Mental Health Court Therapist - Mental Health Court - Unassigned Division

Salary: $52,583.00 - $65,729.00 Annually
Location : HAMILTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT, Chattanooga, TN
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 06/08/2026 - 1910
Division: UNASSIGNED DIVISION
Department: Mental Health Court
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Description


Under general supervision, with a focus on high-risk individuals, provides individual therapy for Mental Health Court participants and facilitate evidence-based curriculums in group settings. Will provide critical client support to justice-involved individuals who are mental health consumers, by helping clients navigate a system of services within Mental Health Court and in partner agencies.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

This is a Fair Labor Standards Act defined Exempt Position - Exempt positions are excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers. The employee in this position is paid a salary rather than an hourly wage for this position. FLSA does not limit the amount of work time an employer may require or expect from any exempt employee, on any schedule. Hamilton County Government expects an employee in this position to complete the work assigned regardless the amount of hours involved in completing the tasks assigned

Tasks


Responsible for providing crisis intervention, needs/risk assessment, individual and group therapy services, and referrals for clients Builds rapport with clients as an essential function. Performs communityoutreach via information and service referral. Will develop and update individual treatment plans. Maintains, updates, and manages files, records and other paperwork associated with individual files. Works within a multi-disciplinary mental health court treatment team to monitor participant's progress throughout program.

Attends and participates in Mental Health Court hearing and staff meetings. Arranges for necessary accommodations to be provided during the hearings for participants with special needs. May coordinate and/or participate in/on a variety of meetings, conferences and other related events in order to receive and convey information. May facilitate some training and supervision for volunteers and interns.

May work a varied schedule that may sometimes include evenings, week-ends and/or holidays; will work across two work site locations; works with volunteers, community resources and others as needed to accomplish goals and objectives of area of assignment. Meets with participants at two Mental Health Court work sites, at treatment providers, in Court and at other places, as necessary.


Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics


Knowledge of applicable State of Tennessee statutes, rules, administrative orders, policies and procedures, applicable Federal rules and requirements.
Knowledge of therapy methods, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of Hamilton County Policies and Procedures.
Knowledge of social work and mental health methods, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of the basic principles of record keeping, case and records management.
Skill in clinical skills using a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, gender responsive framework for working with individualsand families.
Skill in working independently and in a team environment.
Skill in organizing, planning, developing, supervising and managing program/events and prioritizing work with strong problem solving.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system, counseling techniques, and available system and community resources.
Skill in engaging clients who may respond negatively to outreach efforts
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with vulnerable and incapacitated persons, other professional agencies and the public
Skill and ability to tactfully communicate with non-voluntary clients in order to establish rapport and gain their confidence, cooperation, and best effort.
Skill in effective conflict resolution and negotiation.
Skill in practicing cultural sensitivity and emphasizing a safe and respectful environment for all.
Skill managing upset and/or confrontational participants or family members.
Skill in building relationships with partners, the community and clients.
Skill utilizing verbal and written communication in providing presentations, counseling, educational materials.
Skill in building relationships with partners, the community and clients.
Skill in utilizing verbal and written communication in providing presentations, therapy, educational materials, facilitating meetings and providing instructions.
Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications with proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Skill in exercising good judgment and effective decision-making.
Skill in preparing and maintaining policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications


Master's degree in social work (MSW), counseling, marriage and family therapy, or in a related field. Must have a valid driver's license. Licensure (in good standing) with the State of Tennessee as a LCSW, LPC or LPC-MHSP. Must possess a valid driver's license.


ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

May require occasional travel and on-call duties.


Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working in a criminal justice or court setting is preferred but not required.

Experience working with a justice-involved population is preferred but not required.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) speaking is preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires long periods of standing, walking, assisting participants; involves potential exposure to infectious diseases; involves extensive contact with mental health consumers and/or combative participants and/or family members; involves attention to detail. Work may also involve bending, stooping, walking and/or standing for extended periods of time, and lifting/carrying of equipment and supplies weighing up to 30 pounds and the potential for physical harm in dealing with combative participants.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION :

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.
Hamilton County Government

Meeting the needs of the people where they live, work, and play!
Hamilton County, Tennessee offers a lower cost of living, ease of getting around, a lively arts tradition, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Working for Hamilton County Government provides many great benefits - take a look at a few of those highlighted below...
On-Site Employee Health Clinic

• No copay to utilize clinic services.
• Clinic services include routine office visits, sick visits, labs, flu shots, and more
• TextCare - Access to care 24/7 via TextCare, which is direct, unlimited access to medical care 24/7 through text message.

