Metal Health Court Evaluator/Program Therapist

South Sound Behavioral Hospital•Lacey, WA

4d•$80,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

South Sound Behavioral Hospital is seeking a compassionate, highly organized, and detail-oriented professional to join our team as an ITA Court Evaluator Program Therapist. This hybrid role is central to our mission of providing exceptional mental health care while ensuring legal compliance under Washington’s Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA). You will coordinate care for ITA patients, support their legal rights, and deliver therapeutic services that promote emotional wellness and recovery.

Requirements

Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work or a clinical-related mental health field.
Must possess a Washington state license in Social Work or clinical related mental health field.
A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a psychiatric health care facility with direct experience in family and group therapies, crisis intervention, and treatment skills; and strong clinical assessment skills.
May be required to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the interdisciplinary treatment team to evaluate patients detained under ITA 120-hour holds by Designated Crisis Responders (DCRs)
Assess whether patients meet legal and mental health criteria for continued involuntary inpatient hospitalization or less restrictive alternatives
Reach out to collateral supports for information pertinent to legal findings
Co-author 14/90/180-day petitions for extended involuntary treatment with attending providers
Provide expert witness testimony in court proceedings through direct patient evaluation, chart review, and collateral interviews
Undergo direct and cross-examination from Thurston County prosecuting and defense attorneys
Adhere to all relevant RCWs and meet legal deadlines for ITA e-filing
Keep electronic medical record current with all filings and orders
Maintain tracking systems for court dates, legal orders, and discharge notifications
Report new admissions to the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and Public Defender Association
Distribute 24-hour medication rights notices to patient units
Deliver ITA law and procedure training during New Employee Orientation (NEO)
Stay current on all ITA laws, patient rights, and legal procedures
Address the bio-psychosocial needs of patients through individual, couples, and family counseling
Guide patients in developing therapeutic skills to achieve optimal emotional health
Deliver crisis intervention, short-term and long-term therapy, and specialized clinical social work services
Conduct psychosocial assessments and document educational and behavioral functioning
Evaluate and document the effectiveness of interventions and patient responses
Collaborate with community agencies for patient assessment, referrals, and continuity of care
Respond promptly to social work service requests and psychiatric emergencies
Participate in interdisciplinary treatment planning meetings and define specific, measurable goals
Ensure culturally competent care for diverse patient populations
Contribute to the effective functioning of the patient’s treatment program

Benefits

401(k) + matching
Health insurance
100% company-paid life insurance coverage up to 2x your annual salary
Vision insurance
Dental insurance
100% company-paid long-term disability insurance
Paid time off
Paid Holidays
Cafeteria on site
Employee engagement events
Employee assistance program
Employee recognition program
Free parking
Career & training development opportunities
Dynamic and inclusive work environment
Engaged management team dedicated to your success
A guiding mission and set of values that serve as both our northstar and yours, anchoring our collective purpose and aspirations