Independently and Dependently Licensed Mental Health Counselor- Black Hawk Jails

NaphCare•Waterloo, IA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

NaphCare is seeking an experienced licensed mental health professional to provide care to people in residence at the Black Hawk County Jail in Waterloo, Iowa. The role works alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals in a controlled environment where security is a priority. The counselor assesses, diagnoses, and treats people with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues, while protecting their rights, dignity, and health. The position also supports treatment planning and positive behavioral change to prepare residents for release. This role requires at least three years of clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting. Correctional healthcare experience is preferred. Candidates must hold an applicable license, pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening, and be able to perform the physical demands described in the posting. NaphCare describes itself as one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities in the United States and notes that it supports career advancement. Full-time employee benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance and 401(k)/Roth plans with company contributions starting on day one; prescriptions through the health plan, an Employee Assistance Program, tuition assistance, referral bonuses, no-cost term life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and free continuing education and CMEs.

Requirements

Hold an applicable license: LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LMSW, LISW, LPC, or LPCC.
Have at least 3 years of clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting.
Have knowledge and experience identifying and treating mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders.
Have knowledge of discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and psychotropic medications.
Remain calm under pressure, assess patient situations and underlying causes of behavior, and develop interventions and treatment plans.
Communicate effectively to build patient rapport and relay information and treatment plans to medical and mental health care professionals.
Have strong organizational skills to track treatment plans and progress notes.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity and professionalism; adhere to a Code of Conduct and facility correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements.
Pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening.
Be able 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

Assess, diagnose, and treat people in residence with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and behavioral issues while protecting their rights, dignity, and health.
Collaborate with medical, mental health, and correctional staff to enhance patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
Perform and document mental health evaluations, progress notes, individual 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.
Document and manage case files, track patient progress, and prepare reports.
Initiate or participate in patient education and treatment programs, including developing educational materials.
Monitor compliance with site-specific and company policies and procedures, take appropriate corrective action, and ensure compliance with ACA and NCCHC standards.