Mental Health Professional

Summary:
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: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• 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 drivers 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

Supervision:
Works under the direction of the HSA and NP

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A