A Mental or Behavioral Health Counselor works with patients to treat mental health problems. Assesses patients and assists with diagnosis, counseling and crisis intervention. Consults with nurses, doctors and psychiatrists. May work with specific populations, such as youth, senior citizens or substance abusers, in group settings, facilities or hospitals.
Behavioral Health Counselor - Correctional Setting 6-7 Month
CONTRACT
Position We are seeking a compassionate, dependable, and motivated Behavioral Health Counselor to join our multidisciplinary healthcare team in a county jail/correctional setting. This is a 6-7 month
CONTRACT
POSITION and an excellent opportunity for a behavioral health professional interested in gaining valuable experience working with a diverse and challenging population. The Behavioral Health Counselor will provide mental health services to individuals experiencing a wide range of behavioral health concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, serious mental illness, adjustment to incarceration, crisis situations, and suicidal ideation. Primary Responsibilities Conduct behavioral health screenings, assessments, and follow-up appointments. Provide brief supportive counseling and therapeutic interventions. Assess patients experiencing suicidal ideation, self-harm concerns, emotional distress, or other behavioral health crises. Participate in suicide prevention, monitoring, and follow-up procedures. Develop and update individualized treatment plans as appropriate. Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed. Identify patients who may benefit from psychiatric evaluation and coordinate referrals with the psychiatric provider. Collaborate with medical, nursing, behavioral health, classification, and correctional staff to promote continuity of care and patient safety. Assist with discharge planning and referrals to community behavioral health and substance use resources. Maintain timely, accurate, thorough, and professional clinical documentation in the electronic health record. Maintain appropriate professional and therapeutic boundaries within a correctional environment. Follow facility policies, applicable professional standards, and confidentiality requirements. Participate in behavioral health team meetings, case consultations, and other assigned clinical duties.
Minimum Qualifications Education Required:
Bachelor's degree or higher in: Social Work Psychology Counseling Human Services/Behavioral Health Or a closely related field Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related behavioral health field. Previous experience in mental health, crisis intervention, substance use treatment, case management, or social services. Experience working in a jail, prison, detention center, residential treatment program, inpatient setting, or other structured environment is preferred but not required. Knowledge of suicide prevention, mental health disorders, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention. Strong assessment, communication, documentation, and organizational skills. Ability to remain calm, professional, and clinically objective in challenging situations. Professional licensure is welcomed but is not required unless otherwise specified for the position.
Position Details Position:
Behavioral Health Counselor Setting:
County Jail /
Correctional Healthcare Employment Type:
Contract Contract Length:
Approximately 6-7 months
Education:
Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related behavioral health field
Experience:
Behavioral health experience preferred; correctional experience is a plus. #hc260874
