two years of hire.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge of:
• mental health and chemical dependency issues, normal and abnormal human development, developmental disabilities, and abuse and neglect;
• currently accepted principles and best practices in the treatment of mental health and chemical dependency issues, normal and abnormal human development, developmental disabilities, and abuse and neglect.;
• state, federal, and local laws for voluntary admissions and involuntary commitments, restraints, and confidentiality;
• outpatient resources available through other allied providers.

Ability to:
• provide referral to appropriate mental health providers regarding assessment and treatment;
• manage aggressive and harmful behaviors;
• communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• deal with offenders, co-workers, and the public in a tactful, calm, and courteous and professional manner often in stressful situations;
• perform duties independently with minimal supervision;
• demonstrate effective interpersonal skills, particularly with diverse client populations;
• exercise independent judgment in addressing a variety of problems and situations;
• understand and support clinical services and treatment plans;
• liaison with corrections staff;
• handle interruptions efficiently and effectively;
• effectively use interpersonal communication skills to avoid or defuse tense or hostile offenders.