Mental Health Professional (MHP) - WellConnect

Downtown Emergency Service Center•Seattle, WA

About The Position

DESC is a social services organization, supportive housing operator, and licensed behavioral health treatment provider serving people experiencing long-term homelessness and complex behavioral health and medical needs. Its WellConnect program is a modified assertive community treatment team serving Permanent Supportive Housing residents who are underserved by traditional office-based care. The interdisciplinary team provides intensive, wrap-around services, including community integration, systems navigation, care coordination, psychiatric medication management, peer support, housing stability services, co-occurring substance use treatment, and individual and group psychotherapy. Services are delivered onsite at participants’ homes and DESC housing sites. The Mental Health Professional provides ongoing clinical assessment, treatment planning, therapy, coaching, practical support, and coordination of care. The role includes working in office and community settings, helping participants pursue personal goals and maintain stable living conditions, and collaborating with participants, DESC staff, and outside providers. The position participates in a paid on-call rotation for 24-hour crisis coverage. The stated regular schedule is an office day shift from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with one late shift from noon to 8 p.m.; days off are Friday and Saturday. Team coverage also includes rotating coverage Monday through Friday and on weekends and holidays. The position requires a master’s degree in social work, psychology, or another relevant behavioral science and eligibility for a Licensed AAC credential or a superseding credential meeting Washington State requirements for a Mental Health Professional. A current Washington State driver’s license and insurable driving record are required. The position is represented by SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

Requirements

Eligibility for a Licensed AAC credential or another superseding credential meeting RCW 71.05.020 requirements to act as a Mental Health Professional, with scope of practice including independent mental health assessments and diagnoses.
Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or another relevant behavioral science.
Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle for agency business; current Washington State driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
Interest in working with clients who are difficult to engage and maintain in traditional mental health or substance use disorder programs.
Interest or experience working with adults experiencing or having experienced homelessness, mental illness and/or co-occurring substance use disorders, and involvement in the criminal legal system.
Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work effectively with participants and staff from various backgrounds.
Commitment to the ability and right of people with severe and persistent mental illness to live in community residences, work in market jobs, and access helpful, adequate, competent, continuous supports and services.
Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities, work independently, and exercise professional judgment.
Basic computer skills, including email, data entry, file creation, and correspondence.
Skills and competence in establishing supportive, trusting relationships with people with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
Respect for participant rights and personal treatment preferences.
Understanding of and respect for participant confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.
Commitment to cooperation and continuity across DESC and outside agency programs.
Ability to participate in a paid on-call rotation providing 24-hour crisis coverage by phone and in person.
Ability to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and stressful environment.

Nice To Haves

Washington State Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) credential, or actively pursuing one of these credentials.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Familiarity with psychiatric medications.
Familiarity with implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp).

Responsibilities

Assess participants’ mental illness symptoms on an ongoing basis and update treatment plans as needed.
Provide psychoeducation to help participants identify mental illness symptoms and integrate substance use services when appropriate.
Support participants’ personal growth and ability to cope with internal and external stressors.
Provide individualized assessment, counseling, supportive therapy, coaching, and side-by-side support for daily living, relationships, time management, and basic employment skills.
Plan and support community-based activities, including obtaining and setting up housing, grocery shopping, nutrition assistance, household tasks, money management, social activities, and vocational support.
Coordinate with outside providers and services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, legal and advocacy services, and primary care and dental providers.
Provide practical support, advocacy, coordination, problem-solving, assistance, training, and supervision to help participants obtain daily necessities and access health care, legal services, financial support, money management, and transportation.
Provide individual, group, and family supportive therapy and psychotherapy in office and community settings.
Use a non-confrontational, stage-based treatment model that considers the interaction of mental illness and substance use and uses participant-determined goals; use harm reduction approaches.
Assess referred clients for WellConnect services and complete intakes, including exploring diagnostic criteria for psychotic disorders.
Help participants achieve and maintain healthy living conditions, including attending care conferences, providing in-unit outreach and support, coordinating with housing staff, participating in unit cleanouts, and documenting barriers.
Participate in team meetings, psychiatric consultations, clinical supervision, program meetings, trainings, clinical reviews, and case conferences.
Maintain complete, timely clinical records; follow clinical accountability policies and procedures; participate in quality assurance reviews and applicable research and evaluation procedures.
Participate in a paid on-call rotation providing 24-hour crisis coverage by phone and in person for WellConnect clients.
Perform other duties as assigned.