Job Title:

Mental Health Professional / Counselor Certification/License accepted:

LCSW, LICSW, LPC

Department:

Healthcare /

Behavioral Health Services Location:

Limestone County Jail, Athens, AL Employment Type:

Part-time Shift:

16 hours per week Job Summary We are seeking a dedicated, resilient, and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Therapist / Counselor to join our multi-disciplinary healthcare team at the Limestone County Detention Facility . In this role, you will provide vital behavioral health services to justice-involved individuals within a secured correctional environment. You will be responsible for conducting mental health screenings, managing crisis interventions, developing brief treatment plans, and delivering short-term individual therapy. This position requires a professional who can balance excellent clinical care with a strict adherence to facility safety and security protocols. If you are passionate about helping an underserved, high-need population navigate crisis and prepare for successful community reentry, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities Screening & Assessment:

Conduct intake screenings and comprehensive mental health assessments for newly incarcerated individuals to identify psychiatric diagnoses, substance use disorders, and immediate safety risks.

Crisis Intervention:

Provide immediate, high-quality crisis intervention and suicide risk assessments for inmates experiencing acute distress, psychosis, or suicidal ideation.

Therapeutic Services:

Deliver short-term individual counseling and facilitate evidence-based psychoeducational or therapeutic groups (e.g., anger management, substance use, coping skills).

Treatment Planning:

Formulate and document individualized behavioral health treatment plans within the facility's designated electronic health records (EHR) system.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

Work closely with jail administration, correctional officers, medical staff, and psychiatric nurse practitioner to coordinate comprehensive patient care and housing recommendations.

Discharge & Reentry Planning:

Partner with community-based resources and case managers to develop discharge plans that promote continuity of care and lower recidivism upon release.

Compliance & Security:

Maintain strict confidentiality according to HIPAA laws while fully adhering to all correctional safety rules, emergency protocols, and institutional security measures.

Qualifications & Requirements Education:

Master's degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related mental health field from an accredited institution.

Licensure:

Active, unrestricted state license to practice independently or under supervision (LPC , LCSW, LICSW only)

Experience:

Experience working in a correctional facility, forensic setting, crisis stabilization unit, inpatient psychiatric facility, or community mental health center is highly preferred but not required.

Skills:

Strong clinical diagnostic skills, proficiency in crisis management, and the ability to remain calm and objective under pressure.

Background Check:

Must be able to pass an extensive background check, drug screening, and security clearance process administered by the County Sheriff's Department. Benefits & Perks Competitive starting salary ranging from $22-30/hr (commensurate with experience and licensure)

NOTE:

This opening is for a position within the local county jail. This is NOT a job at the prison. Candidates must pass a background check in order to gain access to the facility.

Pay:

$22.00 - $30.00 per hour Expected hours: No less than 16.0 per week

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person