Independent Licensed Mental Health Professionals

NaphCare•San Diego, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Independent Mental Health Professional to work in the San Diego County Jails in San Diego, California. The professional works alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to people in residence, a diverse population with complex mental health and medical needs. The role involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues while protecting their rights, dignity, and health. The professional conducts evaluations, develops individualized treatment plans, provides counseling and group therapy, manages a caseload, responds to crises, coordinates care, supports reentry planning, and maintains clinical documentation. They also monitor compliance with company and site policies and applicable ACA and NCCHC standards.

Requirements

Master's-prepared degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field.
Active, unrestricted independent licensure in California, such as LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, or LPCC.
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 while assessing patients' situations and underlying causes of behavior and developing interventions and treatment plans.
Effective communication skills for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plans to medical and mental health care professionals.
Strong organizational skills to track 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, gather psychosocial histories, administer psychological tests, and identify mental health needs and risks.
Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on assessments, using appropriate therapeutic approaches and interventions.
Provide individual counseling and facilitate group therapy for concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
Manage a caseload, coordinate care with other professionals, and ensure continuity of care.
Respond to and manage mental health crises, providing immediate support and stabilization.
Collaborate with patients, correctional staff, and community-based resources to develop reentry plans supporting successful community reintegration.
Coordinate with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, correctional staff, and other professionals to ensure effective 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.