(Employee access to the clinic is available from day one. A covered spouse or dependent has access as soon as their health plan coverage is effective. Children age 3 and up who are covered by the County's insurance are eligible to be seen.)

• Telehealth - Two-way, real-time interactive communication between the patient and a practitioner through telecommunications, which may include audiovisual options.
• One to One Provider Network - Availability to utilize a network of providers that provide a high level of care at a lower copay/cost.
• Health Management Programs - Offered to help employees and their family members in managing the following health conditions: Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), and Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
• Nutritional guidance - Nutritional education provided to assist in making the appropriate food /health choices.

On-Site Employee Pharmacy

• Low-cost prescriptions available to those covered under the County health plan.
• Over the counter items offered at cost.
• RxLocal App - Mobile app provides a convenient way to stay connected and manage your health. Through the app you can request refills and ask questions.
• On-site Pharmacist available to answer questions and provide information.

Hamilton County Government offers competitive insurance coverage to fulltime employees.
Medical coverage is offered through Cigna to fulltime employees. The County pays a generous portion of the medical premium. Two options are available to choose from: LCP (Local Cost Plus) and OAP (Open Access Plus).

• The LCP has a smaller network that includes most providers and hospitals, with the exception of Parkridge facilities/providers.
• The OAP is a national network of facilities/providers that includes most providers/hospitals, including Parkridge.

Dental coverage is a voluntary benefit available to fulltime employees. Three coverage options are offered: Cigna High Plan, Cigna Low Plan, and Sun Life DHMO.

• The Cigna High Dental Plan covers orthodontia for children up to age 18. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Cigna Low Dental Plan does not cover orthodontia. A national network of dental providers is available to choose from and this plan offers out of network coverage.
• The Sun Life DHMO plan is a prepaid dental plan that offers benefits through a network of plan dentists. A dental provider must be selected when enrolling and services must be provided by that provider for benefits to apply.

Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment is provided through Symetra. The County provides $30,000 of Basic Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage at no cost to fulltime employees.


Additional voluntary benefits fulltime employees have access to enroll in are as follows:

-Individual Short-Term Disability (STD) -Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD)

-Flexible Spending Account-Health Care -Flexible Spending Account-Dept. Care

-Flexible Spending Account-Transportation -Accident Insurance

-Critical Illness Insurance -Hospital Indemnity Insurance
Hamilton County Government Retirement for Fulltime Employees:

Pension - Legacy Plan (hired prior to 10/1/2015), in which the employer contributes 14.70%.


Pension - Hybrid Plan (hired on or after 10/1/2015), in which the employee contributes 5% and the employer contributes 4%.


401K - Employer contributes 5% and the employee can contribute the amount of their choice.


457b - Employees have the option to contribute to this plan if they choose.
Pre-Retirement Seminar:

Hamilton County Human Resources provides a pre-retirement seminar to those considering retirement, two times per year (1st and 3rd quarter of each year). Seminar topics covered may include:

• Health insurance assistance, Medicare info and counseling.
• Internal steps to take when an employee is ready to retire.
• Estate Planning
• Personal Financial Planning
• TCRS (Tennessee Consolidated Revenue Service) - Ham. County Pension
• Deferred Compensation/457 Plan - Nationwide
• Social Security Benefits

Parental Leave:

Hamilton County provides eight (8) weeks of paid maternity leave and two (2) weeks of paid paternity leave following the birth of a child or placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption (age 13 or younger) or foster care.
Paid Time Off :

Hamilton County Government provides generous paid time off (PTO) to fulltime employees from the start of employment.

