SUD Counselor / in Brighton

CorrHealth•Lakewood, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position effectively applies mental health practices, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) expertise, and clinical skills in providing Mental Health Services to inmates or clients enrolled in the JBBS program, resulting in an optimal level of care and significant achievements in therapeutic outcomes. The role involves conducting intakes, SUD evaluations, and assessments, identifying mental health symptoms and treatment needs, and coordinating closely with medical staff to ensure patient care. The counselor will engage patients in SUD treatment, support medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and provide non-pharmacological treatments when appropriate. Responsibilities also include mental health crisis and suicide intervention, providing clinical supervision and treatment plans, monitoring special inmate populations, and offering staff training. The position requires participation in multidisciplinary team meetings, providing treatment services throughout the facility, and consulting with security and healthcare staff. Additionally, the role involves linkage and discharge planning, accurate documentation, and potentially initiating involuntary hospitalizations. The job description may not be exhaustive and duties may change.

Requirements

Master's level education: MA Clinical Psych, MA Counseling, MA Social Work, or related field
Required applicable licensure include one of the following: LCPC, LPCC, LPC, LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT, LSW
Active Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential; in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is preferred
Must maintain all certifications, educational requirements, licensing, etc. for this position
Must have current CPR/BLS certification
Must have current TB test (taken within one year)
Must adhere to all facility policies and procedures as well as the policies and procedures listed in the Employee Handbook
Willing to assist coworkers in the job duties and work overtime if required; may act as a resource to other coworkers
Maintains confidentiality, dignity, and security of health records and protected health information in compliance with HIPAA requirements
Must undergo security training and orientation on facility safety policies and procedures
Clear and effective verbal and written communication with all coworkers, supervisors, jail administration, and patients
Excellent verbal and written comprehension
Excellent deductive reasoning and problem-solving abilities
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to use a computer and use/learn a variety of software, including site-specific computer programs
Must demonstrate ability to appropriately and safely use standard medical equipment
Ability to respect the dignity and confidentiality of inmates
Must be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug test (as applicable)

Nice To Haves

Correctional mental health experience is preferred
Active Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) credential; in good standing with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is preferred

Responsibilities

Conducts intakes, SUD evaluations, and/or assessments for inmates referred by staff or those requesting mental health services.
Identifies mental health symptoms and treatment needs, making recommendations to healthcare and security staff.
Coordinates closely with MD, Prescriber, Psychiatrist, and other necessary staff for patient evaluation/care.
Engages patients in treatment for substance use disorder.
Supports inmates on medication assisted treatment (MAT).
Identifies, recommends, and conducts non-pharmacological treatments when appropriate.
Provides mental health crisis and suicide intervention and management.
Provides clinical supervision and treatment plans for inmates on caseload.
Monitors conditions and treatment needs of special inmate populations.
Provides staff training in relevant mental health issues.
Attends regular treatment team multidisciplinary meetings, classification meetings, or other required administrative meetings.
Participates in CQI and/or QA studies and group sessions.
Provides treatment services in all areas of the facility.
Provides consultation to security and healthcare staff regarding patient behavior, safety concerns, or other mental health concerns.
Provides linkage and/or discharge planning services when necessary/appropriate.
Documents services and encounters appropriately and accurately.
Participates in treatment programming and planning discussions of problem cases, follow-up and monitoring of medication, and general psychiatric input.
Initiates involuntary hospitalization for inmates needing transfer to outside mental health facilities and generates appropriate paperwork.