Independent Licensed Mental Health Professional

NaphCare•Santa Cruz, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

NaphCare is hiring an experienced, independently licensed mental health counselor to work at the Santa Cruz County Jail in Santa Cruz, California. The counselor works alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to people in residence who have 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. The counselor conducts evaluations, develops individualized treatment plans, provides individual and group therapy, manages a caseload, responds to crises, coordinates care, and supports reentry planning. The position also requires timely clinical documentation and attention to applicable facility and company policies and ACA and NCCHC standards. NaphCare describes itself as one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities in the United States and says it supports career advancement. Benefits listed for full-time employees include health, dental, and vision insurance starting on day one; prescriptions through the health plan; an Employee Assistance Program; 401(k) and Roth plans with company contributions; tuition assistance; referral bonuses; term life insurance; paid time off and holidays; and continuing education and CMEs.

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 psychotropic medications.
Ability to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients and developing interventions and treatment plans.
Effective communication skills for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plans to medical and mental health professionals.
Strong organizational skills to track treatment plans and progress notes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism and adhere to a Code of Conduct and facility 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; and maintain balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Nice To Haves

Correctional healthcare experience is preferred.

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 therapeutic approaches.
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 mental health crises and provide immediate support and stabilization.
Collaborate with inmates, correctional staff, and community-based resources to develop reentry plans supporting community reintegration.
Coordinate care with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and correctional staff.
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.
Assess patients' situations and underlying causes of behavior and develop interventions and treatment plans.
Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with facility correctional healthcare policies, procedures, legal requirements, and the Code of Conduct.