State of Washington Classified Job Specification
MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER
Class Series Concept
Provide mental health diagnostic evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, and case management services in a multi-disciplinary outpatient setting, and consultation and education to other mental health and health care professionals.
Definition
Provide prescribed treatment, maintain case records, participate in data collection and research, and perform case management functions.
Distinguishing Characteristics
First-level class of series. Under general supervision, provide prescribed mental health services in an outpatient setting.
Typical Work
Provides psycho-therapy as prescribed by the individual service plan;
Maintains case records;
Provides case management, client advocacy, outreach and/or follow-up contacts to clients in the community;
Assists in monitoring the effect of medications under the general direction of a physician;
Conducts screening, triage, and referral services;
Participates in data collection, studies, and research projects;
Performs crisis intervention;
Assists in the training of students and directing the work of volunteers;
Provides diagnostic evaluation and develops individual service and discharge plans;
Conducts 90-day case reviews and revise individual service plans;
May provide consultation and education to other social service and health care workers;
Performs related duties as required.
Legal Requirement(s)
There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.
Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.
Desirable Qualifications
A Master's Degree in behavioral sciences, such as psychology, psychiatric nursing, occupational therapy, vocational or educational counseling, or social work
OR
Bachelor's Degree in nursing or a behavioral science and three years' of experience in the direct delivery of professional mental health care
OR
Equivalent education/experience.
Class Specification History
Revise class effective May 18, 1987.
Revise minimum qualifications effective July 2, 1990.
Revised class code: (formerly 6123) effective July 1, 2007.
Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.