Licensed Mental Health Professional - Jail Counselor

The Jail Counselor provides mental health services to individuals who need or request counseling at the Island County jail. The Jail Counselor also provides triage for all new bookings at the jail and assesses individuals who are at risk of a mental health crisis in the jail.  The purpose of mental health counseling at the jail is to provide more comprehensive services to individuals and help them prepare for release from custody. 

The Jail Mental Health Counselor is part of the jail behavioral health team and works closely with the jail chief, jail staff, jail transition coordinator, residential substance use disorder counselor, and clinical supervisor. 

Island County offers a robust benefits package for full time eligible employees, including 100% of medical and basic dental premiums paid for eligible employees and dependents.  In addition, the County provides an annual Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (determined by Medical plan selected).  Please see the the "Benefits" tab for more information.

A separate resume and cover letter are required.

• Follows policies, procedures, and protocols for this program as a member of the Jail Behavioral Health Team.
• Provide mental health services to individuals who need mental health support and/or are at risk of a mental health crisis in the jail. 
• Provide group mental health sessions for individuals participating in the Residential Substance Abuse Treatment program within the jail. 
• Work closely with VOA Care Crisis organization, law enforcement, hospitals, other Human Services staff, and Designated Crisis Responders around referrals. 
• Provide a situational assessment and immediate mental health support to appropriate referrals. 
• Develop a recovery-oriented stabilization plan with individuals and/or their families with Jail Transition Services. Responsible for assisting jail transition services in coordinating services being provided; arranging resources, advocating for needed services, intervening in crises, and making appropriate referrals.
• Documents all contacts in a timely basis including face-to-face interviews, collateral and networking contacts, counseling appointments, and correspondence. Maintains case records in accordance with standards and requirements. Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing treatment and results data.
• Prepares case closure in a timely manner by reviewing and communicating care plans, orienting family members and other collateral contacts and providing resources.
• Provides follow up services when appropriate and necessary.
• Communicates clients' progress by attending biweekly interdisciplinary meetings at the jail, daily pass down meetings at the jail, and participates in clinical supervision. Collaborates and works with other community agencies and law enforcement. 
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor that are consistent with the position.

• Ability and willingness to work independently under general supervision in a self-directed manner and as part of a team.
• Ability to quickly grasp new techniques, deal with rapid changes in events, remain calm in stressful situations, relate to various personality styles in a calm, professional manner.
• Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with others for purposes of gathering and relating information.
• Understands the need for maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Independent and self-motivated to complete required deadlines while simultaneously completing other tasks.
• Familiarity with client record documentation requirements and of client services plan development and implementation.
• Maintains a high standard for accuracy, completeness, and efficiency in the preparation of reports.
• Proven working experience in case management. 
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Problem solving skills. 
• Good computer and data entry skills.

• Master’s degree in social work, Counseling Psychology, Human Services or related field required; LMHC, LMHC-A, LICSW, LSWAIC, LASW, and LSWA-A preferred.
• Two years’ experience in providing mental health services in a correctional facility preferred. 
• Prior relevant experience and training may be substituted for years of experience.
• Willingness to take part in familiarization with law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Valid Driver’s License

Salary : $36