Mental Health Intake Specialist, Davidson County Jail

Mental Health Cooperative • Nashville, TN

391d

About The Position

The Mental Health Intake Specialist at Davidson County Jail Mental Health Cooperative is responsible for screening, assessing, and referring inmates for psychiatric services. This role involves providing ongoing medication checks and crisis intervention services for inmates in custody, ensuring they receive appropriate mental health care. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including medical staff, community service providers, and correctional officers, to support individuals with severe mental illness.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Behavioral Health (M.A., M.S.) or equivalent.
• Must be licensed or license eligible in Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field (LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LPC).
• Must have personal vehicle, personal automobile insurance, and a valid Tennessee Driver's License.
• Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR).
• Acceptable Criminal Background Investigation & Drug Screen Report.

Nice To Haves

• Conflict management skills
• Negotiation skills
• Time management skills

Responsibilities

• Respond to referrals made by medical and intake staff, community service providers, family members, court professionals, DCSO staff, and inmate-initiated requests.
• Assess inmate's behavioral health needs and refer inmates appropriately to treatment services that may include psychiatric evaluation and medication management or admission to the Behavioral Care Center (BCC).
• Screen new admits to DCSO jails for behavioral health services and participate in early identification system for inmates with mental illness.
• Liaison with DCSO Behavioral Health Director and medical provider regarding new admissions, forensic evaluations, and inmates in crisis.
• Rotate on-call responsibilities with other staff.
• Respond to jail to complete face-to-face assessment for admittance to sub-acute status (safe room); psychiatric observation and crisis intervention.
• Write initial Certificate of Need, if appropriate.
• Provide follow-up services for consumers seen in crisis and those who return from the RMHI.
• Work cooperatively in a team environment with staff of MHC and MCRT, as well as, staff from DCSO, Metro Health Department, Hospital Authority, Medical Provider, the Court and its officers, and CMHC's.
• Aid in implementation of APN and Psychiatrist's orders regarding inmates treatment plan.
• Refer to Discharge Planner, if appropriate.
• Liaison with various service providers and pharmacies to ensure adequate and rapid medication verification.
• Participate in treatment team meetings and other meetings as requested.
• Maintain accurate records and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
• Attend training sessions as directed by Supervisor.
• Responsible for attending all mandatory in-services, continuing education and annual health requirements.
• Follow all policies and procedures set by the Agency.

Benefits

• Health savings account
• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403(b)
• Gym membership
• Life insurance
• Prescription drug insurance
• Pet insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Ambulatory Health Care Services
• Education Level: Master's degree