Licensed Mental Health Counselor

NaphCare•Bessemer, AL

26d•Onsite

About The Position

NaphCare is seeking an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LCSW, LCMHC, or similar) to work at 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 incarcerated individuals in a controlled environment where security is a priority. The role serves a diverse population 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, developing treatment plans, supporting positive behavioral change and release preparation, and maintaining compliance with facility and company policies and applicable standards.

Requirements

Master's-prepared mental health professional with active, unrestricted Alabama licensure, such as LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, or LISW.
Active BLS CPR certification; American Heart Association certification is preferred.
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, assess patients’ situations and underlying behavioral causes, and develop interventions and treatment plans.
Effective communication skills for building patient rapport and conveying information and treatment plans to medical and mental health 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 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 weighing up to 50 pounds; bend, squat, reach, push, pull, and 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 enhance patient care while maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
Perform 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 and DSM-V-TR criteria.
Document and manage case files and patient progress, prepare reports, and participate in hearings.
Initiate 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.