Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)/Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)/Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is seeking to fill a vacancy of Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)/Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

This position is scheduled for 12-hour shifts from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, alternating a 3-day and 4-day workweek, which requires working every other weekend.

Under the general supervision of the Psychiatrist and the Health Services Administrator, position is responsible for providing mental health counseling and assistance to incarcerated inmates. Work is reviewed through observation and results obtained. Duties based on assignment.

SUPERVISES OTHERS: No

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Document efficiently and effectively, all services rendered or ordered for an inmate in the electronic health record (EMR), or on paper forms in the absence of an electronic health record. Follow established procedures for scheduling and completing visits to ensure work product is captured appropriately for staffing reports and auditing tools.
• Attend Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) meetings, Mental Health and/or Provider meetings, Read-off Training, and other meetings as required.
• Collaborate with the mental health team in diagnosing and treatment planning of inmates with mental health conditions; act as liaison between medical and mental health staff to address inmate healthcare needs.
• Complete psychosocial assessments, including investigation of social and family background information pertinent to the diagnosis, treatment and discharge planning of inmates with mental health issues; assist the inmate in responding constructively to non-pharmaceutical treatment methods.
• Assist in post release planning, including referrals to community resources; assist families/agencies interested in the provision of continuity of mental health care post release.
• Participate in quality improvement activities related to mental health or other issues as directed; conduct chart reviews and healthcare audits on mental health documentation, processes, and procedures; and supply statistics and related reports, as required.
• Respond immediately to urgent/emergent requests for assistance by medical/mental health staff members; respond to inmate requests for mental health services; maintain a direct therapeutic relationship with the inmate requiring mental health services; provide group psychotherapy counseling sessions when indicated or required.
• Make appropriate referrals to mid- or upper-level mental health providers for psychotropic medication management, or other psychiatric services outside the scope of the LMHC license; document assessment and pertinent findings requiring referral in the electronic medical record utilizing the SOAP or other approved format.
• Evaluate inmates' mental health conditions; places inmates on and clears inmates from mental health housing statuses as directed by the psychiatrist.
• Initiate Involuntary Examination (BA-52) paperwork as deemed appropriate; recommend type of transport required, based on inmate behavior; assist in assuring transport to local facilities occur in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Assure that work output and documentation comply with written policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols, rules, and directives, as well as those verbally conveyed; maintain accreditation standards; document all decisions and interactions with inmates.
• Conduct substance abuse evaluations and recommend treatment/referrals.
• Develop case plans, including referrals to community resources; assist families/agencies interested in the provision of continuity of mental health care and substance abuse treatment.
• Provide crisis intervention to offenders as requested and when appropriate.
• Participates in Sheriff's Office recruitment and community relations activities as directed.
• Other duties as required or requested that fall within the scope of the position. This position is considered essential and, in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, will be required to report to work. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and you may not be responsible for every item listed. The employer reserves the right to assign additional functions and responsibilities as necessary.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in mental health counseling or social work; school must be accredited by the Counsel of Social Work Education (CSWE)
• Mental Health Counselor License (LMHC) or Clinical Social Worker License (LCSW)
• Maintain appropriate, unrestricted credentials according to the licensure, certification, and registration requirements of the jurisdiction
• CPR-Basic Life Support or ACLS Certification
• One (1) year experience in a correctional setting or comparable mental health environment
• Must possess a valid Florida driver's license
• Consideration for this position requires a credit check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently on complex and confidential tasks • Ability to interact effectively and courteously with all, and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public • Knowledge of the General Orders, policies, and procedures of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office • Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace

Physical Abilities

The physical abilities listed below are estimates of time spent during a typical workday to perform essential functions and responsibilities. Members in this position may be required to: • Must be able to climb stairs for fire drills and other purposes • Must have full range of motion to administer medical attention and perform CPR on the floor and in other confined areas • Stand up to 5 hours per day • Walk up to 5 hours per day • Lift up to 25 lbs. • Frequently twist, reach, bend, squat, or kneel