Jail Counselor

Position Summary

The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking a Jail Counselor to assist community members during challenging times. Key responsibilities include individual and group counseling, liaison with the court, and educational programming.

Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities

• Provide individual or group counseling including diagnosis, treatment planning, counseling, and follow-up.
• Assist with needs assessments in mental health and alcohol/drug dependency, and participate in program design and implementation.
• Treat/emphasize emergency mental and emotional disturbance cases through crisis intervention services.
• Review intake screening of new inmates and prepare necessary records, reports, clinical evaluations, and correspondence.
• Act as a consultant to judges regarding risk factors and develop a working knowledge of criminal law, case law, judicial system, jail standards, health standards, and related statutes.
• Facilitate educational programming for inmates, counsel and refer AICs to appropriate resources, and assist with transition services.
• Consult with supervisors on inmate and staff mental health issues and provide training and support for staff.

Typical Qualifications

• Master’s degree specializing in clinical social work, psychology, or a related field is required.
• Two to three years of experience in mental health counseling/therapy and sufficient education/certification to perform essential job functions.
• Driver’s License required.

Desirable Qualifications

• Preferred Oregon license in social work or counseling psychology (LCSW, LPC, LMFT).
• Free of convictions for felonies or crimes punishable as such, or violations of drug-related laws.
• Discharge from military must not be dishonorable or undesirable.
• Pass a law enforcement background check.
• Able to reside within two hours of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Knowledge Of/Ability To

• Understand and apply principles and practices of social and clinical work, including mental health treatment.
• Exercise sound judgment in appraising situations and making decisions.
• Perform mental health needs assessments and apply knowledge of needs and resources to service development.
• Deal professionally with persons with mental and emotional disturbances, developmental disabilities, or alcohol and drug abuse problems.
• Write clear and concise reports and client evaluations suitable for court testimony.
• Manage personal and professional stress effectively.
• Carry out the full scope of the position as directed by the Sheriff.

Job Conditions

• Encounters a high level of complexity due to technical skills and requires taking appropriate action when dealing with potentially dangerous situations.
• Follows established policies and procedures and determines creation and modification of same.
• Working hours are determined by the Sheriff.

Reasonable Accommodations

Lincoln County is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This job description indicates the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions expected of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.