CDOC Mental Health Counselor Social Worker/Counselor II (Denver)

Job Summary Position located in Denver, Colorado. A residency waiver has been granted. Applications will be considered from residents and non‑residents of Colorado who meet the minimum qualifications. Responsibilities Provides professional mental health services to inmates, including formal and informal mental health evaluations, diagnostic assessments, and clinical interventions. Ensures accurate Information System mental health needs levels, including Psychiatric and Developmental Disability needs level codes. Provides group, brief, and individual therapy, and crisis intervention, and participates in a 24‑hour Mental Health On‑Call Rotation. Assures both emergency and non‑emergency transfer for inmates experiencing acute mental health needs. Provides clinical direction to non‑clinical staff in mental health care and treatment of inmates. Assures continuity of care for inmates by making appropriate referrals and providing necessary information and documentation for receiving units, facilities, or agencies. Documents both handwritten and electronically in an accurate and timely manner to provide comprehensive inmate mental health records. Monitors inmate treatment and listens to inmate concerns, providing counseling and direction. Promotes and is accountable for the safety and security of the clinical and correctional environment through conscientious observations and sensitive contraband control. Informs supervisor of any violations of safety and security through the report writing process, attends training programs as assigned, including self‑defense courses to ensure self‑protection skills. Minimum Qualifications Current, valid Colorado license or registered candidate as a: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Candidate (LMFTC) Addiction Counselor Candidate (ADDC) Must be 21 years of age. Must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record. Must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must have no felony convictions. Must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application; no H‑1B sponsorship. Must successfully pass all modules of the six‑week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, including English reading comprehension, competency assessments, and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics. Must possess the physical ability to complete Defensive Tactics and meet the following physical requirements: Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist. Stabilize another person for a controlled takedown. Use arms, palms, shins, and feet to deliver blows. Withstand impact on own body from strikes/blows. Swing a baton in a striking technique. Rotate body 90° with feet planted for striking with foot or using a defensive tactic. Get down on one or both knees and up again with multiple repetitions. Will be exposed to Oleoresin Capsicum during Basic Training and while on assignment. Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security. Must be able to seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury. Must demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs, and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently. Must work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control, and/or restraint situations. Must handle individuals with varied moods and behaviors with tactfulness and congeniality. Must communicate verbally and through signaling to convey information, assignments. Must work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature, including outdoor and concrete floor/ wall settings. Must be willing and able to travel. Must be willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) including a rotating schedule. Tuberculosis (TB) screening is required upon hire. Successful completion of a background investigation is required. Drug testing will be administered to all new employees; random drug screening will occur throughout employment. Applicants may not be under the influence of any substance, including marijuana, while working. Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified employees are prohibited from the use of marijuana. Preferred Qualifications Graduation with a master’s or doctoral degree in a mental health field such as counseling, social work, marriage and family therapy, or psychology from an accredited program (CACREP, CSWE, AAMFT/COAMFTE, or APA). License eligibility as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Work, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, or Licensed Psychologist. Experience providing mental health treatment in a correctional environment. Required Competencies Ability to provide professional mental health (or sex inmate) treatment to inmates; Individual must be efficient; Able to participate in 24‑hour Mental Health On‑Call Rotation; Excellent written and verbal communication skills; Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate across facility programs and with external agencies; Ability to work independently; Ability to provide comprehensive clinical documentation; Must maintain required registration/permit/licensure as applicable; Ability to work with a diverse population of inmates; Ability to provide professional mental health treatment as part of a multi‑disciplinary team; Ability to read and comprehend English; Ability to communicate fluently in English verbally and in writing; Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind; Self‑control, strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations; Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift; Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high‑stakes interaction. EEO Statement We strongly encourage protected classes to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. We are committed to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness, and we comply with all applicable laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr New Mexico Corrections Department