Inmate Caseworker

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

General Summary

$74,133- $99,325
This position is onsite.

Do you have a passion for helping people during their most challenging times? As an Inmate Caseworker, you'll play a vital role in supporting the mental health and well-being of inmates at the Oakland County Jail. You'll conduct evaluations, provide counseling, and connect individuals to services that promote safety, stability, and successful re-entry into the community. This position is critical to both inmate care and the overall safety of the facility.

What You'll Do
• Conduct evaluation interviews with inmates to assess needs and problems.
• Refer inmates to appropriate service programs or a consulting psychiatrist when necessary.
• Determine cell placement for suicidal inmates to ensure safety.
• Provide mental health services, including crisis intervention, suicide prevention, substance abuse counseling, and group or individual therapy.
• Coordinate pre- and post-release referrals to community human service agencies.
• Remain on call for afterhours emergencies on a rotating basis with other Inmate Caseworkers.
• Utilize Countywide and department-specific software to complete assignments and maintain accurate records.

Why You'll Love It
• You'll make a meaningful impact on vulnerable individuals at a critical point in their lives.
• Every day brings new challenges-your work is dynamic and impactful.
• You'll be part of a team dedicated to safety, rehabilitation, and public service.
• Opportunities to develop specialized skills in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and counseling.
• Serve your community while advancing your career in human services and mental health.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice or closely related field of study.

2. Have had two (2) years of full-time work experience providing counseling in a mental health, substance abuse, educational or correctional setting.

NOTE: A Master's degree in one of the academic fields listed above may be substituted for one year of experience.

Have not been convicted of a violation of criminal law. (Criminal law generally includes all offenses except traffic law, conservation law and liquor law. Generally, conviction for a violation of criminal law is automatically disqualifying.)

Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.

A background investigation will be conducted covering an evaluation of employment, school, home, criminal, military, or other personal records. Any conviction or convictions for moving traffic violations, accidents, non-moving traffic violations, or violations of other laws will be reviewed by the Sheriff Office before an applicant can be appointed. Information obtained during the background investigation will be considered in the hiring decision. Convictions of the Domestic Violence Statute will be a disqualifying factor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts interviews to assess the mental and physical health of inmates in order to determine a program/treatment plan and cell placement if appropriate. Refers inmates to consulting psychiatrist or other jail services such as chaplain, jail clinic, substance abuse, support groups, etc.

Provides crisis intervention on an emergency basis as referred by the jail staff, inmate, inmate's family, or others.

Identifies suicidal inmates and determines cell placement and level of suicide watch.

Performs a variety of inmate assessments, which include suicide watch and behavioral reviews, disciplinary/administrative segregation cell placement.

Provides individual and group counseling, including cell counseling, relative to situational, interpersonal, and mental health problems.

Monitors inmates presenting unusual behavioral or health issues and ensures that inmate receives appropriate care.

Maintains timely documentation of all client and related contacts.

Contacts inmate's family and other parties in order to gather additional information and to offer assistance in the form of family counseling and/or referral to community services.

Confers with corrections staff and probation staff regarding issues of a particular case and/or provides specific recommendations.

Consults with health professionals and/or psychiatrist relative to case progress, current treatment, and future treatment for inmates on caseload.

Remains available for crisis intervention counseling in response to inmate emergencies, which may occur beyond normal office hours and/or during weekends on a rotating schedule with the other Inmate Caseworkers.

Coordinates forensic evaluations and hospitalization of inmates. Ensures inmate's appointment and timely documentation with the court and facilitates transportation arrangements when needed.

Conducts pre-release group counseling with inmates to prepare them for release and make referrals to community agencies as needed.

Arranges and monitors on-going pre-release and arranges post-release human services for inmates such as mental health counseling, employment, education, housing, etc. when appropriate.

May participate in the implementation of new departmental programming.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical correctional institution environment.

May encounter situations where people could become confrontational.

May participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable familiarity with correctional institutions and the criminal justice system.

Considerable experience and skill in interviewing and counseling practices, procedures, and techniques.

Reasonable knowledge of correction practices, procedures, and resources, including casework, group work and community organization methods.

Reasonable ability to prepare and present clinical written and oral reports.

Reasonable ability to work with and gain the cooperation of criminal offenders.

Reasonable ability to communicate under adverse conditions with distressed people.

Reasonable ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with people.

Reasonable ability to cope with difficult situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with departmental policies and objectives.

Reasonable ability to formulate plans of social and economic rehabilitation for individual cases.

Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*
BU79- United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 889: Sheriff Office Non-Supv by Classification (UAW)

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.