Juvenile Corrections Officer/QMHP

Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

The Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) is responsible for providing comprehensive mental health services to detained youth within a secure juvenile detention setting. This includes conducting clinical assessments, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and treatment planning. The LCPC plays a critical role in supporting the facility's behavioral management program, reducing risk, and ensuring compliance with AOIC standards and best practices in juvenile justice mental health care.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $119,000 annually, based on qualifications, experience, and credentials.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Clinical Assessment & Intake
• Conduct timely mental health screenings and comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments upon admission

Evaluate for:

• Suicide risk, Self-harm behaviors, Substance use disorders, Trauma history, Acute mental health needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in juvenile justice or secure settings
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices for at-risk youth
• Familiarity with AOIC detention standards
• CADC or substance abuse certification (preferred)

Work Environment

Secure juvenile detention facility, Interaction with detained youth exhibiting behavioral and emotional challenges, Will require flexibility for crisis response or adjusted hours

Treatment Planning

• Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals
• Maintain regular documentation of progress notes and clinical updates
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings

Coordinate care with:

• Medical providers, educational staff (District 189), Probation officers, Community mental health agencies (e.g., Chestnut)

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential clinical documentation

Ensure compliance with:

• AOIC standards, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (DOJJ) guidelines, PREA requirements (as applicable), Assist in audits, inspections, and corrective action plans related to mental health services

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or related field
• Active Illinois LCPC license (Required)
• Minimum 2 years of clinical experience, preferably with youth or in a correctional/detention setting
• Experience in crisis intervention, group facilitation, and trauma-informed care
• Provide clinical recommendations for housing, programming, and safety precautions
• Collaborate with intake staff to ensure appropriate placement and supervision levels

Required Certifications & Training

• Must successfully complete and maintain certification in AOIC Juvenile Detention Center Basic Training for Correctional Officers within the required timeframe upon hire
• Must maintain all required annual training hours in accordance with AOIC standards
• Must complete PREA and all mandated facility trainings

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to mental health crises, including suicidal ideation, aggressive behavior, and emotional distress
• Conduct suicide risk assessments and implement safety plans
• Coordinate with medical staff and outside providers when higher levels of care are required
• Assist in reducing off-site hospital transports through on-site intervention when appropriate

Additional Requirements

Must pass background check, fingerprinting, and PREA compliance screening

Must comply with all St. Clair County policies and Detention Center Procedures