Behavioral Health Professional

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is seeking a full‑time Psychologist or MA‑Level Therapist to join the team at the Independence Mental Health Institute (IMHI). The position is at the doctoral or master’s level, but licensure is not required. It offers opportunities for professional growth, leadership advancement, and team‑based clinical work with youth with serious emotional disturbances and complex behavioral health needs.

IMHI is a state‑operated, acute psychiatric hospital accredited by the Joint Commission and CMS certified. Independence MHI operates 56 total beds with 20 beds for adult patients and 36 beds for child/adolescent patients. It includes an off‑ward school that meets the educational needs of youth while hospitalized at IMHI.

• Provide professional psychological or mental health counseling services for youth admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital. Services include individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy, family psychotherapy or consultation, crisis and behavioral management, and psychological testing and report writing (as competent).
• Actively participate as a multi‑disciplinary treatment team member providing evidence‑based, individualized, person‑centered, trauma‑informed, and recovery‑oriented interventions for child and adolescent patients.
• Conduct various psychological screens, assessments, and reports to clarify diagnosis, determine eligibility for services, provide treatment and support recommendations, and address unique psycho‑legal issues such as incompetence to stand trial (as competent).
• Provide psychological consultation, policy guidance, and staff training that promotes a strong continuity of care and improves the team’s ability to work more effectively with youth with challenging and complex behavioral health needs, including best practices for positive behavior management and restraint/seclusion reduction.
• For licensed, doctoral‑level psychologists, opportunities may be available for clinical supervision of practicum trainees, pre‑doctoral interns, and post‑doctoral fellows. Preceptor guidance to psychiatric residents and fellows from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics may also be available through Iowa’s Public Psychiatry Fellowship program.
• Clinical adjunct faculty appointment with UIHC may be available, including access to virtual learning opportunities, grand rounds, continuing education credits, and online access to clinical databases, journal articles, and electronic books.
• Additional collegial engagement and support opportunities are available through the HHS Clinical Director and coordination with clinical leads across HHS’ state‑operated facilities.

Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage:
  Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage.
• Paid Time Off:
  Vacation (96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year).
• Retirement Plans:
  Participate in IPERS, Retirement Investors Club (RIC), and an Employer‑Sponsored Retirement Plan with state matching up to $75/month.
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
  For medical and dependent care expenses.
• Insurance Coverage:
  Life insurance and free long‑term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program:
  Resources and support for personal and professional challenges.
• Employee Discount Programs:
  Discounts on goods and services.

IMHI is located in Independence, Iowa, a city of approximately 6,000. The Wapsipinicon River flows through town, offering recreational opportunities such as canoeing and fishing. Independence is 30 minutes from Waterloo/Cedar Falls, 45 minutes from Cedar Rapids, and one hour from Iowa City.

HHS values those with “lived experience” and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. (Hearing and Speech Impaired – Relay Iowa 1‑800‑735‑2942 TDD).