Mental Health Associate

Job ID: 36620 • Agency: Department of Corrections - Behavioral Health • Location: Pierre, SD - Women's Prison • Salary: $23.56 to $31.00 per hour • Pay Grade: H • Closing Date: Open Until Filled Benefits $5,000 hiring incentive (eligible only for employees who are not current or former state employees) Full state benefits and SDRS retirement (Class A) 11 paid holidays; generous vacation and sick leave accrual; dental, vision, and other insurance options Who We Want Highly motivated and experienced, passionate about serving the public and highly committed to assignments and goals Compassionate individual who listens attentively and clearly conveys information and ideas Dependable, organized, and effective at planning and organizing work activities Dedicated and represents DOC with integrity and enthusiasm Cooperative team player who promotes a friendly work climate to achieve shared goals Knowledge Of Experience working with clients involved in the criminal justice system Evidence-based practices related to the rehabilitation of criminal offenders Charting and report writing Skill To Identify and effectively communicate offender behaviors, problems, and symptoms to mental health professionals Conduct brief screenings and appraisals Ability To Conduct individual and group counseling sessions Gather, interpret, report, and use information concerning clients Establish and maintain effective interpersonal counseling relationships with clients Perform mental health screenings and appraisals Make recommendations and referrals when outside scope of practice Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary staff setting Work in a correctional facility Adhere to the safety and security processes of a correctional facility What You Will Do Provide mental health services to offenders under supervision of mental health professionals, in compliance with mental health guidelines Participate in mental health treatment services and special unit management Provide input into mental health assessments, facilitate groups, and assist with psychiatric clinics and tele‑health sessions Assist in daily management and monitor assigned offenders with mental illness Schedule and facilitate mental health appointments Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team Provide input for treatment and management planning, including observation of offender behaviors, problems, symptoms, and response to treatment interventions Inform offenders regarding mental healthcare supervision and treatment Listen to offender concerns and provide counseling, direction, and referral Communicate regarding complaints, problems, incidents, and offender behavioral management issues Respond to complaints, problems, actions, or behaviors within scope of practice Document electronically and maintain accurate and timely offender mental health records Promote and be accountable for the safety and security of the clinical and correctional environment through conscientious observations and contraband control Inform supervisor of any safety or security violations via report writing, attend training programs as assigned, and complete self‑defense courses as required Qualifications Applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in one of the following accredited mental health fields: counseling, social work, psychology, or marriage and family therapy. Required Competencies Ability to provide direct mental health support services to clients Excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively Ability to work independently under supervision Ability to provide comprehensive clinical documentation Ability to work with a diverse population of clients Ability to provide mental health support as part of a multidisciplinary team Preferred Qualifications Experience working in a correctional environment Experience with relaxation training, social skills groups, or recreational activities Experience scheduling psychiatric clinics Experience providing supportive services and direct client care Veterans’ Preference is eligible per ARSD 55:10:02:08. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation, abuse and neglect screening, and a drug screening. Employment offers are conditional upon successful completion of these checks. "An Equal Opportunity Employer" #J-18808-Ljbffr State of South Dakota