Independent Licensed Mental Health Professional

Naphcare, Inc.•Santa Cruz, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Independently Licensed Mental Health Counselor to work with its medical professionals at the Santa Cruz County Jail in Santa Cruz, California. The counselor provides mental health care and counseling to individuals in residence, working alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to serve a diverse population with complex mental health and medical needs. The role assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues while protecting their rights, dignity, and health. It includes conducting evaluations, developing treatment plans, providing individual and group therapy, managing a caseload, responding to crises, coordinating care, and supporting reentry planning. The counselor maintains clinical documentation and helps ensure compliance with facility and company policies and applicable ACA and NCCHC standards.

Requirements

Master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field.
Active, unrestricted California licensure as an LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, LPCC, or equivalent listed credential.
Active BLS CPR certification; American Heart Association certification is required.
At least 3 years of clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting.
Knowledge and experience in identifying and treating mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and working knowledge of psychotropic medications.
Ability to remain calm under pressure, assess patients' situations and underlying causes of behavior, and develop interventions and treatment plans.
Effective communication skills for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plans to other medical and mental health care professionals.
Strong organizational skills for tracking patient treatment plans and progress notes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and adherence to a Code of Conduct and facility correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
Must pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening.
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 such as CPR while maintaining balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Nice To Haves

Correctional healthcare experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct mental health evaluations, including gathering psychosocial histories, administering psychological tests, and identifying mental health needs and risks.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on assessments and appropriate therapeutic approaches and interventions.
Provide individual counseling and facilitate group therapy for concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
Manage a caseload of inmates, coordinate care with other professionals, and ensure continuity of care.
Respond to and manage mental health crises, providing immediate support and stabilization.
Collaborate with inmates, correctional staff, and community-based resources to develop comprehensive reentry plans.
Work with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, correctional staff, and other professionals to coordinate care.
Maintain accurate and timely clinical records, progress notes, and other required documentation.
Monitor compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, take appropriate corrective action, and ensure compliance with ACA and NCCHC standards.