• Years 1 - 5: an employee will accrue 5.85 hours of leave, per pay period.
• Years 5 - 10: an employee will accrue 6.77 hours of leave, per pay period.
• Years 11-15: an employee will accrue 8.31hours of leave, per pay period.
• Year 15 and each year thereafter, an employee will accrue 8.93 hours of leave, per pay period.

At each anniversary, an employee can roll over up to 80 hours of unused PTO into their leave bank. (Up to 800 hours for employees hired on or after 1/1/2013).
Paid Holidays:

Hamilton County Government provides thirteen (13) paid holidays to fulltime employees.

New Year's Day Independence Day


M.L. King's Birthday Labor Day

President's Day Veteran's Day

Good Friday Thanksgiving (2 days)

Memorial Day Christmas (2 days)

Juneteenth
Wellness Facility:

Hamilton County Government provides a 24/7 fitness center, free of charge, to County employees and family members (age 14+) covered under the County's health plan. The fitness center offers cardio and strength-training equipment, along with group exercise classes throughout the year. (which may include Zumba, spin, yoga, etc.)
01


To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, applicants must possess a Master's degree in social work (MSW), counseling, marriage and family therapy, or in a related field. Must have a valid driver's license. Licensure (in good standing) with the State of Tennessee as a LCSW, LPC or LPC-MHSP. Must possess a valid driver's license. Do you meet all of the minimum qualifications for this position?

• Yes, I meet all of the minimum qualifications for this position.
• I meet some of the minimum qualifications for this position.
• No, I do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

02


What is your highest level of education completed?

• I do not have a GED or High School Diploma.
• GED
• High School Diploma
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree

03


If you indicated you possess a degree, please tell us the field of study your degree is in.
04


How many years of direct work experience do you have in social work, counseling, marriage and family therapy, or in a related field?

• No experience
• Minimal, less than one year.
• 1-2 years
• 2-3 years
• 3-4 years
• 4-5 years
• 5-6 years
• 6-7 years
• 7-8 years
• 8-9 years
• 9-10 years
• 10 years or more

05


How would you describe your skill level using Microsoft Outlook?

• No experience - I am unfamiliar with Microsoft Outlook.
• Basic- I occasionally use Microsoft Outlook at my current (or at a previous) job.
• Average - I use Microsoft Outlook at least once a week at my current (or at a previous) job.
• Advanced - I use Microsoft Outlook daily at my current (or at a previous) job.

06


How would you describe your skill level using Microsoft Word?

• No experience - I am unfamiliar with Microsoft Word.
• Basic- I occasionally use Microsoft Word at my current (or at a previous) job.
• Average - I use Microsoft Word at least once a week at my current (or at a previous) job.
• Advanced - I use Microsoft Word daily at my current (or at a previous) job.

07


How would you describe your skill level using Microsoft Excel?

• No experience - I am unfamiliar with Microsoft Excel.
• Basic- I occasionally use Microsoft Excel at my current (or at a previous) job.
• Average - I use Microsoft Excel at least once a week at my current (or at a previous) job.
• Advanced - I use Microsoft Excel daily at my current (or at a previous) job.

08


Do you possess current licensure with the State of Tennessee as a LCSW, LPC or LPC-MHSP?

• Yes
• No

09


If you indicated you possess a current licensure with the State of Tennessee as a LCSW, LPC, or LPC-MHSP, please tell us the type of licensure you possess.
10


Do you have direct work experience that required you to work with a justice-involved popluation?

• Yes
• No

11


Do you have direct work experience that required you to work in a criminal justice or court setting?

• Yes
• No

12


Do you have direct work experience that required you to work within a multi-disciplinary mental health court treatment team to monitor participant's progress throughout program?

• Yes
• No

13


Applicants who are able to read, write, and speak fluently in both English and Spanish are preferred but not required for this position.Are you able to read, write, and speak fluently in both English and Spanish?

• Yes
• No

14


Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

15


Have you ever served in the United States Armed Forces?

• Yes
• No

16


The answers you provide in the "Supplemental Question" portion of the application will be used to review/process your application. Once this job posting closes, your answers to the supplemental questions cannot be changed. Have you reviewed your answers and verified they are correct?

• Yes
• No

Required Question