Mental Health Professional

Mental Health Services Provider

Under the direction of the Health Services Administrator (HSA) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) this role effectively applies mental health expertise and clinical skills in providing Mental Health Services to inmates or clients resulting in an optimal level of care and significant achievements in therapeutic outcomes. The ideal candidate will have the skills to deal with individuals at all levels, including detainees, officers, and other Detention Center employees.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Conducts intakes, evaluations, and/or assessments for (i) inmates referred by the appropriate security, healthcare, or community staff and (ii) inmates who request mental health services; makes referrals to nursing services based on reported symptoms by patient
• Identifies mental health symptoms and treatment needs, including (if necessary) special housing or watch, and makes recommendations to healthcare unit and security staff
• Coordinates closely with MD, Prescriber, Psychiatrist, and any other necessary staff to ensure evaluation/care of patient
• Identifies, recommends, and conducts non-pharmacological treatments when appropriate and/or applicable
• Provides mental health crisis and suicide intervention and management for facility
• Provides clinical supervision and treatment plans for inmates on caseload
• Monitors conditions and treatment needs of special inmate population
• Provides staff training in relevant mental health issues
• Attends regular treatment team multidisciplinary meetings, classification meetings, or other required administrative meetings, as well as participating in CQI and/or QA studies and group sessions
• Provides treatment services in all areas of the facility
• Provides consultation to security and healthcare staff regarding patient behavior, safety concerns, or other mental health concerns
• Able to provide linkage and/or discharge planning services when necessary/appropriate
• Documents services and encounters appropriately and accurately, provides accessibility of notes for staff, and ensures transfer of information by maintaining organized and legible notes
• When applicable participates in treatment programming and planning discussions of problem cases, follow-up and monitoring of medication, and general psychiatric input
• When applicable, initiates involuntary hospitalization for those inmates who need to be transferred to outside mental health facilities; generates appropriate paperwork relevant to the hospitalization

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Master's level education: MA Clinical Psych, MA Counseling, MA Social Work, or related field
• Required applicable licensure include one of the following: LCPC, LPCC, LPC, LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT, LAC, LSW
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be able to pass a criminal background investigation and a pre-employment drug screen
• Prior experience in a correctional or jail setting is preferred

Competencies:

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication with all coworkers, supervisors, jail administration, and patients
• Excellent verbal and written comprehension
• Excellent deductive reasoning and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to use a computer and use/learn a variety of software, including site-specific computer programs
• Must demonstrate ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment
• Ability to respect the dignity and confidentiality of inmates

Employment Requirements:

• Must maintain all certifications, educational requirements, licensing, etc. for this position
• Must have current CPR/BLS certification
• Must have current TB test (taken within one year)
• Must adhere to all facility policies and procedures as well as the policies and procedures listed in the Employee Handbook
• Willing to assist coworkers in the job duties and work overtime if required; may act as a resource to other coworkers
• Maintains confidentiality, dignity, and security of health records and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA requirements

Security Requirements:

• Must undergo security training and orientation on facility safety policies and procedures

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Ability to both remain stationary and move/traverse throughout the facility, including up and down flights of stairs
• Ability to position oneself in different spaces
• Ability to convey and discern information in a conversation, frequently communicate with patients; must be able to exchange accurate information.
• Ability to identify and detect objects and assess situations from a variety of distances
• Ability to stay calm in stressful and demanding situations
• Frequently transports objects up to 50 pounds

Work Environment:

• Work is performed inside a correctional facility. Employees are exposed to some level of risk and/or harm by inmates, including exposure to blood borne pathogens. Employee is expected to work in accordance with all security rules and regulations to minimize the risk of danger and/or harm to themselves or other employees.