CDOC (Social Worker/Counselor III) Mental Health Clinician - (PUEBLO)

State of Colorado • Pueblo, CO

4d • Onsite

About The Position

This position provides mental health care to a special population of inmates housed in the Colorado Department of Corrections with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities and high risk for suicide and self injury. Assigned case load will consist primarily of inmates with moderate to high mental health treatment needs. Develop Mental Health treatment plans to serve as the basis for treatment. Provide individual and group therapy. Perform routine mental health assessments and interviews to determine progress. Update diagnosis and psychiatric needs levels. Refer inmates to psychology for more complex psychological assessment. Provide information to psychiatry to include client history, previous diagnoses, and alternative treatment available. Participation in 24 hour On Call System. Assures both emergency and non-emergency transfer for inmates experiencing acute mental health crisis. Renders clinical direction to non-clinical staff in mental health care and treatment of inmates. Assures continuity of care for inmates by making appropriate referral and providing necessary information and documentation for transition to receiving units, facilities, or agencies.

Requirements

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Psychologist or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
• One (1) year of licensed or license candidacy experience, with current valid licensure from the State of Colorado, to include Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Candidate (SWC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, and experience must be with the mental health and/or sex offender population.
• Self-control, a strong sense of ability to work in stressful, potentially violent situations
• Ability to remain alert, emotionally stable, and mentally resilient under pressure and observant throughout their shift
• Tolerance to stress, confinement, and high-stakes interaction.
• Must possess and maintain a valid license from the State of Colorado as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Knowledge of and ability to conduct crisis assessment and counseling utilizing therapist manuals and protocols and agency/facility security policies
• Ability to effectively interact with offenders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language
• Ability to effectively communicate fluently in English both verbally and in writing
• Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines with accessibility in mind
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be 21 years of age
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Have NO felony convictions
• Applicants must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of application
• Successfully pass all modules of the 6 week Colorado Department of Corrections Basic Training, to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete Defensive Tactics
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety and security
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• Deal with individuals with a range of moods and behaviors, utilizing tactfulness and a congenial, personable manner
• Work with people of the opposite sex, diverse racial ethnic groups, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders
• Communicate by talking, listening and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information, assignments
• Work in an environment with fluctuating noise and temperature (hot and cold) which may include working outdoors in inclement weather and/or concrete floor/wall work settings
• Willing and able to travel
• Willing and able to work various shifts, days, afternoons, graveyards (nights) which includes a rotating shift schedule
• TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire.
• Successful completion of a background investigation is required.

Nice To Haves

• Mental health counseling with the inmate population and crisis intervention experience
• Experience conducting suicide risk assessments
• Experience working as a member of a multidisciplinary team

Responsibilities

• Develop Mental Health treatment plans to serve as the basis for treatment.
• Provide individual and group therapy.
• Perform routine mental health assessments and interviews to determine progress.
• Update diagnosis and psychiatric needs levels.
• Refer inmates to psychology for more complex psychological assessment.
• Provide information to psychiatry to include client history, previous diagnoses, and alternative treatment available.
• Participation in 24 hour On Call System.
• Assures both emergency and non-emergency transfer for inmates experiencing acute mental health crisis.
• Renders clinical direction to non-clinical staff in mental health care and treatment of inmates.
• Assures continuity of care for inmates by making appropriate referral and providing necessary information and documentation for transition to receiving units, facilities, or agencies.

Benefits

• Distinctive career advancement opportunities throughout the state system
• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical and dental health plans
• Short and long term disability coverage
• Paid life insurance
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• Wellness program
• tuition reimbursement
• training opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED