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 its Crisis Intervention Response Team (CIRT). The CIRT LPHA provides clinical services in the community to individuals exhibiting symptoms of mental illness, partnered with a Houston Police Department officer or Harris County Sheriff Deputy as a collaborative unit. The team interfaces with other agency programs, coordinating care with the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team, transports from Harris Center clinics, other law enforcement jurisdictions, and the community. The position is responsible for providing crisis intervention and de‑escalation, mental health assessments, case management and follow‑up, and serving as a liaison between the agency and the community.

Responsibilities

• Partnered with law enforcement, investigate consumer history and provide crisis assessments and intervention to reduce symptoms, provide education, and prevent admission to a more restrictive environment.
• Perform clinical assessments in various locations based on service request nature, evaluate individual mental health needs, and determine the required level of care.
• Work together with the assigned law enforcement officer.
• Maintain flexibility with workdays and times as required by the law enforcement and mental health authority partnership.
• Educate individuals in crisis and family members about mental health symptoms, diagnosis, medication, treatment, and assist with referrals to community resources and access to services.
• Be proactive on scene to prevent escalation of symptoms.
• Complete electronic health records documentation each workday for all encounters per CIRT operating guidelines; this documentation becomes part of the agency’s medical records.
• Perform agency services to assist individuals in gaining and coordinating access to necessary care and services, including Harris Center clinic transports, attendance at community health fairs, community welfare checks, and finding/obtaining hospital admission beds for consumers.
• When interacting with the community and colleagues, follow trauma‑informed principles (safety, trustworthiness and transparency, peer support, collaboration and mutuality, empowerment, voice and choice, cultural, historical, and gender issues).
• Meet divisional productivity standards by adhering to all CIRT operating guidelines.
• Perform related work as assigned and adapt to changing requirements, including working during city disasters at various locations.
• Demonstrate ethical conduct and agency standards of behavior in all professional activities.
• Be proficient and comply with documentation requirements per Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 301, Subchapter G, Division 3, Section 301.361 for Documentation of Services Provision.
• Possess knowledge of community resources (mental health, substance abuse, homeless services) and maintain a resource list to assist consumers and families.
• Comply with agency policies and procedures, CIRT Operating Guidelines, and relevant law enforcement general orders.
• Be familiar with Health and Safety Code Title 7, Subtitle C, Chapter 573 and follow all law enforcement safety instructions.
• Provide any additional assistance requested by the Agency, Program Director, or staff.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (M.A.) from a four‑year accredited college or university with a major in a social, behavioral, or human service field (e.g., psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, human development, educational psychology).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a mental health setting.
• Current 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); licensure plus one to two years of post‑Master’s clinical experience preferred.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License and insurability under agency policy.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Robust retirement plan with company matching.
• Prior service credit that accelerates Paid Time Off accrual.
• Cell phone discounts.