Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Location: Bessemer, AL – William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility.

Overview

NaphCare seeks an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, etc.) to join our team in providing counseling and mental health care within a correctional environment. As a Correctional Licensed Mental Health Counselor you will work alongside correctional officers and medical professionals, ensuring the highest quality care for residents while maintaining a secure and safe setting.

Responsibilities

The licensed counselor will assess, diagnose, and treat residents with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues, safeguarding residents’ rights, dignity and health. Key duties include:

• Performing and documenting mental health evaluations, progress notes, and individual and group counseling notes; creating treatment plans that address criminogenic needs and promote positive behavioral change.
• Participating in educational and training activities for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff.
• Applying DSM‑V/DSM‑V‑TR diagnostic criteria accurately.
• Managing case files, maintaining patient progress reports, and preparing documentation for hearings.
• Initiating or participating in patient education and treatment programs, including developing educational materials and facilitating group therapy.
• Ensuring compliance with site‑specific policies, company procedures, and standards such as ACA and NCCHC, and taking corrective action when necessary.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mental Health with an active, unrestricted licence as a LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, or equivalent in AL.
• Active BLS CPR certification (American Heart Association preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience in a mental health or acute care setting; correctional healthcare experience preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge in diagnosing and treating co‑occurring mental health and substance use disorders, including discharge planning and psychotropic medication management.
• Strong organizational skills for tracking treatment plans and progress notes.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure, assess patient situations, explore underlying causes of behavior, and develop effective interventions.
• Excellent communication skills for building rapport with patients and relaying information to multidisciplinary teams.
• Adherence to confidentiality, a code of conduct, and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Physical Capabilities

Must be capable of standing for long periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, bending, squatting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and walking significant distances; must also be able to perform CPR and other physically demanding tasks while maintaining balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Benefits

• Health, dental & vision insurance starting day one.
• Prescription medication coverage at no cost through our health plan, starting day one.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services.
• 401(k) and Roth options with company contributions starting day one.
• Tuition assistance.
• Referral bonuses.
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Free continuing education and CME credits.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran