Mental Health Counselor - Sheriff

Salary : $36,527.00 - $40,179.00 Annually
Location : 1928 W. Pembroke Ave. Hampton, VA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 09298
Department: City Sheriff - Jail
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt


Function


The purpose of this class is to provide professional mental health counseling services to incarcerated individuals to promote optimum mental health and emotional well-being. The incumbent conducts individual and group counseling sessions, performs mental health assessments, develops and implements treatment plans, and provides crisis intervention services. The position also serves as a liaison between the criminal justice system and mental health treatment agencies while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

Typical Task:

• Provide individual and group counseling for mental health, substance abuse, and behavioral needs
• Conduct mental health assessments and develop personalized treatment plans
• Deliver crisis intervention during urgent mental health situations
• Maintain accurate, confidential records and progress reports
• Collaborate with medical staff, correctional teams, and community providers
• Monitor progress and adjust treatment strategies for better outcomes
• Support reentry efforts through discharge planning and coordination

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, sociology, counseling, or a related field required.
• Experience in mental health treatment, counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background investigation.
• Must successfully pass a background check before any offer of employment or promotion.
• This position is safety sensitive and is subject to testing for alcohol and controlled substances in accordance with the City's current substance abuse policy.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a satisfactory driving record in accordance with the City of Hampton's criteria.

Additional Requirements:

• Knowledge of correctional systems and the criminal justice process is desirable.
• Licensure through the Virginia State clinical therapy board is preferred.
• The incumbent may be considered "essential personnel" during city emergency situations, or at the direction of the City Manager or designee, which may include long hours and unusual schedules.

Click for complete job description

"Join the City of Hampton team! As a proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) employer and a designated Military Spouse-Friendly Employer, we are committed to supporting veterans and military spouses. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique skills and experiences that military families bring. Come work for Hampton, a vibrant waterfront community celebrating and embracing 400 years of history and innovation, creating an even more dynamic future! We are located in the center of the Hampton Roads region and offer lots of waterfront fun, rich and diverse history, and a vibrant restaurant scene. Hampton offers excellent benefits, career and professional development, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits."
Benefits Overview
This is a summary of benefits associated with permanent, full-time positions. Benefits associated with other positions can be found with specific job listings. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following one full calendar month of employment in the following benefit plans:

• Sentara Health Medical Insurance
• OptumRx
• Delta Dental Insurance
• Anthem Blue View Vision
• FSA Reimbursement accounts

• Standard: Accident and Critical Illness
• Trust Mark Universal Life Insurance
• Legal Resources Plan
• Mission Square: 457 / Roth IRS / Roth 457 (b) IRA

• Employees begin accruing annual and sick leave immediately.
• Other forms of leave include:
  • Maternity Leave
  • Parental Bonding Leave
  • Care for Sick Parent Leave
  • Birthday Leave
  • Personal day (available every quarter)

The eleven paid holidays each year include:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• Employee's birthday
• A tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. An after-tax retirement plan, Roth IRA, is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation View phone number on click.appcast.io). For more information, see the
• Group life insurance is offered through the VRS and the carrier is the Minnesota Life Insurance Company.
  Tax deferred retirement plan 457 is offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation View phone number on click.appcast.io). For more information, see the
• Training and Career Development: The Employee Education Assistance Program (EEAP) encourages employee development through (1) educational programs leading to a degree, (2) skilled craft or trade training leading to a certificate or license and (3) coursework to renew and update skills. Eligibility criteria apply. In addition, the City offers training opportunities in technological, leadership, supervisory, and other areas of government/business knowledge and skill development.
• Medical/Dental and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts are offered on a pre-tax basis in order to reduce the amount of tax the employee pays.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is confidential and personal counseling service for the employee and their immediate family View phone number on click.appcast.io, View phone number on click.appcast.io or
• Direct deposit into most banks is a convenient finance feature.
  Savings bonds are available to the City's workforce.
• Employees are covered for Workers' Compensation where appropriate.

01


Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

• High school diploma/GED
• Some college
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Master's or higher

02


Do you possess a current, valid driver's license? If currently licensed outside Virginia, can you obtain a valid Virginia driver's license within 30 days of employment?

• Yes, I possess a valid Virginia driver's license.
• Yes, I possess a valid out-of-state driver's license and can obtain a Virginia driver's license within 30 days of employment.
• No, I do not currently possess a valid driver's license.

03


Do you have any visible tattoos on your hands, neckline or above, or face that are visible while in uniform?

• No visible tattoos in the areas listed.
• Yes, I have visible tattoos in the areas listed.

04


Which option best describes your experience in mental health treatment, counseling, or a related field? (YOUR APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE WHERE THIS EXPERIENCE WAS OBTAINED)

• No experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2-3 years of experience
• 4 or more years of experience

05


Are you able to work a flexible work schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, overtime, and varying shifts?

• Yes
• No

06


Are you available for on-call employment?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you at least 18 years of age or older?

• Yes
• No

08


Are you able to perform the essential functions of the job for which you are applying, with or without reasonable accommodations?

• Yes
• No

09


Have you experimented with any illegal drugs or substances within the last twelve months?

• Yes
• No

10


Have you worked for this agency? If yes, please provide dates, supervisors, etc. N/A if no.
11


Have you been convicted in any court of law of any criminal charge, whether felony or misdemeanor?

• Yes
• No

12


Have you been arrested or charged with any criminal offense?

• Yes
• No

13


Have you ever received a ticket or summons for any violation of traffic laws?

• Yes
• No

14


Have you ever been a victim of any criminal act that was reported to legal authorities?

• Yes
• No

15


Have you ever been involved in any misconduct with an inmate or co-worker?

• Yes
• No

16


Within the past five (5) years, have you been convicted of DUI, DWI, or any serious driving-related offense?

• Yes
• No

17


Have you ever been convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked license?

• Yes
• No

18


If you answered Yes to any of the above questions, 10-16, please explain in detail: giving dates, place, charge, and final disposition. N/A if you answered no to all questions 10-16.
19


May we contact your present employer?

• Yes
• No

20


Are you able and willing to complete a pre-employment physical examination, including urinalysis and drug screening?

• Yes
• No

21


If applying for a sworn position, are you able and willing to complete a physical agility and fitness test?

• Yes
• No

22


Are you willing to take and pass a written examination assessing reading comprehension and math computation?

• Yes
• No

23


Are you willing to submit to a comprehensive background investigation, including a polygraph examination?

• Yes
• No

24


I have downloaded and completed the Authorization for Release of Information form that is required and must be turned in, in person. (If no, please download the form before completing this application.)

• Yes
• No

25


I understand that this position may be considered essential/emergency personnel for purposes of emergency/crisis management to include being "on call" or responding to emergency situations during inclement weather and/or other job-related conditions. href="">>

• Yes
• No

Required Question