NaphCare is seeking to hire an experienced Clinical/Mental Health Counselor to join our Jail Based Treatment Program team of medical professionals in the Washoe County Jail in Reno, NV

The Jail-Based Treatment Program (JBTP) provides specialized behavioral health services for patients awaiting transfer to a state hospital for further psychiatric treatment. The unit is a therapeutic environment, providing intensive day treatment services. By providing patient-centered, evidenced-based, and holistic care, the JBTP seeks to eliminate the need for these patients to transfer to the state hospital or, at a minimum, to decrease their length of stay once hospitalized. The ultimate aim is to assist defendants in moving forward with their legal case and with their lives in a healthier place.

As a Correctional Clinical/Mental Health Counselor, you will work alongside correctional officers and other medical professionals to provide counseling and mental health care to the individuals in residence. This is a unique position where you can make a difference to this diverse population of patients with complex mental health and medical needs.

The Clinical/Mental Health Counselor is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients in residence ensuring they receive quality care that protects their rights, dignity and health. Duties and responsibilities may include and are not limited to:

• Serve as a contributing member of the multidisciplinary treatment team
• Conduct and document initial (or updates to existing) psychosocial assessments
• Perform and document treatment plans and treatment team review notes
• Maintain an individual caseload of JBTP patients for individual treatment and documentation
• Conducts brief daily check-ins with individual caseload
• Provide group therapeutic and psychoeducational services
• Conduct crisis intervention and suicide/safety risk assessments as warranted
• Assist in outcomes assessments of the JBTP patients
• Coordinate with health and correctional staff regarding patients’ mental health care
• Participate in educational and training activities related to mental health care for patients, security personnel, and healthcare staff
• Demonstrate knowledge of DSM-V-TR criteria and mental health practice standards

Position Requirements / Preferred Experience

• Master's prepared Mental Health Professional degree in counseling or related field, i.e. social work
• Has an active, unrestricted licensure as a (LCSW, LCMHC, LMFT, LMHP, LISW, LPCC, etc.) in NV

• Must possess an active BLS/CPR Certification (AHA preferred

• Knowledge of the DSM-V-TR criteria and conditions
• Knowledge of evidenced-based and/or empirically informed treatments for serious mental illness and major mental disorders (e.g., neurodevelopmental disorders)
• Prior training that includes working with adults living with serious mental illness and/or in a correctional or adult inpatient mental health environment preferred but not required
• A minimum of 3 years’ clinical experience in a mental health care or acute care setting, with correctional healthcare experience preferred
• Must have knowledge and experience in the identification and treatment of mental health and co-occurring substance abuse disorders, discharge planning, principles of social work, basic principles of individual and group behavior, and a working knowledge of psychotropic medications
• Correctional counselors must be able to remain calm under pressure while assess patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior and be able to develop interventions and treatment plans
• Effective communications skills are required for building patient rapport and relaying information and treatment plan with other medical and mental health care professionals
• Strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of patient treatment plans and progress notes
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality of all proprietary and/or confidential information and integrity, professionalism and ability to adhere to a Code of Conduct and comply with all facility(s) correctional healthcare policies, procedures, and legal requirements
• Must pass the facility’s criminal background check and drug screening

Physical Capabilities:

Must have the ability 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 like CPR, all while maintaining good balance and endurance throughout a shift.

Why Join NaphCare?

NaphCare is one of the largest providers of healthcare services to correctional facilities throughout the US, and we are growing. If you have never considered a career in correctional healthcare, now may be the time. In addition to competitive salaries and generous employee benefits, we strongly support career advancement within the company.

NaphCare Benefits for Full-Time Employees Include:

• Health, dental & vision insurance that starts day one!
• Prescriptions free of charge through our health plan, beginning day one
• Lowest Cost Benefits!
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services
• 401K and Roth with company contribution that starts day one!
• Tuition Assistance
• Referral bonuses
• Term life insurance at no cost to the employee
• Generous paid time off & paid holidays
• Free continuing education and CMEs

NaphCare has a partnership with NetCE that provides CEU/CME for our staff. NetCE uses a rigorous peer review process to ensure that all activities and content are up to date. This service streamlines continuing education for all NaphCare Employees to meet state specific requirements for maintaining licensing. 

Want a better idea of what it’s like to work in a jail? See what our MHPs do:

NaphCare - Life as a Mental Health Professional - YouTube 😃

If you would like to speak with me to learn more about this position and NaphCare, please first apply directly to the position to initiate the application process, then send your resume to elizabeth.forristall@naphcare.com and I’ll be in touch.

Equal Opportunity Employer: disability/veteran

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