ITA Court Evaluator Therapist $5k Sign-on Bonus

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital•Marysville, WA

5d•$80,184 - $102,000•Onsite

About The Position

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital is seeking an organized, detail-oriented ITA Court Evaluator Therapist to coordinate Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) and Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) cases with hospital providers, program therapists, nurses, and Snohomish County prosecuting and defense attorneys. The role tracks and manages documentation, maintains knowledge of ITA and FIT laws and patient rights, and supports patient advocacy. The evaluator collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team and clinically evaluates patients detained under the ITA on an initial 120-hour hold. The evaluator assesses whether patients meet legal and mental health criteria for further involuntary inpatient hospitalization or whether a less restrictive option is appropriate, and co-authors petitions for continued treatment. The role also provides expert witness testimony in court, meeting applicable legal requirements and ITA e-filing deadlines. This position also maintains tracking and reporting processes for ITA and FIT admissions, court dates, orders, discharge notifications, medication notices, and related documentation. It provides case management and coordination as needed and delivers education about ITA law and hospital procedures during New Employee Orientation. The position is based at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital in Marysville, Washington. The expected annual compensation is $80,184–$102,000, plus a $5,000 sign-on bonus.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or a clinical-related mental health field.
Washington state license in Social Work or a clinical mental health field.
At least two years of experience in a psychiatric health care facility.
Direct experience in crisis intervention, treatment skills, and strong clinical assessment skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinate ITA and FIT patients with hospital providers, program therapists, nurses, and Snohomish County prosecuting and defense attorneys.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team and conduct clinical evaluations of patients detained under the ITA on an initial 120-hour hold.
Assess whether patients meet legal and mental health criteria for additional involuntary inpatient hospitalization or whether a less restrictive option is appropriate.
Co-author 14-, 90-, and 180-day petitions for continued involuntary inpatient treatment with attending providers.
Provide expert witness testimony in court proceedings based on patient evaluations, medical chart reviews, collateral information, and direct and cross-examination.
Adhere to relevant Washington RCWs and meet legal deadlines for ITA e-filing.
Maintain tracking systems for ITA patient information, including court dates and current orders.
Report new admissions to the ITA Unit of the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and the Snohomish County Public Defender Association.
Maintain a tracking and reporting process for discharge notifications.
Distribute 24-hour right-to-continue-or-decline-medication notices to patient units.
Track FIT adolescent patients, report FIT admissions and discharges, and send documentation for review.
Provide case management services and coordination as needed.
Keep current knowledge of ITA laws and patient rights.
Provide education and training about ITA law and procedures during New Employee Orientation.