Clinical Therapist-GTMHCAC (2026)

About the role

This role centers on providing immediate, compassionate care and clinical support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Working within Northern Lakes CMH Authority’s 24/7 Crisis Walk-In Center and delivering mobile services in the community as appropriate, the Clinical Therapist will ensure timely assessment, stabilization, and linkage to ongoing services. The position also includes assuring the following functions are carried out: assessment, determining medical necessity for ongoing services, planning, linking, coordination, monitoring, brief solution-focused therapy, and advocacy.

This position works with law enforcement to provide case consultations, crisis intervention, service coordination, and referrals/linkage to resources for individuals who were identified as requiring mental health/substance use-related supports. This position reports directly to the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center supervisor and/or the director and has no direct supervisory responsibilities. To ensure 24/7 coverage, this position will require irregular hours including overnight shift work.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential access system functions for all populations including screening, eligibility determination, collection of relevant information for reporting and decision-making purposes, referrals, provision of relevant consumer information, and provision of outreach services when necessary.
• Obtain sufficient information from individuals requesting service to determine their apparent eligibility for service including demographics, clinical assessments and diagnosis, level of care determination, and referrals.
• Provide face-to-face clinical assessments (in person or via virtual platform) of potential new consumers.
• Provide new consumer initial orientation to CMH services including Person-Centered Planning process.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of external agencies and providers and ability to assist requestors of service in linking to other providers when there is a need; follow up with individuals when appropriate.
• Ensure consumers with Limited English Proficiency or other special needs have available and receive appropriate assistance with respect to all CMHSP services, including access to and utilization of the PIHP grievance and appeals process.
• Participate in interventions, assessments, and other aspects of crisis services during and after hours as necessary.
• Screen and address within access service any barriers to service, including speech, language, and cultural needs or issues; refer or assist individuals to take actions to resolve questions or concerns.
• Provide direct and indirect services, including case consultation and coordination, advocacy, and referral.
• Conduct emergency on-site assessments of clients to determine the need for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and provide mobile response to a variety of community settings upon law enforcement’s request/referral, including home, businesses, shelters, etc.
• Provide face-to-face crisis intervention to help de-escalate and/or stabilize individuals in crisis.
• Participate actively in staff development activities including unit meetings, supervisory meetings, community meetings, applicable conferences, and review of current literature regarding services.
• Work cooperatively with law enforcement, primary care physicians, local Department of Health and Human Services agencies, schools, ISD, substance abuse, and other providers to promote provision of quality community-based services.
• Provide follow-up and support services to individuals to ensure their engagement in services.
• Develop rapport and maintain strong working relationships with law enforcement and community stakeholders.
• Assist with training implementation for internal and external partners as appropriate.
• Track and collect data points as identified.

Qualifications

• Credentialed by NLCMHA to provide services in this professional discipline.
• Licensing or Certifications:
  • Must have licensure with the State of Michigan as a licensed professional.
  • Preferred: Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Psychologist.
  • Considered: Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW), Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), Limited Licensed Psychologist.
  • Must maintain licensure.
• Education & Experience:
  • Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling from an accredited university.
  • One (1) year experience in the mental health field with experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Demonstrated competency in the use of diagnostic skills to include the use of the most current DSM.

Pay

$71,663 – $81,663

Benefits

• Medical insurance (4 options)
• Dental insurance (2 options)
• Vision insurance (2 options)
• Health Savings Account
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• MERS Retirement Plan (with employer matching up to 5%)
• Paid Time Off (18 days in 1st year)
• Holidays (13 days)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

Schedule

Irregular hours including overnight shift work to ensure 24/7 coverage; may require travel by personal vehicle if an agency vehicle is not available.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Occasionally: Lifting up to 25 lbs with or without assistance; stretching/reaching; exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious disease; exposure to hazardous material; stooping (bend at waist).
• Frequently: Hand/finger dexterity; talking in person; talking on the telephone; hearing in person; hearing on the telephone; vision for close work.