The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD ("The HARRIS CENTER") is looking for a Master Level Clinician (MLC) or Licensed Therapist (LPHA) to join our Rapid Responseteam. As a (MLC) or LPHA with MCOT Rapid Response, you will play a pivotal role in our organization by providing comprehensive care and crisis intervention for individuals experiencing mental health crises that call 911 or Houston Police Department (HPD) non-emergency line. Under the general direction of a Clinical Team Lead (CTL) you will be responsible for dispatching in the community to mental health related calls, conducting screening and assessments, and providing crisis intervention, care coordination, and continuity of care services. On a crisis team of two you will work collaboratively with the Crisis Call Diversion (CCD) and other agency programs, community partners, first responders, individuals, and families to ensure the delivery of high-quality mental health care in the least restrictive environment.

Your role in action:

MLC:

• Respond to community calls for service, providing immediate support and intervention to individuals in crisis following established protocols and best practices.
• Conduct initial crisis assessments to evaluate severity and individual state, utilizing de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
• Develop action plans, coordinate referrals, and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to ensure effective crisis management.
• Provide post-crisis continuity of care, maintain accurate records, and engage in ongoing training to stay updated on crisis intervention practices.
• Participate in community outreach, prioritize self-care, and maintain professional licensure while efficiently performing assigned tasks and being adaptable to additional responsibilities.
• Assist in training and onboarding new employees, actively contribute to team meetings, collaborate on cross-functional projects, and provide support to team members and other departments as needed to achieve team goals.
• Other duties as assigned by program leadership MLC.

LPHA :

• Dispatch, as part of a two-person team, to calls for service in the community and provide immediate and effective support and intervention to individuals experiencing emotional distress, trauma, or other crisis situations, utilizing established protocols and best practices.
• Conduct clinical assessments to determine the level of risk and appropriate interventions for individuals in crisis.
• Develop crisis intervention and safety plans in collaboration with individuals, their support systems, and other professionals.
• Provide short-term crisis counseling and support to individuals experiencing crisis to help stabilize their mental health and emotional well-being.
• Coordinate with other agencies and emergency services to ensure a coordinated response to incidents requiring emergency intervention, communicating quickly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Maintain and operate radios following established protocols and procedures for radio communication.

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.

Experience :

Required Experience:

• At minimum, one (1) year of direct experience providing community-based crisis intervention services to individuals in distress, including assessing safety and risk, activating emergency response, risk mitigation, and continuity of care activities.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience collaborating with emergency services, law enforcement, or other first responders in crisis intervention efforts.
• Experience utilizing technology, software, and tools relevant to crisis intervention and record-keeping

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 & Abilities:

• Expertise in conducting thorough risk assessments to determine the level of danger and develop safety plans to mitigate risks.
• Understanding of the program's crisis response protocols, including procedures for assessing and managing crisis situations, coordinating with other agencies, and ensuring the safety of individuals in crisis.
• Familiarity with crisis assessment tools and protocols to evaluate urgency and severity.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices.
• Familiarity with evidence-based practices in crisis intervention and mental health treatment.
• Understanding mental health conditions, symptoms, and crisis indicators. This includes knowledge of various mental health disorders, their causes, effects, and treatment options.
• Understanding the complexities of co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders is important for providing integrated and comprehensive care to individuals in crisis.
• Knowledge of effective crisis intervention techniques and strategies, such as de-escalation tactics, suicide prevention methods, and trauma-informed care.
• Familiarity with emergency management protocols and disaster response procedures.
• Maintain professional licensure in good standing. This includes completing all necessary supervision and continuing education requirements, adhering to all ethical and professional standards set forth by the licensing board, and renewing the license as required. Report any changes in licensure status to their direct supervisor or HR Specialist.
• Ability to pass a thorough background check and meet all Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) eligibility criteria. This includes undergoing periodic audits and training to maintain clearance status.
• Certify and maintain status as an Agency Certified Driver. This includes the ability to operate a motor vehicle and pass agency performed road test. The employee must possess a valid Texas State issued driver's license and be insurable on the agency vehicle insurance policy. • Provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner

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 #50183.
• $5,000 stipend available.
• This position will be under the general direction of the practice manager or designated supervisor.
• May be necessary to travel to or transport consumers to homes or other field locations when providing services.
• May be exposed to unfavorable conditions.
• Interacts with individuals who may be emotional or physically hostile, agitated or uncooperative.

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 96,000 people in fiscal year 2023!

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 40 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 2,500 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.