Mental Health Therapist - School Based Health Center

HealthPoint Careers•Federal Way, WA

About The Position

The Mental Health Therapist delivers integrated mental and behavioral health care in collaboration with an integrated primary care team at a school-based health center. The role provides evidence-based mental health and substance use assessment and intervention using a collaborative care model, supporting patient access while maintaining care for patients with ongoing needs. The therapist conducts initial assessments and triage, evaluates functioning and risk, provides crisis intervention when needed, assists with diagnosis, and delivers evidence-based interventions. They maintain a caseload, provide follow-up visits suited to population health needs, document care in electronic records and required tracking systems, and coordinate outreach and referrals to community specialty providers when appropriate. The role also includes consultation with psychiatric providers as available, collaboration with medical colleagues, and contributing to clinic workflows and quality improvement. A master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field and one to three years of related experience are required, along with an eligible Washington State social work, mental health counseling, or marriage and family therapy credential. Associate-level practitioners must work under an approved supervisor and are expected to obtain full licensure under Washington Department of Health requirements within six months of hire. Required immunization documentation and COVID-19 vaccination proof must be provided as described in the posting.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, or a related field.
One to three years of related experience working with underserved populations and/or high-risk groups, and/or significant integrated-care training through a master’s program or prior primary-care mental health experience.
At hire, a current credential as a Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Social Worker Associate; Licensed Mental Health Counselor or Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate; or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate.
Associate-level practitioners must be supervised by an approved supervisor and are expected to obtain full licensure in accordance with Washington Department of Health requirements within six months of hire.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.
Comfort working at the fast pace of primary care.
Ability to communicate effectively with primary care providers about mental health issues and treatment.
Ability to engage patients in a therapeutic relationship.
Experience screening and assessing common mental health and substance use disorders.
Working knowledge of differential diagnosis for common mental health and substance use disorders.
Working knowledge of evidence-based psychosocial treatments for common mental disorders.
Working knowledge and experience with brief, structured counseling techniques such as Motivational Interviewing and Behavioral Activation.
Basic knowledge of psychopharmacology for common mental disorders.
Knowledge of psychological assessment, DSM V, and chemical dependency.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination before starting; the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not accepted as proof, and recipients must provide documentation of an alternate vaccine or vaccine series.
Proof of required immunizations and/or immunity, including MMR, Varicella, annual Influenza, and TB QuantiFERON Gold Titer; Tdap within the last 10 years is required for clinic employees, and Hepatitis B is required for clinical employees with potential exposure to blood or blood products.

Responsibilities

Assist primary care providers in recognizing and treating mental health and substance use conditions in the school-based primary care setting.
Conduct initial patient visits of 50 minutes or less; assess functioning and risk, including suicide and homicide risk; provide crisis intervention; assist with diagnosis; and deliver evidence-based interventions.
Collaborate and consult with medical colleagues and Behavioral Health Consultants to provide team-based care.
Provide flexible follow-up visits, generally around 30 minutes, based on population health needs.
Maintain a caseload of patients requiring ongoing mental health intervention, monitoring, and support while ensuring access for new patients.
Provide mental health care and substance use screening, psychoeducation, brief counseling, psychotherapy, and related services using evidence-based techniques.
Document services in patient electronic records and required databases, including MHITS when applicable.
Track caseloads, identify patients who may need outreach, and initiate follow-up; use other tracking systems to support grant work and funding.
Coordinate ongoing care and outside referrals to specialty mental health clinics, organizations, or community providers when appropriate.
Consult with psychiatric providers through grant work, community partnerships, or consultation hotlines when necessary.
Facilitate clinic workflows and improvements to achieve program quality and performance aims.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families/dependents.
HSA and FSA plans.
Life insurance, AD&D, and disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program.
Wellness Program.
PTO plan for full-time benefited employees; accrual is 5.23 hours per pay period during the first 0–.99 years of service.
Extended Illness Time Away of 40 hours.
Eight holidays and three floating holidays.
Compassion Time Away up to 40 hours.
Opportunity Time Off for extended time away, up to eight weeks.
Retirement plan with employer match.
Voluntary discounted plans, including life insurance, critical illness and accident insurance, identity theft insurance, and pet insurance.
Development and growth opportunities.
HealthPoint can provide vaccinations or lab titers at no cost to employees who need them to document immunity.