Licensed Therapist (LPHA) - CIRT

About the role

The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD (“The Harris Center”) is seeking a Licensed Therapist (LPHA) to join the Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT). This role provides clinical services in the community to individuals exhibiting symptoms of mental illness, partnering with a law enforcement officer (Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff Deputy) as a collaborative unit. The CIRT LPHA interfaces with other agency programs, coordinating care with the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, clinic transports, law enforcement jurisdictions, and the community.

Responsibilities

• Partner with law enforcement to investigate consumer history, provide crisis assessments, and intervene to reduce symptoms, educate, and prevent admission to restrictive environments.
• Perform clinical assessments in various locations to evaluate individual needs and determine the appropriate level of mental health services.
• Work flexibly with law enforcement partners, adapting to required workdays and times.
• Educate individuals in crisis and family members about mental health symptoms, diagnosis, medication, treatment, and community resources.
• Proactively de-escalate symptoms on scene to prevent crisis escalation.
• Complete electronic health records documentation daily for all encounters, adhering to CIRT operating guidelines.
• Assist individuals in accessing and coordinating necessary care, including clinic transports, community health fairs, welfare checks, and hospital admissions.
• Follow trauma-informed principles (safety, trustworthiness, transparency, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, cultural/historical/gender awareness) in all interactions.
• Meet divisional productivity standards and adapt to changing work requirements, including disaster response.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct and agency standards in all professional activities.
• Comply with Texas Administrative Code documentation requirements for service provision.
• Maintain knowledge of community resources (mental health, substance abuse, homeless services) and assist consumers and families in accessing them.
• Adhere to Agency policies, CIRT Operating Guidelines, and law enforcement general orders.
• Follow Health and Safety Code Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 573 and law enforcement safety instructions.
• Provide additional assistance as requested by the Agency, Program Director, or staff.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (M.A.) from an accredited four-year college or university in a social, behavioral, or human service field (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, human development, educational psychology).
• Two years of experience working in a mental health setting.
• Clinical license through the State of Texas as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
• One to two years of clinical experience post-Master’s degree preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and insurability under Agency policy.

Skills

• Knowledge and ability to apply crisis intervention techniques.
• Strong diagnostic skills, incorporating patient history, symptoms, and environmental factors.
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Clear, concise, and well-constructed written documentation.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

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 provides care to over 90,000 people annually with a budget exceeding $300 million. The agency offers a full continuum of services at 80 sites across Harris County and in over 40 languages, including sign language. With more than 2,500 employees, The Harris Center is committed to meeting the behavioral health and IDD needs of Harris County residents.

Schedule

Sunday - Wednesday, 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Robust retirement plan with company matching.
• Prior service credit for accelerated Paid Time Off accrual.
• Cell phone discounts and entertainment deals through Tickets at Work.
• Free Headspace subscription for mental wellness.
• Employee Assistance Program for overall well-being.
• Student loan forgiveness eligibility as a qualifying entity.