Licensed Therapist (LPHA) Jail Forensic (Relief)

Join our team at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The Harris Center") as a Licensed Therapist (LPHA) - Relief at our Harris County Jail. The LPHA performs clinical activities such as independent assessments, and crisis and /or service interventions as directed by the treatment plan and/or identified consumer needs. This position interfaces with the inpatient and outpatient psychiatrists and Harris County Sheriff’s Department (HCSD) Medical Services and authorizes the medical necessity of services as indicated. This position may provide monitoring, clinical supervision and training of other staff. Services are provided at the HCSD 701 San Jacinto and 1200 Baker Street locations. Coverage on weekends and holidays will be required.

What you will do:

• Monitors consumer progress with treatment goals to determine effectiveness of interventions.
• Performs clinical assessment to evaluate the individual's priority population diagnostic eligibility and treatment needs.
• Provides cognitive behavioral therapy focusing on the reduction or elimination of symptoms of severe and persistent mental illness and increasing the individual's ability to perform activities of daily. 
• Provides crisis intervention to individuals to reduce symptoms and prevent admission to a more restrictive environment.
• Provides training/education on the nature of mental illness and addressing the symptom related problems interfering with the individual's functioning, and other trainings as designated.
• Performs activities to assist consumers in gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and services based on individual needs.
• Responsible for participation in formulation of consumer's treatment (inclusive of assessment of needs, treatment planning, admit/discharge planning and service authorization).
• Ensures all services provided meet eligibility criteria and are authorized in accordance with agency and regulatory guidelines.
• Advocates for consumers to ensure that needs are met both within The Harris Center system and in the community.
• Communicates and works with consumers/visitors/other staff in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of cultural diversities.
• Completes reporting/training as designated in an accurate and timely manner.
• Meets divisional productivity standards.
• Demonstrates ethical conduct in all clinical and professional activities.
• Performs related work as assigned. Adapts to changing work requirements.
• Complies with agency policies and procedures, accrediting/regulatory bodies and performance contract documentation requirements.

What qualifications you will need:

Education:

• Master’s degree (M.A.) from four-year accredited college or university with a major in a social, behavior, or human service field, including but not limited to: psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, human development, and educational psychology.

Other Key Qualifications

• Clinical license through the State of Texas for one of the following: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT.
• Licenser credentials plus one to two years of clinical experience post Master’s degree preferred.
• Must maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and be insurable under Agency policy.
• Licenser credentials plus one to two years of clinical experience post Master’s degree preferred

Knowledge/Skills & Ability:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
• Strong diagnostic skills, the ability to incorporate patient history, symptoms, environmental and related issues to formulate proper diagnosis and treatment.
• Strong communication skills, listening and interpersonal skills above average, written documentation is clear, concise, and well- constructed.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Must be able to work autonomously in a fast paced environment.

What we have to offer:

The Harris Center not only offers a competitive salary but also a suite of excellent benefits designed to enrich your life both professionally and personally. Imagine a future with a robust retirement plan complemented by our generous company matching – a testament to our investment in your long-term financial well-being. Experience the unique advantage of our prior service credit, accelerating your journey towards a more substantial Paid Time Off accrual, empowering you to enjoy well-deserved breaks.

Enjoy Cell Phone Discounts, exclusive entertainment deals through Tickets at Work, and a free Headspace subscription for mental wellness. Additionally, our Employee Assistance Program supports your overall well-being.

Take advantage of significant financial relief through student loan forgiveness as a valued member of The Harris Center team. As a qualifying entity, our employees are eligible for various student loan forgiveness programs, designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with higher education.

What else you should know:

• This posting is associated with position #77911
• Location: 1200 Baker St., Houston, TX 77002.
• $50/hr for 6am - 10pm, Sunday - Saturday or $60/hr for 10pm - 6am, Sunday -Saturday

About us:

The HARRIS CENTER is the state-designated Local Mental Health Authority and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) Authority serving Harris County, Texas.  As the largest behavioral and developmental disability care center in Texas, The HARRIS CENTER provided care to over 79,000 people in fiscal year 2019 and has an annual budget of over $275 million.

As part of its mission to transform the lives of people with behavioral health and IDD needs in the third largest county in the United States, The HARRIS CENTER provides a full continuum of services at 86 different sites across Harris County. In addition, services are provided in more than 42 different languages as well as sign language in order to better serve what is one of the most diverse and multi-cultural communities in the nation.

By utilizing the unique expertise of its more than 2,300 employees, The HARRIS CENTER is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents and giving them hope to live to their fullest potential.

Contributes to suicide care and prevention by embracing our values and applying a trauma-informed approach rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.