Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Overview

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Independent Licensed Mental Health Counselor to join our team of medical professionals in the Santa Cruz County Jail in Santa Cruz, CA.

As a Mental Health Counselor, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.

Responsibilities

The Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues ensuring they receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity and health. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:

• Conducting mental health evaluations, including gathering psychosocial histories, administering psychological tests, and identifying mental health needs and risks
• Developing and implementing individualized treatment plans based on assessments, incorporating various therapeutic approaches and interventions
• Providing individual counseling and facilitating group therapy sessions to address a range of mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse
• Managing a caseload of inmates, coordinating care with other professionals, and ensuring continuity of care
• Responding to and managing mental health crises, providing immediate support and stabilization
• Collaborating with inmates, correctional staff, and community-based resources to develop comprehensive reentry plans that support successful community reintegration
• Working closely with other professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and correctional staff, to ensure effective and coordinated care
• Maintaining accurate and timely clinical records, progress notes, and other required documentation

• Monitoring compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, taking appropriate corrective action, and ensuring compliance with ACA, NCCHC standards

Qualifications

Experience / Requirements / Qualifications

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology or related field
• Have an active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, LPCC, etc.) in CA
• Must possess an active BLS CPR Certification (American Heart Association required)
• A minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
• Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
• Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assess patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
• Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
• Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability to stand for long periods, lift and move patients (up to 50 pounds), bend, squat, reach, push, pull, walk significant distances, and perform physically demanding tasks like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

• Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
• Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
• Lowest Cost Benefits!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral bonuses
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
• Generous paid time off & paid holidays
• Free continuing education and CMEs

Want a better idea of what it’s like to work in a jail? See what our Licensed Counselors do:

NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube 

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, and I’ll be in touch.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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