As the region's only Level I Trauma center, Harborview Medical Center (HMC) is well known for innovations and excellence in trauma care and its centers of emphasis: Trauma, Burn, Neurosciences, AIDS/STD, Center for Advanced Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (CARER), and mentally-and medically- vulnerable populations. In addition to the centers of emphasis, HMC serves a mission population for King County. Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region. HMC is owned by King County and managed by the University of Washington (UW) and serves as a training site for UW’s School of Medicine. The UW is proud to be one of the nation’s premier educational and research institutions. Our people are the most important asset in our pursuit of achieving excellence in education, research, and community service. Our staff not only enjoys outstanding benefits and professional growth opportunities, but also an environment noted for diversity, community involvement, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits, and natural beauty.
Harborview Medical Center has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER. Under general supervision, the Downtown Programs Health Care for the Homeless Mental Health Practitioner is responsible for interacting with the client population at the sites served, conducting psychiatric/psychosocial evaluations, social service needs assessments, with development of individualized treatment plans and follow up strategies for each client.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to serve homeless people
Provides outreach/engagement services for difficult to reach clients initially addressing basic needs for food, clothing, shelter and medical care
Conducts psychiatric evaluations and social service needs assessments
Develops treatment plans and follows up strategies making referrals and using a case management approach as indicated
Provides counseling/psychotherapy
Recommends and monitors use of medication in mental health treatment
Participates in psychiatric consultation, supervision and program meetings
Documents patient care in a manner that reflects recognition of the legal significance of an accurate and complete mental health record
Completes documentation of grant required encounter form in a timely manner
Develops, implements and documents teaching specific to the patient populations served by the Health Care for the Homeless Mental Health Team
May participate in community activities that relate to education about and advocacy for the mental health needs of the homeless
Acts as an advocate for the patient/family through such activities as organizing patient care conferences and safeguarding patient’s privacy and confidentiality
Promotes and atmosphere/attitude of respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of each patient
Promotes and protects general safety for patient and co-workers through measures such as adherence to correct procedures [including TB and blood borne pathogens], monitoring and appropriate responses and seeking consultation
Responsible for the security of log in for IT systems. Have signed Security/Confidentiality Agreement and completed checklist of applications
Acts promptly and effectively in managing self, patients and other employees during emergency situations
Provides information regarding emergencies, i.e. calling 911, MHPs
Participates in and supports the Health Care for the Homeless, division and HMC quality assessment and improvement activities
Maintains/improves clinical professional competence and knowledge and skills through use of appropriate resources to meet identified self-learning needs and annual review requirements
Supports development of program and divisional efficiency and effectiveness through such activities as: participating in team problem solving, demonstrating support for program and divisional policies/procedures and sharing expertise with other care givers
Is available during business hours to team members and other staff by pager/cell phone/email
Works collaboratively with homeless program staff, clinic personnel and other homeless care providers
Develops cooperative relationships with other agencies in the mental health and social service systems in order to provide effective services
Provides psychiatric consultation, program presentations and in-service training
May assist in supervision of volunteers, students, and support staff
REQUIREMENTS:
A Master's Degree in behavioral sciences, such as psychology, psychiatric nursing, occupational therapy, vocational or educational counseling, or social work OR Bachelor's Degree in nursing or a behavioral science AND three years' of experience in the direct delivery of professional mental health care.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Additional Requirements:
Credentialed as an LICSW or LMHC
Desired:
Must have a passion for working with an underserved, disenfranchised homeless population
Experience with harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed care
This position provides opportunities to work in a fast-paced, challenging, diverse and rewarding environment. As an employee you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For detailed information on Benefits for this position, click here.
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