Licensed Social Worker (MHP) or Counselor

Responsibilities

• Assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues.
• Ensuring patients receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity, and health.
• Collaborating with medical, mental health, and correctional staff to enhance quality patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
• Performing and documenting 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.
• Participating in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff.
• Documenting and managing case files, patient progress, preparing reports, and participating in hearings.
• Initiating and/or participating in patient education and treatment programs, such as developing educational materials and providing group therapy.
• Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior, and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans.
• Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals.
• Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes.
• The 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.
• Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening.