Job Summary

The mission of Clark County Jail Services is to promote and maintain public safety through effective correctional and reentry practices. The purpose of the Clark County Jail Reentry Program is to connect incarcerated people released or likely to be released into the local Clark County community with resources that increase desistance behaviors and reduce recidivism.

The Mental Health Implementation Coordinator (MHIC) will lead the development and implementation of a standalone licensed behavioral health agency within Clark County Jail Services to provide direct, clinical mental health services to incarcerated individuals. The MHIC is responsible for designing and implementing administrative and operational frameworks, including policies, workflows, staffing models, budget structures, and data tools in preparation for state licensure, federal accreditation, and long-term sustainability.

The MHIC will collaborate extensively with internal stakeholders (e.g., custody, jail-based medical and mental health providers) and external partners (e.g., Western State Hospital, Designated Crisis Responders, community behavioral health providers). Once licensed, the agency will offer in-custody clinical services such as mental health and suicide risk assessments, release planning, therapeutic interventions, trauma-informed programming, and staff training. The MHIC will ensure continuity of care and develop scalable operations to meet 24/7 needs.

This exempt, non-represented role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and systems thinking, with the ability to navigate policy, compliance, and behavioral health frameworks in a secure setting. May include periodic nontraditional work hours.

This position represents a rare opportunity to build a legacy program from the ground up, ensuring Clark County Jail Services can provide appropriate, responsive care for individuals experiencing mental health crises during incarceration, and ultimately promote safer, healthier communities.

This is a project position currently scheduled to end on December 31, 2026.

Please be advised that any potential for extension or conversion to a regular, full-time position is dependent upon County Council approval and the availability of future funding.

First Review of applications is anticipated on July 10th, 2025 Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree in social work, counseling, mental health, behavioral sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution, plus at least 1 year of experience working with justice-involved individuals; OR

Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus at least 2 years of experience working with justice-involved individuals; OR

5 years of related professional experience

Proof of credentials and transcripts required at time of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience providing clinical behavioral health care in a correctional facility

Experience with behavioral health licensure, accreditation, and regulatory compliance

Familiarity with Medicaid billing and correctional mental health program funding

Experience preparing written proposals, stakeholder presentations, and grant applications

Knowledge Of:

Clinical supervision models for licensed mental health professionals

NCCHC, ACA, SAMHSA, and state licensing requirements for correctional behavioral health programs

Evidence-based behavioral health treatments in correctional settings (e.g., CBT, DBT, trauma-informed approaches)

Crisis response procedures including suicide watch, seclusion, and emergency hospitalization

HIPAA, RCW, WAC, and CMS regulations applicable to correctional mental health

Medicaid billing and state healthcare contracting, where applicable

Program evaluation tools including KPIs, quality assurance, and audit response

Currently accepted principles and best practices in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorder services.

Human development, developmental disabilities, and trauma-informed care.

Correctional systems, inmate rights, and mental health privacy laws.

Program management, budgeting, grant funding, stakeholder engagement, and data evaluation tools.

Ability To:

Develop scalable workflows and staffing models for 24/7 clinical coverage

Lead interdisciplinary teams, facilitate staff onboarding, and maintain operational readiness

Build collaborative partnerships across custody, healthcare, and community systems

Interpret complex licensing and funding criteria and guide compliance implementation

Maintain composure under pressure, demonstrate high emotional intelligence, and practice trauma-informed leadership

Analyze outcome data, synthesize audit feedback, and recommend system improvements

Effectively plan, direct, and implement a licensed clinical mental health program within a correctional setting.

Use independent judgment and effective decision-making in high-stakes, compliance-driven environments.

Coordinate multiple internal and external stakeholders to align policy with correctional mental health best practices.

Write clearly and concisely to convey technical, clinical, and compliance information.

Maintain accurate documentation and reporting aligned with licensing/accreditation expectations.

Exercise a high degree of professionalism, cultural competence, confidentiality, and personal accountability.

