Program Therapist; PRN; Fri - Sun

Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Dallas, Texas is located on a 22‑acre campus outside the Garland metroplex. The hospital provides inpatient psychiatric treatment for children, adolescents, and adults, and operates a diversion program for incarcerated individuals.

The Program Therapist will work under the Director of Clinical Services to provide assessment, counseling, and evidence‑based therapeutic interventions to inmates participating in the diversion program.

• Conduct mental health evaluations, crisis intervention, and follow‑up care.
• Determine and coordinate disposition of patients for appropriate level of mental health care.
• Coordinate with re‑entry clinicians for discharge planning services.
• Complete required statistical reports and maintain accurate documentation.
• Collaborate with the Department of Corrections to ensure proper housing and treatment disposition.
• Coordinate patient care with other institutional programs.
• Develop and lead group treatment on mental health observation units and other units as assigned.
• Participate in medical and mental health rounds as assigned.
• Participate in case conferences and treatment planning for patients receiving or being considered for mental health treatment.
• Provide psychiatric diagnostic evaluations for mental and substance use disorders within the county jail.
• Prepare written reintegration plans and treatment recommendations for mental health court and Common Pleas court liaison specialists.
• Build and maintain a therapeutic relationship with each client served, providing evidence of clinical contacts and attempts.
• Consult and coordinate case management with internal and external care providers.
• Attend pretrial hearings and sentencing of clients when available.
• Assist judges and staff with recommendations for court‑supervised release or diversion programs.
• Maintain an active roster of clients booked into the county jail with status, charges, and release plan.
• Provide a detailed monthly report of jail liaison services to the clinical supervisor.
• Assist with collection of statistical data and medication information for continuity of care.
• Advocate for and coordinate referrals to mental health units within the county jail.
• Maintain confidentiality and complete sharing of information forms in accordance with agency privacy practices and HIPAA regulations.
• Maintain sensitive and confidential information and uphold the highest ethical standards, including use of agency data, jail records, court records, and electronic medical records.

• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication and interviewing skills.
• Ability to counsel offenders effectively, assess and resolve problems, and motivate pro‑social behaviors.
• Assertive communication and advocacy on behalf of the client in front of judges.
• Commitment to empowering and supporting clients with compassion and maintaining high quality standards in behavioral health programming.
• Understanding of evidence‑based practices including sequential intercept model, criminogenic needs, risk‑need‑responsivity model, trauma‑informed care, and victim awareness.
• Knowledge of shelter diversion techniques and referral expertise.
• Working knowledge of community resources and the criminal justice system.
• Experience with multi‑needs clients: mental illness, chemical dependency, and chronic or terminal illness.

• Master’s degree in social work, counseling, or related mental health field required.
• LCSW, LMSW, LPC, LPC‑Intern, LMFT, or LMFT‑A certifications preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year experience in psychiatric health care facility with direct experience in family and group therapies, crisis intervention, and treatment skills.
• Strong clinical assessment skills; trauma‑informed care or substance abuse experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to multitask and prioritize workload.