Behavioral Health Specialist

Cook County • Chicago, IL

5h • Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioral Health Specialist, under the direction of the Clinical Program Manager, will serve as a clinician for Cook County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Community Resource Center (CRC). The Behavioral Health Specialist works with a multidisciplinary team of professionals to engage participants in services and assist them with care coordination. He/she will provide individual and group interventions, case management, and supportive services to clients of the Community Resource Center. He/she will administer assessment measures, develop and review treatment and care plans, and coordinate community linkages for participants. He/she will work with community agencies to coordinate service delivery for community corrections, reentry initiatives, and community members. He/she will provide services to persons returning to the community from the Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC), those residing in the community under CCSO supervision, survivors of domestic violence, and persons at risk of eviction.

Requirements

• Possession of a bachelor’s or higher degree, from an accredited college or university, in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Social Sciences or a closely related field.
• Two (2) or more years of full time, professional work experience in the mental health field.
• One (1) or more years of full time, professional work experience in conducting mental health assessments.
• One (1) or more years of full time, professional work experience providing case management in a racially and ethnically diverse environment.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work within the Cook County Department of Corrections, including the ability to work directly with the individuals in custody population.
• Ability to walk long distances or stand for extended periods of time throughout the course of the assigned shift.
• Ability to work any shift assigned, including days, afternoons, or midnights; must be capable of working holidays and weekends; must be capable of working mandatory overtime, as required.

Nice To Haves

• Possession of a master’s or higher degree, from an accredited college or university, in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Social Sciences or a closely related field.
• Possession of an active state licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and/or a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).
• Possession of certification as a Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor (CADC).
• Three (3) or more years of full time, professional work experience in a community mental health and/or hospital setting, performing mental health counseling and assessments.
• One (1) or more years of full time, professional work experience in a correctional facility.
• Possession of bilingual language skills.
• Acquaintance with the laws governing the establishment and operation of the Cook County Department of Corrections, familiarity with municipal and state criminal codes and procedures and knowledge of basic penal management security.

Responsibilities

• Assesses participants for determination of clinical, socio-emotional and reentry service needs; focuses on diagnostic and functional evaluations and makes recommendations on treatment goals and plans; collects information through interviews and observations.
• Provides focused intervention of participants; provides consultation and training to CRC staff to enhance their skill in providing effective management of impacted participants.
• Develops relapse prevention plans and helps participants maintain stability.
• Establishes a supportive, motivational, and therapeutic relationship with participants; plans, organizes and leads structured interventions; works to effect behavioral changes and helps individuals make healthier life choices.
• Guides individuals in custody in the development of skills to assist in dealing with specific problems; assists with the understanding and management of mental health and chemical dependency issues; serves as a role model and coach regarding development of problem solving, decision-making and conflict resolution skills.
• Gathers information about participant’s needs and provides resources; collaborates with other service organizations or entities, within and outside the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.
• Provides preliminary diagnostic information to related agencies in an effort to impact diversion strategies; acts as an advocate in coordinating required services.
• Gathers information about community substance abuse and mental health needs and resources that can be utilized; collaborates with other service organizations or entities, within and outside the Cook County Department of Corrections.
• Completes and maintains service-related paperwork, in accordance with state and federal requirements; writes reports, treatment plans and recommendations, progress reports and other reports, as required.
• Refers individuals in custody to community resources, as necessary; works with Cook County Department of Corrections staff to facilitate coordinated releases to assist behavioral health service providers.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the treatment/care plan in correlation to the participant’s progress in resolving identified problems and meeting identified goals.
• Remains informed on new developments in counseling by reading professional literature and attending workshops or seminars.
• Demonstrates use of ethics and complies with the standards of practice.

Benefits

• Health Insurance Program – Health insurance coverage includes medical, dental and vision care and is available for an employee and his/her eligible dependents.
• Holidays – Thirteen (13) Holidays are granted in each Fiscal Year. Employees who are active at the beginning of the fiscal year (December 1st) also qualify for a floating holiday.
• Sick Leave – Granted sick leave is earned and accrued at the rate of one (1) day for each month of service and may be accumulated up to one hundred and seventy-five (175) working days.
• Vacation Leave – Granted Vacation leave is earned and accrued, with employees having the opportunity to accrue fifteen (15) days within the Fiscal Year; Vacation leave accruals increase based on an employee’s anniversary date of employment.
• Life Insurance – Basic term life insurance, equal to one (1) time the employee’s annual salary, is offered to every employee at no cost and the employee may elect to purchase supplemental coverage.
• Pension Plan – Employees contribute into the Cook County Pension Fund and earn a prescribed percentage for each year of service; employees may be eligible for an annual annuity after ten (10) years of service and upon reaching a certain age based on when the employee started employment.
• Deferred Compensation Program – Employees may elect to enroll in a deferred compensation plan, a tax deferred plan which may be used as a supplemental retirement option.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees