CORRECTIONS COUNSELOR 2

Corrections Counselor 2 Position

***This recruitment may close without further notice depending on the number of applications received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible***

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Corrections is seeking to fill multiple Corrections Counselor 2 vacancies in the Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. The incumbent will provide support services to offenders in a correctional setting including assessments and psycho-educational classes. The mental health professional will provide case management and behavioral/human services to persons with mental illness, crisis intervention and de-escalation of crisis situations with the inmates. Under general supervision, provide group treatment to inmates through psycho-educational and other group formats, utilizing evidence-based and scientifically researched program models, review all pertinent historical clinical records before beginning treatment, evaluate inmates' mental health status and behavior for clinical needs and make appropriate referrals, evaluate all emergency or crisis requests, provide intervention strategy or treatment plans, prepare a mental health summary to assure continuity of care for inmates being transferred.

Corrections Counselors within in the Nevada Department of Corrections provide mental health services to offenders in a correctional setting including interviews, behavioral planning and implementation, consultation, psycho-educational classes, research, and training.

Essential Qualifications

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in clinical psychology, psychology, counseling, education, social work, or closely related field and two years of post-master's degree experience providing therapy, psychological testing and programmatic services in a correctional, rehabilitative, clinic or institutional setting; OR a Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, social work, or closely related field which included a one-year internship in an applied program in a correctional, law enforcement, rehabilitative, clinic or institutional setting; OR a Doctoral degree (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from an accredited school of professional psychology, and a one-year internship in an applied program as described above; OR two years of experience as a Corrections Counselor I in Nevada State service.

Job Duties

Interview individuals to determine treatment, programming, or placement needs; make behavioral health recommendations; interpret and integrate data with interview findings and behavioral observations; discuss results with offenders or other authorized individuals; prepare written reports on offenders interviewed which include potential behavioral health needs. Participate as a member of the treatment team in staff meetings; share information and analyze treatment options; define, provide, and schedule appropriate care. Provide counseling services, relaxation training, relationship counseling, substance abuse counseling, and pain management counseling to facilitate recovery and maintain offender in the least restrictive environment possible. Provide crisis intervention by applying appropriate de-escalation techniques and principles in order to relieve the immediate problem; intervene with offenders who may be hostile, aggressive, combative or assaultive; follow established protocol in order to protect offenders, staff, and others who may be at risk; form a crisis debriefing team of mental health and security professionals and debrief staff involved in emergency situations to alleviate emotional concerns. Consult and train staff regarding current policies and procedures to comply with statutory and ethical requirements and current scientific developments in areas relevant to agency services. Participate in planning, developing and coordinating program services to meet the needs of the population served; participate in committees and facility activities in developing policies and procedures; and participate in quality review programs. In a correctional setting, participate on the Unit Management Team to deliver services to offenders within their units. Document activities in regular written reports and on charts to comply with legal requirements and maintain adequate records; prepare information and documentation necessary for billing and recommend third party payments as appropriate. Conduct research and evaluation studies, for data collection and statistical purposes, to enhance services provided which may include interviews, offender characteristics, prediction of positive treatment outcomes, or prediction of recidivism or violence of an individual offender. Perform related duties as assigned. Under general supervision, Corrections Counselor II's perform the full range of duties described in the series concept.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level. Working knowledge of: theories and principles of counseling; symptoms, characteristics, and treatment of neurological impairment, mental illness, developmental disabilities, and emotional and behavioral disorders; laws governing abuse and neglect of clients/offenders; ethical standards of care and treatment; verbal communication skills sufficient to confer with colleagues, clients/offenders, and others. General knowledge of: client rights and confidentiality of information. Ability to: develop and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with co-workers, medical and health professionals, social service agency representatives and others; write comprehensive evaluations, reports and recommendations; observe and detect signs and symptoms of psychological disorders.

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.