Inpatient Mental Health Therapist

Job Code: 21-1014

Salary: $33,488.00 - $80,392.00

Status: Full-time, Exempt, Permanent

Location:  Health Services

Department:  Mental Health

Reports to:  Mental Health Director

Telecommute: No

Fleet: No

Mandated Reporter: Yes

Background: PL101-630

SUMMARY:  The Licensed Mental Health Therapist / Licensed Clinical Social Worker provides high‑quality, culturally responsive mental health services with a primary focus on inpatient behavioral health support, intake and engagement, and crisis intervention. The clinician will work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary care team to ensure coordinated, patient‑centered care that supports healing and wellness for individuals served by the Tribal Health System.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 

1. Inpatient Services (Primary Priority)

• Provide individual, group, and family therapy for patients receiving inpatient behavioral health or substance use treatment services.
• Conduct mental health assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing care coordination for inpatient clients.
• Participate in daily inpatient team huddles, staffing meetings, and discharge planning processes.
• Document services in accordance with clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement requirements.
• Collaborate with nursing, medical staff, case managers, and other care team members to support continuity of care.
• Provide education and support to families as appropriate.

2. Intake & Engagement (Secondary Priority)

• Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments for new clients entering Behavioral Health Services.
• Complete risk assessments, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations for appropriate level of care.
• Facilitate timely engagement for clients transitioning from inpatient treatment to outpatient services.
• Develop culturally informed, individualized treatment plans in partnership with clients.
• Provide warm hand-offs to appropriate clinical or community resources.
• Maintain timely documentation for all intakes and follow-up appointments.

3. Crisis Calls & Triage (Third Priority)

• Respond to crisis calls and walk-in emergencies using trauma‑informed and culturally respectful approaches.
• Conduct crisis assessments, safety planning, and short-term stabilization.
• Coordinate with emergency services, law enforcement, or inpatient facilities when higher levels of care are required.
• Participate in the Behavioral Health crisis-response rotation as assigned.
• Maintain clear and concise crisis documentation in accordance with policy.

Additional Duties:

• Provide outpatient therapy as needed to support continuity of care.
• Maintain required licensure, certifications, and continuing education.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, case consultations, and team meetings.
• Follow all policies related to confidentiality, HIPAA, and Tribal program standards.
• Support culturally grounded approaches to healing, respecting Haudenosaunee values and traditions.

Work Environment

Combination of inpatient behavioral health units, outpatient clinical settings, and crisis response environments. Will require flexible hours depending on program needs.

Mandated Reporter: Must become a mandated reporter prior to having contact with children in a job-related capacity and maintain that status throughout employment. This includes completing any necessary training and adhering to all reporting obligations as defined by applicable laws and tribal policies

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: There are no supervisory duties for this position

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Due to the sensitive nature of information obtained, must maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:  

• Master of Social Work or a Master's degree in mental health counseling. 

AND 

• New York State Licensure or eligibility for licensure, as a LMSW, LCSW or LMHC (this includes meeting the requirements for a limited permit status). 

OR

• Working towards obtaining Masters level degree within the next year that would meet the requirements for New York State Licensure and is eligible to complete a practicum or internship placement as part of studies. 

OR

• Current NYS licensure as stated above for LMSW, LCSW or LMHC and Minimum two (2) years of clinical experience preferred.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Strong clinical assessment and therapeutic skills.

Ability to manage acute situations with calm, sound judgment. Commitment to culturally responsive and community-based practice. Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and documentation practices.

The successful candidate must pass a test for illegal substances prior to employment being confirmed. 

The successful candidate must pass a criminal background check prior to employment.