Job Description

POSITION IS LOCATED IN HAGERSTOWN, MD

This position is eligible for an additional sign on bonus and daily per diem.

Provide on-site mental health services to patients in accordance with the contract, current standards, community standards of care, American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, and other applicable accreditation standards incorporated into the contract. Deliver culturally competent and trauma-informed mental health assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, psychotherapy, suicide and homicide risk assessment, segregation monitoring, serious mental illness identification and monitoring, emergency response support, and continuity-of-care documentation. Support timely screening, clinically indicated treatment, transfer coordination, off-site referral processes, quality improvement, and accurate health record documentation. Telehealth may not be used for daily mental health treatment of patients on suicide watch and tele-behavioral health may not be used to remove or change suicide precautions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in initial medical and mental health screening completed within twelve (12) hours of patient arrival and complete or support mental health assessments following positive screening findings or clinically indicated referral.
• Conduct mental health evaluations as determined by the Facility Local Health Authority and provide clinically appropriate mental health and substance use treatment, including individual psychotherapy, group therapy, clinical counseling, diagnosis, and treatment planning within scope of licensure.
• Assess and manage suicide and homicide risk; perform suicide watch contacts, segregation monitoring, and serious mental illness monitoring as clinically indicated and within scope of licensure.
• Identify, track, record, and maintain required documentation for patients with serious mental disorders or conditions and support required notification, weekly reporting, and safe release planning processes.
• Provide or support enhanced mental health services required by the facility care level, including evidence-based group programming, trauma-informed interventions, and coordination with psychiatry services available on-site or by telehealth with twenty-four (24) hour on-call availability.
• Deliver care for emergent, urgent, acute, chronic, and emergency behavioral health needs and support immediate response, initial stabilization, and referral for off-site emergency care when clinically necessary.
• Comply with telehealth restrictions for patients on suicide watch: no daily treatment through telehealth and no removal or modification of suicide precautions through tele-behavioral health.
• Review available medical records, document records reviewed in the electronic health record and use contract-required screening and assessment tools or equivalent evidence-based tools as directed for patient care.
• Prepare accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation in the electronic health record, including assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, monitoring documentation, notifications, and continuity-of-care information.
• Prepare and provide medical transfer summaries or equivalent documentation, including current diagnoses, medications, scheduled or medically indicated appointments, consultations, and required continuity-of-care information for patient transfers.
• Support off-site care coordination by working with the Field Medical Coordinator on referrals, Medical Payment Authorization Request processes, community provider coordination, and required post-emergency documentation timelines.
• Notify the required contract stakeholders within required timelines regarding serious mental disorders or conditions, suicide precautions, emergency transfers, and other reportable patient care events.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement, risk management, annual policy review, chart review, corrective action follow-up, and other quality activities required by the contract.
• Maintain Basic Life Support certification from a widely recognized certifying body using instructor-led skills training and complete initial, annual, and any more frequent emergency response training required by the contract.
• Comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws, privacy and records requirements, credentialing requirements, security vetting requirements, training requirements, employee conduct standards, and other contract requirements applicable to health care personnel.
• Support emergency evacuation planning and training for patients housed in medical or mental health areas, including isolation rooms and other special housing areas.
• Perform additional contract-aligned duties within scope of licensure and competency as assigned by the service provider and Facility Local Health Authority.
• Complete required organizational compliance education, including assigned requirements that are client-specified, for Joint Commission Healthcare Staffing Services certification or other regulatory bodies.

This list is non-exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake additional duties that are not specifically listed above.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements/Certifications:

• All mental health providers must hold or have the ability to obtain the highest‑level clinical license/certification available in the state of Maryland.
• Must be able to conduct mental health evaluation, provide clinically appropriate mental health and substance use treatment, diagnose mental health conditions, perform segregation monitoring, identify and monitor serious mental illness, and assess suicidality and homicidally risk.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Education Required:

Psychologist:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (American Psychological Association accreditation preferred).
• Must hold a full, current, and unrestricted doctoral-level psychologist license issued by Maryland and maintain it in permanent, full, independent, and unrestricted status during employment or have the ability to obtain one.
• At least two (2) years of supervised experience in Clinical, Counseling, or Health Psychology.
• Must meet National Registry of Psychologist Providers requirements if graduated after January 1, 1982.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker:

• Master of Social Work (Council on Social Work Education accredited).
• Full, current, unrestricted independent clinical social work license at the highest level designated by the state of Maryland or have the ability to obtain one.
• Minimum of three (3) years post-independent licensure clinical experience providing independent clinical assessment, diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision, and treatment planning without supervision.

Licensed Professional Counselor:

• Master’s or Doctoral degree from a Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, or related CACREP‑recognized fields.
• Full, current, unrestricted independent clinical counseling Maryland state license (diagnosis and treatment authority) or the ability to obtain one.
• Minimum of three (3) years post-independent licensure clinical experience providing independent clinical assessment, diagnosis using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision, and treatment planning without supervision.
• Traditional Rehabilitation Counseling programs do not meet this qualification standard.

Physical Requirements:

• Required to walk unaided at a normal pace for up to 5 minutes and maintain balance.
• Required to jog/fast walk up to ¼ mile.
• Requires physical exertion such as lifting objects greater than 30 pounds.
• Required to perform CPR/emergency care standing or kneeling.
• Must have the ability to assist sick, injured, or aging patients or staff exiting the building (may require lifting, dragging, wheeling, or carrying someone who weighs significantly more than self).
• Must be able to see, hear and smell with aids if necessary.
• Must be able to lift, push, or carry 30 pounds.
• Must perform the duties of my job in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations.
• Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time.
• Average manual dexterity for computer operation.
• Phone or computer use for extended periods of time.

Other Special Qualifications:

• Must maintain current/physical residency in the continental U.S.
• Pass a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician within 30 days prior to initial assignment.
• U.S. citizen and have resided in the U.S. for the last five years (unless abroad on official U.S. government duty).
• Successfully engage in and complete a thorough Background Investigation.
• Poses or have ability to obtain required security clearances.
• Proficiency in Spanish is preferred.

Additional Information

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Compensation Disclaimer:
Pay range is based on several factors and may vary in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Final salary and offer will be determined by the applicant’s background, experience, skills, internal equity, and alignment with geographical market data.

Benefits Language (FTE roles):
Full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive and competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Additional benefits include a 401k plan, paid time off, and an annual bonus. IHMS USA, Inc. complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) Statement:
IHMS USA, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.