Mental Health Counselor

The Mental Health Counselor is responsible for counseling individuals and groups to promote optimum mental health.  The incumbent will assist inmates dealing with thoughts of suicide, addictions and substance abuse, family, parenting, and marital problems, stress management, problems with self-esteem, and issues associated with aging and mental and emotional health.  The mental health counselor will also be the liaison duties between the criminal justice system and mental health treatment agencies. Performs duties under the direct supervision of the Director of Operations and the Director of Professional Standards and is accountable for use of delegated authority. Pursuant to §15.2–1603 of the Code of Virginia, incumbent is appointed at-will and serves at the pleasure of the Sheriff.   

• Counsels inmates, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes. Maintains confidentiality of records relating to inmates’ treatment.
• Guides inmates in the development of skills and strategies to overcome mental disabilities
• Encourages inmates to express their feelings and to discuss what is happening in their lives which in turn will help them develop insight into themselves and their relationships through self-understanding and self-improvement
• Completes on-going progress notes based on counseling sessions.
• Conducts educational groups regarding family, personal and lifestyle management.
• Participates in on-going training, education, professional and personal growth opportunities.
• Collects information about inmates through interviews, observations, and tests. Prepares and maintains treatment records and reports.
• Provides mental health assessments, counseling, referrals and intervention services
• Evaluates inmates’ physical or mental condition based on review of information. Develops and implements treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge. Acts as an advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with inmates, other employees and the public
• Follow up with psychiatrists and/or attending physicians in cases involving hospital admissions
• Monitors patient over time to ascertain treatment progress
• Identifies behaviors that could interfere with treatment and recovery
• May be called to testify in court concerning work performed
• Coordinates and forwards assessment to the Hampton Sheriff’s Office medical unit
• Attends the ICC daily meeting and provides input for proper housing of inmates
• Communicates with subordinates, supervisors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Develops and/or completes individualized treatment plans, behavioral contracts and discharge plans.
• The incumbent also works directly with correctional personnel, providing both consultation and crisis intervention services, as appropriate.
• Incumbent must have outstanding interpersonal skills as the position requires continuous contact with clients, referral sources, other agency officers, social workers, medical and correctional services staff in planning and providing client services.  
• Incumbent to prepare written documentation such as: reports; service plans, business communication; client progress notes; proposals for client admissions, screenings etc.
• Monitors client’s participation as this relates to medical services.
• Maintains cooperative relationships with referral agencies, probation officials and other criminal justice staff.
• Collaborates with external psychiatric care providers as well as representatives from civic assistance programs to help schedule treatment sessions for those inmates who need them
• Provides ancillary assistance/service options as appropriate.
• Attends staff meetings as a member of a treatment team.
• Provides aftercare and follow-up services as necessary.
• Maintains accurate and up to date client records and contractual requirements.
• Prepares required reports. 
• Adheres to all policies, procedures, guidelines and directives of the office 
• Meets acceptable attendance requirements at all times
• Protects confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or in writing
• Follows all Federal, State and Local laws
• Performs any other tasks as required

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance, individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
• Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, and cultures and their history and origins.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with community agencies, judges, city and commonwealth attorneys, outside agencies, state representatives, employees and the general public
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Must be detail-oriented, possess a professional attitude and able to work a flexible schedule
• Must maintain courteous, professional and effective working relationships with employees at all levels of the organization
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with officials and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Acts rationally and calmly under stressful situations
• Utilizes good public relations skills
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of therapeutic counseling including the practice of process and topic group counseling in a correctional setting.
• Skilled at developing individualized, behaviorally specific, time limited and measurable treatment plans and behavioral contracts.
• Knowledge of community services and resources.
• Ability to establish effective working relations with clients, community partners and the community.
• Skilled at discerning people's words and actions, helping them to see how what they say and do reveals the root causes of their issues
• Ability to keep accurate and up to date clinical records and reports
• Excellent interpersonal skills required.
• Knowledge of the laws, guidelines, and legal procedures relating to mental health care or substance use treatment to include HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2.
• Prioritize tasks
• Analyzes problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and suggest recommendations in support of goals
• Makes sound decisions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE  

High School diploma or GED equivalency certificate.  Bachelor’s degree or higher education in psychology, sociology, counseling or a related field required. Basic knowledge of correctional services, the criminal justice process and local judicial system.  Professional experience in record keeping is essential.  Previous experience with the treatment of mental health disorders.  Current practitioner licensed through Virginia state clinical therapy board preferred.  Must successfully complete a criminal background investigation and possess a valid Virginia’s driver’s license.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD 

All employees are expected to follow all Federal, State and local laws and effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the expectations of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 

The job may risk exposure to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, fumes, odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, traffic and toxic or caustic chemicals. Risk of exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS 

Must have the capability to hear, speak and see to communicate with the general public. Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs and over walls, run, bend, twist, reach, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas, sit for prolonged periods of time and move/push/pull or lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lb. Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies.  Requires operation of standard office equipment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS    

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Salary : $35,697 - $41,000