Maintain excellent attendance and dependability, particularly as an essential staff member in a 24/7 secure facility.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application, Resume, Cover Letter, and Supplemental Questions: Candidates interested in applying shall submit the following items: Online application Resume Cover letter describing experience as related to the position Supplemental Questionnaire response. (See Questions Below) Supplemental Questions (Pass/Fail): Please answer the following questions in a separate document(s). Applicants who do not submit this material will not pass the application review. Resumes and supplemental questions must be uploaded into Workday at the same time. Please describe in one page or less how your combined education, training, and professional experience qualify you for the position of Mental Health Implementation Coordinator. Please describe in one page or less your experience developing, implementing, accrediting, and evaluating new programs. Include key performance objectives, milestones, and lessons learned. Please describe in one page or less your experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders and the results you produced through these efforts. Please describe in one page or less your philosophy about serving people during incarceration. Each item must be submitted together. Incomplete application submissions will not pass the application review. (The system does not allow for document uploads to be added at separate times. Candidates deemed most qualified will be invited to participate in the remainder of the selection process. Panel Interview : All candidates must complete a panel interview to be considered for the Background Process. Candidates will receive an invitation to interview with the panel after initial review of submitted material is completed and the panel is available.

​ Background Process – All candidates who are selected in the panel interview to move forward to the background phase will be invited to begin a background investigation. The background submission is a graded component, and the grading rubric will be sent with the initial invitation to begin the background Investigation process

Executive Interview – Finalists for some positions may be required to participate in an executive-level interview due to the sensitive nature and leadership responsibilities of the role.

Background Investigation : This is the most detailed and lengthy part of the hiring process. Please see additional details in the background criteria section below.​

The background investigation will consist of the following elements:

Criminal history investigation

Affiliations

Personal and professional references

Employment History

Any prior applications to other criminal justice agencies

Credit check

Drivers record investigation

Polygraph examination

Psychological evaluation

Medical examination

Disqualifying Factors:

Any Felony Convictions (regardless of status)

Domestic Violence Charges

Manufacturing/Distribution of Illegal Drugs

Reckless/Negligent/DUI within the last 3 years

Illegal Drug Use within the last 3 years

Dishonorable Military Discharge or Failure to Register for the Selective Service

Discharge from a Criminal Justice Agency related to honesty

Affiliation with Gangs or Extremist Groups

Recent Patterns of Behavior Eroding Public Trust

Unsatisfactory Employment History, including attendance issues

Falsifying Application or Personal History Information

Unsatisfactory Personal or Professional References

Failure to pass the polygraph examination

Failure to pass a psychological evaluation

Failure to pass a medical exam

Failure to pass the drug screening

​ ​

Conditional Offer: Offers of employment are contingent on passing the following exams:

Background Investigation Polygraph Drug Screen Eligibility Requirements

Upholding the Highest Standards

As a potential member of the Jail Services Department, you will play a critical role in upholding public safety and trust. This position demands integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical conduct. Clark County Jail Services adheres to rigorous standards set by the State of Washington and the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Additional Information

This is a project-funded, exempt, non-represented role.

The position may require occasional evening or weekend work.

Comprehensive benefits package provided (medical, dental, vision, retirement, PTO).

Examples of Duties

Examples of Duties:

Develop and implement a licensed behavioral health agency within Clark County Jail Services

Create administrative and operational systems including policies, clinical protocols, staffing models, risk mitigation strategies, and data reporting processes

Coordinate stakeholder engagement efforts and secure support for program vision

Lead or support budget development, grant writing, and accreditation submissions

Serve as agency lead during inspections or audits from licensing/accreditation bodies

Prepare training content and staff development plans for new and existing clinical personnel

Coordinate in-custody clinical service delivery, including mental health evaluations, suicide risk assessments, treatment planning, group or individual therapy, crisis response, and discharge coordination

Lead or co-lead interdisciplinary quality assurance reviews and monitor adherence to best practices

Represent the agency in community forums, workgroups, and crisis system redesigns

Embrace and uphold the mission, vision, and values of Clark County Jail Services

Carries out other duties as assigned, with the understanding that all work contributes to the effective operation and mission of the department

Salary Grade

M2.202 Salary Range

$6,910.00 - $9,673.00- per month Close Date

12/31/2026 Recruiter

Keely Warren Email: ov Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at . Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation. Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at . Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at .

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice.

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.