Mental Health Professionals - FT

About the role

Join our team of medical professionals in the Santa Cruz County Jail in Santa Cruz, CA as a Mental Health Counselor. This unique position allows you to make a difference by providing counseling and mental health care to a diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs, working alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct mental health evaluations, including gathering psychosocial histories, administering psychological tests, and identifying mental health needs and risks.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on assessments, incorporating various therapeutic approaches and interventions.
• Provide individual counseling and facilitate group therapy sessions to address mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
• Manage a caseload of inmates, coordinate care with other professionals, and ensure continuity of care.
• Respond to and manage mental health crises, providing immediate support and stabilization.
• Collaborate with inmates, correctional staff, and community-based resources to develop comprehensive reentry plans supporting successful community reintegration.
• Work closely with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and correctional staff, to ensure effective and coordinated care.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical records, progress notes, and other required documentation.
• Monitor compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards.

Requirements

• Master’s prepared degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field.
• Active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, LPCC, etc.) in the state.
• Active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association required).
• Minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting; 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 working knowledge of psychotropic medications.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients’ situations, underlying causes of behavior, and developing interventions and treatment plans.
• Effective communication skills for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plans 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, integrity, professionalism, and adherence to a Code of Conduct and compliance with all facility correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
• Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening.

Physical Capabilities

• Ability 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.
• Maintain good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance starting day one.
• Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one.
• Lowest cost benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
• 401K and Roth with company contribution starting day one.
• Tuition assistance.
• Referral bonuses.
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Free continuing education and CMEs.