Mental Health Professional (MHP) - WellConnect

DESC•Seattle, WA

6d•$84,337 - $93,115

About The Position

DESC’s WellConnect program is a modified assertive community treatment team serving Permanent Supportive Housing residents with complex needs who are underserved by traditional office-based care. The interdisciplinary team provides intensive, wrap-around behavioral health services in participants’ homes and at DESC Permanent Supportive Housing sites, 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. The Mental Health Professional assesses participants’ mental health needs, develops and updates treatment plans, provides clinical services, and supports participants in building skills and meeting personal goals. The role includes coordinating with healthcare, housing, legal, benefits, and other service providers, as well as supporting healthy living conditions in participants’ residences. Team members provide rotating coverage Monday through Friday and on weekends and holidays, and participate in a paid on-call rotation for 24-hour crisis coverage. The position is scheduled for office day shifts from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with one late shift from noon to 8 p.m. Days off are Sunday and Monday. This union-represented position is part of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

Requirements

Eligible 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 that includes 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 business; a current Washington State driver’s license and insurable driving record are required.
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 outside 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 credential, or active pursuit of one of these credentials.
Bilingual English/Spanish.
Familiarity with psychiatric medications.
Familiarity with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) as a treatment model.

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 and help them adapt to and cope with internal and external stressors.
Provide individualized assessments, counseling, supportive therapy, coaching, and side-by-side support to develop activities of 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 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 assistance, advocacy, coordination, problem-solving, training, and supervision to help participants obtain necessities such as healthcare, legal services, financial support, money management, and transportation.
Provide individual supportive therapy and psychotherapy to participants individually, in groups, and with families, in office and community settings.
Use a stage-based, non-confrontational treatment model that accounts for the interaction of mental illness and substance use and is guided by participant-determined goals; use harm-reduction approaches.
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, assistance with unit cleanouts, and documentation of barriers.
Participate in daily team meetings, psychiatric consultations, clinical supervision, program meetings, in-service trainings, clinical reviews, and case conferences.
Maintain complete, timely clinical records; comply with clinical accountability policies and procedures; and participate in quality assurance reviews when assigned.
Follow applicable program research and evaluation procedures and perform other duties as assigned.
Participate in the regular paid on-call rotation, providing 24-hour crisis coverage by phone and in person for WellConnect clients.