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Forensic Counselor
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Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI)
Fort Walton Beach, FL (In Person)
$43,680 Salary, Full-Time
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Job Description
Job Description Help for Job Description. Opens a new window. Posting No.
BCI-20 26-24 POST
Position:
Forensic Counselor Employment Status:
Full-Time (FT)Position Summary:
Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI) is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Forensic Counselor to provide behavioral health services within the Forensic Pre-Trial Program (FPTP) at the Okaloosa County Jail. This position serves individuals involved in the criminal justice system who have been identified as experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges during incarceration. The Forensic Counselor is responsible for conducting assessments, providing individual and group counseling, facilitating psychoeducational and therapeutic interventions, developing treatment and relapse prevention plans, and coordinating services to support successful community reintegration. The position also assists with release planning and linkage to appropriate community-based behavioral health, case management, and support services. Clients served through the program often present with complex psychiatric, substance use, social, and criminogenic needs. The Forensic Counselor works collaboratively with correctional staff, community partners, healthcare providers, and internal BCI programs to ensure continuity of care and promote positive treatment outcomes. This position requires the ability to work independently within a correctional setting, effectively manage client interactions, maintain professional boundaries, and respond appropriately to challenging situations. Successful candidates will possess strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, demonstrate cultural sensitivity and professionalism, and thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment. The ideal candidate is committed to supporting recovery, reducing recidivism, and improving the overall well-being of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Why Join BCI? At Bridgeway Center, Inc. (BCI), you'll become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening communities through compassionate, evidence-based behavioral healthcare. As a Forensic Counselor, you will have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping individuals involved in the criminal justice system address mental health and substance use challenges while supporting their path toward recovery and successful reintegration. BCI is committed to investing in its associates' success. Our Forensic Pre-Trial Program utilizes an evidence-based service model with proven outcomes, and we provide comprehensive onboarding, training, mentorship, and ongoing coaching to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in your role. Whether you are building your career or bringing prior experience to the team, you'll find opportunities for professional growth, collaboration, and continuous learning. If you are passionate about making a difference, enjoy working in a dynamic environment, and are committed to helping others achieve positive change, we encourage you to apply today and explore this rewarding career opportunity with BCI.Benefits Offered:
BCI offers competitive salary and benefits.Benefits include:
- Eleven (11) Paid Holidays
- Seventeen (17) days per year of PTO
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Care / Dependent Care Reimbursement Program
- Employer Paid $15,000.00 Life Insurance
- Teladoc
- Health Insurance
- Vision /
Dental Insurance Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, or a closely related field.
- Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years old and possess a valid Florida Driver's License with no more than three (3) points on their driving record to be insured under BCI's automobile insurance policy.
- One (1) year experience working with the forensic population (not required)
- Bilingual/bicultural English and Spanish preferred (not required) Pre-Employment Requirements Employment is contingent upon successfully completing all required screenings and background checks, including:
- Applicants must be able to pass an Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Medicaid and Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Level II background check (
Clearinghouse Education and Awareness Website:
https://info.flclearinghouse.com )- National Sex Offender Registry search
- Office of Inspector General (OIG) check (if you have previously worked for DCF (including Contract or Subcontract Provider)
- Drug screen
- Tuberculosis (TB) test Please include a resume with the application.
Knowledge / Skills
/ &Abilities:
- Specific experience working with the criminal justice population.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to display sensitivity all persons and cultures.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
Responsibilities:
The Forensic Counselor is responsible for providing direct behavioral health services and support to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Key duties include, but are not limited to:- Facilitate psychosocial rehabilitation and psychoeducational group sessions designed to enhance coping skills, recovery, and community functioning.
- Provide substance use treatment and recovery-focused group counseling services.
- Deliver daily living support and skills development services to individuals participating in a pilot shelter program.
- Conduct client assessments, monitor progress, and contribute to individualized treatment planning.
- Participate in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings and maintain effective communication with referral sources, community partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Assist with transition planning, discharge coordination, and successful community reintegration efforts.
- Connect individuals with community resources and supportive services to address behavioral health, housing, employment, medical, and other identified needs.
- Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant documentation within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other required systems.
- Adhere to agency policies, program standards, and confidentiality requirements.
- Maintain a safe, therapeutic, and professional environment while effectively managing client interactions.
Shift:
Swing Shift - 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.- Weekends and holidays are required
- Must be comfortable routinely working independently and managing clients within the program setting.