Mental Health Practitioner, Geriatric Specialist

About the role

Harborview Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Department seeks a Mental Health Practitioner specializing in geriatric care. This per-diem, day-shift position is part of the Geriatric Services team, which promotes aging in place by assessing and facilitating medical and behavioral health services for older adults. The role involves collaboration with family members, formal and informal providers, and community resources to address housing, benefits, and culturally relevant treatment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct initial screenings and psychiatric evaluations for new clients
• Provide mental health case management and counseling for an assigned caseload
• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team
• Assess patient needs, manage crises, and determine appropriate interventions
• Coordinate housing, funding, and medication services as needed
• Facilitate diversion from psychiatric hospitalization when clinically appropriate
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in medical records
• Lead or co-lead therapeutic groups and assist in program planning
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality regulations and recovery-oriented principles
• Support clients in achieving goals related to housing, employment, education, and community integration

Requirements

• A Master’s Degree in behavioral sciences (e.g., psychology, psychiatric nursing, occupational therapy, vocational or educational counseling, or social work) OR a Bachelor’s Degree in nursing or a behavioral science plus three years of direct professional mental health care experience
• Geriatric experience, defined as one year of full-time experience treating individuals aged sixty or older under supervision, or relevant coursework in Gerontology and Geriatric care
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except where legal requirements (e.g., licensure, certification, or registration) apply

About Harborview Medical Center

As the region’s only Level I Trauma and verified burn center, Harborview Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility owned by King County and operated by UW Medicine. It provides specialized care for patients across the Pacific Northwest, including King County’s most vulnerable residents. Harborview offers leading-edge centers in emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, and mental health and substance abuse care. Employees are committed to the institution’s vital role in the community and the broader region.

About UW Medicine

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system with a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. Its mission is to improve public health through advancing medical knowledge, delivering outstanding primary and specialty care, and preparing future physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals. The UW Medicine network includes Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center (Montlake and Northwest), Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Pay

Hourly pay range: $36.26 – $51.88.

Schedule

Per-diem, day shift (first shift). This is a temporary position with an FTE of 0.00%.

Benefits

For information about benefits for this per-diem position, visit UW Temporary/Per-Diem Benefits.