Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with medical, mental health, and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment
• Perform and document mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual and group counseling notes, individual treatment plans, addressing criminogenic needs and promoting positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release
• Participate in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
• Document and manage case files, patient progress, prepare reports, and participate in hearings
• Initiate and/or participate in patient education and treatment programs, such as developing educational materials and providing group therapy
• Monitor compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, take appropriate corrective action, and ensure compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards

Qualifications

• Master's prepared Mental Health Professional with active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) in AL
• Active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association preferred)
• Pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening
• A minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
• Knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
• Ability to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior, and develop interventions and treatment plans
• Effective communications skills for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
• Strong organizational skills to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism, and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening
• Physical capabilities to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift