Mental Health Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in mental health, behavioral health, or related support roles preferred.
• Experience in correctional health, residential programs, or clinical settings preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills.
• Ability to implement treatment plans and support patient behavioral goals.
• Knowledge of mental health interventions, crisis management, and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Proficiency with documentation and electronic health record systems preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• May be required to stand, sit, walk, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, or stretch for prolonged periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively and understand written and verbal communication.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Health, or a related field preferred.
• Certification in behavioral health, crisis intervention, or similar may be required depending on facility.

Responsibilities

• Conducts emergency clinical assessments for individuals referred due to emotional or behavioral distress.
• Reviews and co-signs all mental health screening intakes completed by nursing staff for new arrivals.
• Develops individualized treatment plans addressing housing, medication referral, counseling, and community treatment needs.
• Conducts initial clinical assessments within three (3) days for individuals identified as high risk.
• Provides brief individual or group counseling when clinically appropriate.
• Performs assessments on individuals placed on suicide precautions and, in consultation with mental health staff, determines the need to continue, modify, or discontinue such precautions.
• Assists individuals with mental illness in accessing community services upon release.
• Cooperates with requests for information from the judicial system while maintaining compliance with HIPAA regulations.
• Maintains daily and monthly statistics on patient contacts and demographic data.
• Attends bi-monthly staff meetings and other required CFG or facility meetings.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives and assists in conducting CQI studies.
• Provides or assists in training custody staff on mental health topics, as requested or required by the facility.
• Completes all required documentation and clinical notes accurately and promptly.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.