Independent Licensed Mental Health Professional

Overview

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Independently 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.

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.

• 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

• Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology or related field
• Active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, LPCC, etc.) in CA
• 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
• 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
• Ability to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients' situations, underlying causes of their behavior and developing interventions and treatment plans
• Effective communications skills for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
• Strong organizational skills to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
• 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: 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