ITA Court Evaluator Therapist $5k Sign-on Bonus

Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital•Marysville, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The ITA Court Evaluator Therapist at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital coordinates care and documentation for patients receiving treatment under the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) and Family Initiated Treatment (FIT). The role collaborates with hospital providers, program therapists, nurses, and Snohomish County prosecuting and defense attorneys, and requires knowledge of ITA and FIT laws and patient rights. The therapist collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team and clinically evaluates patients detained under the ITA on an initial 120-hour hold. The evaluator determines whether patients meet legal and mental health criteria for continued involuntary inpatient hospitalization or whether a less restrictive option is appropriate. The role co-authors petitions for continued involuntary treatment, provides expert witness testimony in court proceedings, and ensures compliance with relevant laws and ITA filing deadlines. Additional duties include tracking ITA and FIT cases, admissions, discharges, court dates, orders, and medication notices; coordinating case management as needed; and educating new employees on ITA laws and procedures. The position may require flexible hours. It is full-time, based at Smokey Point Behavioral Hospital in Marysville, Washington, with expected compensation of $80,184–$102,000 annually and 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 and treatment skills.
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 continued 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 review, collateral information, and direct and cross-examination.
Follow relevant RCWs and meet legal deadlines for ITA electronic 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.
Track and report 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.
Maintain current knowledge of ITA laws and patient rights.
Provide education and training on ITA law and procedures during New Employee Orientation.