Court Evaluator / Program Therapist (Mental Health)

JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN ITA COURT EVALUATOR / PROGRAM THERAPIST (Mental Health)!

FULL-TIME

Your Work Matters How will you make a difference?

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.

ITA Court Evaluator 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

Program Therapist Responsibilities

• ​​​​​​​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

Your Experience Matters What we’re looking for:

• Education & Licensure: 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 a clinical-related mental health field.
• Experience: 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.
• Additional Skill Requirements: May be required to work flexible hours.

Your Care Matters What we provide for our team:

• 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

What sets us apart:

• 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

Disclaimer: Select benefits are available to full-time positions only. Benefits are subject to change at the discretion of South Sound Behavioral Hospital.

Compensation:

This is a full-time role, and the expected compensation range is $80,000-90,000 annually.  We’re eager to engage with all qualified candidates, and consideration will be provided to experience and skill level. Join us as our ITA Court Evaluator!

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Get to know us Outstanding Care, Compassionate People, Unparalleled Service

Welcome to South Sound Behavioral Hospital (SSBH), where passion meets purpose in the realm of mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Our 138-bed facility located in Lacey, WA, SSBH is the newest behavioral health facility in the area equipped with cutting-edge safety features to ensure a secure and supportive environment for both our employees and our patients. At SSBH, our expert team, including licensed psychiatrists, compassionate nurses, skilled therapists, and adept technicians, is united by a singular commitment — to deliver exceptional care to every individual, regardless of their financial circumstances. We offer specialized programs to create a haven for patients to embark on their healing journey in utmost comfort.

Join us in our transformative mission to redefine mental healthcare through person-centered care. Here, your unique skills and boundless compassion can make a profound impact on the lives of those in need. If you are ready to contribute to a community that values excellence and empathy, seize this opportunity to apply and become a catalyst for positive change at South Sound Behavioral Hospital.

To learn more about SSBH, visit us at: https://www.southsoundbehavioralhospital.com/

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE POSITIVE I.M.P.A.C.T.S.

Individuals Maintaining Positive Attitude and Commitment To Service

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South Sound Behavioral Hospital values a diverse, inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities.

Salary : $80,000 - $90,000