What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Court Evaluator Program Therapist position at South Sound Behavioral Hospital?
JOIN OUR TEAM AS AN MENTAL HEALTH COURT EVALUATOR PROGRAM THERAPIST!
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-Focused 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 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 $75,000.00-120,000.00 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 Program Therapist!
Qualifications:
Education: Master's Degree from an accredited college or university, in Social Work or a clinical related mental health field preferred. 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 have strong clinical assessment skills preferred. License: Must possess a Washington state license in social work or clinical related mental health field. Additional Requirements: CPR certification and crisis intervention/management training within 30 days of employment prior to assisting in a restraining procedure. May be required to work flexible hours. Mental Health Provider acknowledgement from DBHR, if eligible. Children’s Mental Health Specialist acknowledgement from DBHR, if eligible.
Salary : $75,000 - $102,000