Human Resources

Job Location

County of Chelan Regional Justice Center 401 Washington Street Wenatchee, Washington 98801

Description

 2024 Salary: Steps A-C $8,358.11 - $8,867.12/Month

In addition to a competitive starting salary range, Chelan County employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include medical and dental coverage, 12 holidays and initial vacation leave accrual of 12 days (plus anniversary bonuses), 12 days of sick leave, up to $200 monthly contribution to Voluntary Employee Benefit Account (VEBA), Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, and Deferred Compensation.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position is responsible for identification of inmates who suffer from Mental Disorders as well as Co-Existing Substance Abuse Disorders.

This position is also responsible for implementation of a cross system collaboration including existing jail personnel, contracted medical and psychiatric providers, outside mental health treatment providers, emergency room personnel, forensic services through Eastern State Hospital, other psychiatric institutions, courts and their personnel, law enforcement, Department of Corrections, families, and other necessary social agencies to ensure full utilization of the inmate support systems in attempt to promote the stabilization and reduction of overall recidivism of the mentally ill inmate.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• PRIORITY: IDENTIFY AND STABALIZE SUICIDAL/HOMICIDAL INMATE
  • Inmates booked into the facility that are observed to be suicidal or homicidal or both by the booking officer will be seen as soon as possible by the jail mental health coordinator/Mental Health Professional during on-duty hours, or the county designated crisis responder (DCR) after hours to evaluate for suicidal/homicidal ideation. All inmates on suicide/homicide precautions will be cleared by the jail MHP.
• SCREENING NEW INDIVDUAL(S) IN CUSTODY:
  • New inmates who are booked into the jail will be screened by the Mental Health Coordinator/Mental Health Professional using the Medical Receiving Screening Form.
• PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATION TO THOSE INDIVIDUAL(S) IN CUSTODY WHO ARE SCREENED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:
  • The Mental Health Coordinator will evaluate the mentally ill individual(s) in custody.
• IDENTIFY CURRENT/POTENTIAL PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION USE:
  • The MHC will identify psychiatric medication needs and write a written report that will be given to the medical department provider.
  • The MHC will assist the classification department as necessary with appropriate housing of the mentally ill inmate.
  • The MHC will coordinate with the court/transport team as necessary.
• ESTABLISH COMMUNICATION AND FACILITATE OUTSIDE SUPPORT SERVICES:
  • Appropriate community social service providers will be contacted to potentially provide services during and after incarceration.
• PROVIDE ONE ON ONE FOLLOW-UP AND CRISIS COUNSELING WITH IDENTIFIED INMATES:
  • The MHC will provide as time allows one on one follow up and crisis counseling with identified inmates.
• PARTICIPATE IN COURT AS CONSULTANT:
  • The MHC may participate in court as a consultant to judicial staff on behalf of the mentally ill offender in regards to the order of competency evaluation RCW 10.77.060. The MHC will participate in obtaining furlough’s that are needed for petition of involuntary detention under RCW 71.05.
• COORDINATE INMATE AND STAFF INVOLVEMENT WITH EASTERN STATE HOSPITAL AS WELL AS OTHER PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS AS NECESSARY:
  • The MHC will coordinate scheduling competency evaluations with Eastern State Hospital, will coordinate court transport of inmates to and from Eastern State Hospital, the MHC will assist with inmate re-entry into jail from a psychiatric facility, and will meet with the inmate individually to provide follow up services. The MHC will also assist in coordinating inmate involvement with other psychiatric hospitals.
• COMMUNICATE WITH JAIL LIAISON PROGRAM SOCIAL WORKERS:
  • The MHC will provide information to the jail liaison social workers for continued re-entry into the community.
• CLINICAL PAPERWORK COMPLETION:
  • The MHC will complete all clinical paperwork to reflect services provided to inmates.
• DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT STAFF TRAINING:
  • The MHC will develop and implementing training for jail staff at the request of the Director.
• IN-HOUSE AND COMMUNITY MEETINGS:
  • The MHC will attend and participate in meetings that will improve communication and mental health services to the jail at the request of the Director.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

This position reports directly to the Chief of Administration. Work is performed according to departmental regulations and procedures prescribed by the Director, who will generally appraise the effectiveness of the employee and adherence to established policies.

SUPERVISION OVER MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL:

The Mental Health Coordinator supervises the Mental Health Professional. The Mental Health Coordinator will meet with the Mental Health Professional for monthly supervision to discuss concerns, goals and suggestions. This will be documented and signed by both parties. The Mental Health Coordinator is responsible to coordinate this and provide documentation to the Chief of Administration. The Mental Health Coordinator will do yearly performance evaluations and once completed provide to the Chief of Administration. The Mental Health Coordinator is responsible to address any performance issue and or concern surrounding the Mental Health Professional and follow the chain of command shall it not be resolved internally.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITES:

Knowledge of:

• County, State and Federal laws governing incarceration and the mentally ill.
• Departmental policies and procedures.
• Current Mental Health Evaluation tools.
• First Aid, CPR, PREA, Principles and Application.

Skill in:

• Communicate effectively with staff, inmates, and the public, both orally and in writing.
• Act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.
• Interact positively with other agencies and departments.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Registered Nursing Degree, Bachelors’ Degree or Masters’ Degree in Health or Social related field working a minimum of three years in a mental health field, and working a minimum of at least two years with the mentally ill per RCW 71.05.
• Ability to read and write the English language.
• Possess a current Washington State Driver’s license.
• Must have basic typing/keyboard skills.
• Must be either a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident, not less than 21 years of age.
• Applicants must be able to successfully pass a background check and interviews.
• Must have NO felony convictions.

While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to work in a detention/correctional setting and use standard office and communication equipment. The employee is regularly exposed to hazardous situations which involve physically violent persons, mentally or emotionally disturbed persons, persons with infectious diseases, highly stressful situations, and can be exposed to caustic or caustic chemicals.

Once employed, the applicants must meet all required certifications and maintain all other standards necessary for the performance of job duties.

NOTE: Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a position. They are intended to be accurate reflections of those principal job elements essential for making fair pay decisions about jobs. The above description is intended to provide only a basic guideline for meeting job requirements and may change as the needs of the organization evolve.

Additional Information

To apply: Include the following in one document (PDF or Word) 

• Chelan County Application
• Resume 
• Cover Letter 

Email tohuman.resources@co.chelan.wa.us or mail/drop off at address below.

Human Resources
400 Douglas Street, #201
Wenatchee, WA 98801