Mental Health Professional - Day Shift - Cherokee County Jail

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Delivers direct clinical services (individual and group psychotherapy/counseling) aimed at reducing maladaptive behavior and fostering effective psychological functioning.
• Provides crisis intervention services to patients, as referred by institutional and medical staff or self-referred individuals.
• Conducts diagnostic evaluations, including clinical interviews, psychological testing, and development of written reports with findings and recommendations.
• Provides consultation to institutional staff regarding the mental status and management of patients.
• Participates in staff meetings and in-service training programs to support ongoing education.
• Supports specialized clinical services or program development activities approved by leadership.
• Maintains accountability through timely and accurate recording of activities and participation in the quality improvement program.
• Ensures proper documentation and appropriate care as well as provide emergency treatment on-site and respond appropriately in urgent or emergency situations.
• Serves as a liaison with medical providers, and reviews and approves treatment protocols, clinical policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local regulations.
• Maintains open communication with facility administration, security, medical and support staff to facilitate operation of mental health services and resolution of issues that arise.
• May be required to arrange and/or participate in a system of 24-hour emergency prevention services.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support FCH’s goals, objectives and values.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, substance use treatment, and co-occurring disorders.
• Knowledge of mental health counseling, including group and individual psychotherapy.
• Proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
• Skilled in psychological assessment techniques, crisis intervention, and mental health consultation.
• Ability to work independently, as well as collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Ability to conduct mental health assessments, risk evaluations, and crisis interventions.
• Ability to balance competing demands and maintain positive, collaborative working relationships with leadership, staff, patients, the public and external partners.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations effectively and calmly.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure while assessing patients’ situations, underlying causes of their behavior and developing interventions and treatment plans.
• Strong attention to detail, follow-up and timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Strong written and oral communication, de-escalation, and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Demonstrates outstanding judgment, sensitivity and high discretion.
• Possess strong judgment, discretion, high level of confidentiality, flexibility and integrity.
• Proficiency in Electronic Health Records (EHR) and documentation practices.

• Master’s or higher degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related behavioral health field from an accredited college or university
• Two (2) or more years of clinical experience providing mental health services in correctional, forensic, crisis, or institutional settings OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Required Certifications and Licenses

• Must have and maintain current clinical license (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PsyD, LMSW, LAPC or equivalent) within the State of Georgia

• Must have or attain a BLS Certification prior to the first day of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a correctional facility or with institutional psychiatric teams
• Certifications or specialized training in mental health counseling or crisis management
• Familiarity with NCCHC, ACA, and other correctional healthcare standards
• Experience providing individual and group therapy in secure or high-risk environments
• Certification in crisis prevention/intervention training (e.g., CPI, de-escalation techniques)

Physical Requirements:

The position requires the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds with prolonged periods of standing, walking, sitting at a desk, viewing a computer and reading a variety of materials. Must be able to seize, hold, grasp, turn or otherwise work with your hand or hands. Must be able to perform repetitive tasks, such as typing for extended periods of time.

ADA Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position adequately. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, unless it results in an undue hardship. All requests must be made to the Human Resources Department in writing.