Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Naphcare, Inc.•Bessemer, AL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

NaphCare is hiring an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor to work at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer, Alabama. The counselor works alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to people in residence. The role is performed in a controlled environment where security is a top priority and serves patients with complex mental health and medical needs. The counselor assesses, diagnoses, and treats patients with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues, while protecting their rights, dignity, and health. The position also involves collaborating with facility staff, documenting care and progress, supporting treatment and education programs, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and standards.

Requirements

Master's-prepared mental health professional with active, unrestricted Alabama licensure as an LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, or equivalent listed credential.
Active BLS CPR certification; American Heart Association certification preferred.
Pass the facility's criminal background check and drug screening.
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 to build patient rapport and relay information and treatment plans to other medical and mental health care professionals.
Strong organizational skills to track patient treatment plans and progress notes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and professionalism, adhere to a Code of Conduct, and comply with facility correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
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.
BLS CPR certification from the American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with medical, mental health, and correctional staff to improve patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
Conduct and document mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual and group counseling notes, and individual treatment plans; address criminogenic needs and promote positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release.
Participate in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff.
Apply knowledge of DSM-V / DSM-V-TR criteria.
Document and manage case files and patient progress, prepare reports, and participate in hearings.
Initiate and/or participate in patient education and treatment programs, including developing educational materials and providing group therapy.
Monitor compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, take appropriate corrective action, and ensure compliance with ACA and NCCHC standards.