Mental Health Intake Specialist, Davidson County Jail

Ranked one of Tennessee’s top places to work, MHC is a rare and special place where outstanding company culture is intentional. Where clients and associates are treated the same, as equals.

Mental Health Cooperative, Inc. (MHC) was formed in 1993 to serve individuals with severe and persistent mental illness.  Since then, we have expanded our services to children and adolescents with severe emotional disorders across Middle and East Tennessee.

Our sole purpose is to support and treat those challenged with serious mental illness and poverty. Although based out of Nashville, we serve several communities across middle and East Tennessee with satellite offices in Antioch, Gallatin, Dickson, Columbia, Cleveland, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, Cookeville, Chattanooga, and Memphis. 

If you are interested in joining a team that is caring, collaborative, innovative and energizing this might be a great place for you!

Job Title: Mental Health Intake Specialist (Criminal Justice) 

Schedule: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - 6:30pm-7:00am

JOB SUMMARY: Screen, assess, and refer inmates in the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) custody for psychiatric services.  Provide on-going medication checks and crisis intervention services for inmates in DCSO custody

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Respond to referrals made by medical and intake staff, as well as, community service providers, family members, court professionals, DCSO staff, and inmate-initiated requests.
2. Assess inmate’s behavioral health needs and refer inmates appropriately to treatment services that may include psychiatric evaluation and medication management or admission to the Behavioral Care Center (BCC).
3. Screen new admits to DCSO jails for behavioral health services and participate in early identification system for inmates with mental illness.
4. Liaison with DCSO Behavioral Health Director and medical provider regarding new admissions, forensic evaluations, and inmates in crisis.
5. Rotate on-call responsibilities with other staff.
6. Respond to jail to complete face-to-face assessment for admittance to sub-acute status (safe room); psychiatric observation and crisis intervention.
7. Write initial Certificate of Need, if appropriate.
8. Provide follow-up services for consumers seen in crisis and those who return from the RMHI.
9. Work cooperatively in a team environment with staff of MHC and MCRT, as well as, staff from DCSO, Metro Health Department, Hospital Authority, Medical Provider, the Court and its officers, and CMHC’s.
10. Aid in implementation of APN and Psychiatrist’s orders regarding inmates treatment plan.
11. Refer to Discharge Planner, if appropriate.
12. Liaison with various service providers and pharmacies to ensure adequate and rapid medication verification.
13. Participate in treatment team meetings and other meetings as requested.
14. Maintain accurate records and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
15. Attend training sessions as directed by Supervisor.
16. Responsible for attending all mandatory in-services, continuing education and annual health requirements.
17. Follow all policies and procedures set by the Agency.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree in Behavioral Health (M.A., M.S.) or equivalent.

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Must be licensed or license eligible in Social Work, Psychology, or closely related field. (LMSW, LCSW, LMFT, LPC) 

• Must have personal vehicle, personal automobile insurance, and a valid Tennessee Driver’s License

• Acceptable Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)

• Acceptable Criminal Background Investigation & Drug Screen Report 

• Cell Phone

ABOUT YOU:

• Team Oriented – Attend and participate in team meetings, assist other members of the team when needed, exhibits the ability to initiate, develop and maintain effective working relationships with Consumers, other clinicians, families, correctional officers and staff and other referral sources.

• Recovery Focused – Progress notes reflect quality service, tolerance/patience to work through barriers, demonstrates professionalism and empathy with Consumers’ natural supports when available.

• Conflict and Crisis Resolution – Understands and is able to use conflict resolution and negotiation skills in order to defuse difficult situations.

• Assessment and Intervention Skills – Ability to evaluate risk factors and potential risk factors during assessments, understands importance of gathering collateral information, uses consultation appropriately, progress note indicates plan was explained to Consumer, ability to thorou