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 conditions. Its WellConnect program is a modified assertive community treatment team serving Permanent Supportive Housing residents whose complex needs are underserved by traditional office-based care. The interdisciplinary team provides services such as community integration, systems navigation, care coordination, psychiatric medication management, peer support, housing stability services, co-occurring substance use treatment, and individual and group psychotherapy. The Mental Health Professional provides clinical and practical support to WellConnect participants in their homes, DESC housing sites, the office, and community settings. The position includes assessment and treatment planning, supportive therapy and psychotherapy, assistance with daily living and housing stability, coordination with external providers, and support for participants’ personal goals. Team members provide rotating coverage and participate in a paid on-call rotation for 24-hour crisis coverage. The stated 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 Sunday and Monday.

Requirements

Be eligible for a Licensed AAC credential or another superseding credential meeting RCW 71.05.020 requirements to act as a Mental Health Professional, including independently conducting mental health assessments and making mental health diagnoses.
Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or another relevant behavioral science.
Ability to drive an agency or personal vehicle for agency-related business.
Current Washington State driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
Interest in working with clients who are difficult to engage and retain in traditional mental health or substance use disorder programs.
Interest or experience working with adults affected by homelessness, mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorders, and involvement in the criminal legal system.
Good oral and written communication skills and ability to work effectively with participants and staff from varied backgrounds.
Commitment to the right and ability of people with severe and persistent mental illness to live in community residences, work in market jobs, and access helpful, adequate, competent, and 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.
Ability to establish 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 external agency programs.
Ability to accept feedback and work in a highly collaborative and stressful environment.

Nice To Haves

Washington State 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 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 development by helping them adapt to and cope with internal and external stressors.
Provide individualized assessments, counseling, supportive therapy, coaching, and side-by-side support related to daily living, social and interpersonal relationships, time management, and basic employment skills.
Plan, structure, and support community-based activities, including obtaining and setting up housing, grocery shopping, nutrition assistance, household activities, money management, social activities, and vocational support.
Coordinate with external providers and services, including inpatient and outpatient treatment, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, legal and advocacy services, and primary care and dental providers.
Provide practical assistance, advocacy, coordination, problem-solving, training, and supervision to help participants obtain 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 stage-based, non-confrontational treatment model that considers the interaction of mental illness and substance use and follows participant-determined goals.
Assess referred clients for WellConnect services and complete intakes, including exploring diagnostic criteria for psychotic disorders.
Support clients in achieving and maintaining healthy living conditions through care conferences, outreach and support in residential units, coordination with housing staff, unit clean-outs, and documentation of barriers.
Participate in daily team meetings, psychiatric consultations, clinical supervision, program meetings, trainings, clinical reviews, and case conferences.
Maintain current, timely, and complete clinical records; follow clinical accountability policies and procedures; participate in quality assurance reviews and applicable research and evaluation procedures.
Participate in the regular paid on-call rotation, providing 24-hour crisis coverage by phone and in person for WellConnect clients.
Perform other duties as assigned.