Mental Health Practitioner, Geriatric Specialist
Listed compensation
$36.26-$51.88/hr
The week · per this posting
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Harborview Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Department has an outstanding opportunity for a Mental Health Practitioner, Geriatric Specialist.
WORK SCHEDULE: Per-diem
Day Shift
Department Description
The goal of the program is to promote and provide long-term care and support, with the objective of aging in place. We assess and facilitate medical and behavioral health services for older adults who are enrolled.
We work with family and with formal and informal providers regarding housing, benefits, and culturally relevant treatment to meet the needs of those we serve. We assist clients in developing and maintaining meaningful and productive life roles.
This position on the Geriatric Services team engages with outside service providers, case-management, outreach, consultations, coordination of care and counseling services.
Primary Job Responsibilities
- Conduct initial screenings and psychiatric evaluations for new clients
- Provide mental health case management and counseling for 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, 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.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
Geriatric experience is equivalent to one year of full-time experience in the treatment of persons sixty years of age or older, under the supervision of a geriatric mental health specialist and or taken courses related to Gerontology and Geriatric care.
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 is dedicated to providing specialized care for a broad spectrum of patients from throughout the Pacific Northwest, including the most vulnerable residents of King County.
It provides exemplary patient care in leading-edge centers of emphasis, including emergency medicine, trauma and burn care, neurosciences, ophthalmology, vascular surgery, HIV/AIDS, rehabilitation, mental health and substance abuse care.
Harborview employees are committed to the vital role the institution plays in the immediate community, as well as the entire Northwest region.
Challenge. Collaboration. Compassion.
About UW Medicine – Where Your Impact GOES Further
UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.
All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.
Become part of our team. Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.
Compensation, Benefits and Position Details
Pay Range Minimum
$36.26 hourly
Pay Range Maximum
$51.88 hourly
Other Compensation
Benefits
For information about benefits for this position, visit washington.edu
Shift: First Shift (United States of America)
Temporary or Regular?
This is a temporary position
FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)
0.00%
Union/Bargaining Unit
WFSE HMC
About the UW
Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.
UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
Our Commitment
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
Key Responsibilities
The Mental Health Practitioner conducts psychiatric evaluations, provides case management, and develops individualized care plans for geriatric clients. They also facilitate therapeutic groups and coordinate essential services such as housing, medication, and community integration.
Qualifications
- Experience
- 2+ years of experience
Key Skills
Work-Life Balance Analysis
WeekdayDoc's proprietary algorithm rates Mental Health Practitioner, Geriatric Specialist at University of Washington a 8.0 out of 10 for work-life balance — classified as excellent. This places the position in the top 5% of all Geriatrics healthcare professional listings evaluated on our platform. Contributing factors include no night shifts.
Geriatrics Career Context
University of Washington holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 70/100, 92 active listings.
Geriatrics pay on WeekdayDoc is up 10.4% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).
The cost-of-living index for Washington is 107.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)). 59.8% of Washington clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
Location & Logistics
Washington has no state income tax, which can significantly increase take-home pay compared to high-tax states.
