Mental Health Coordinator (LICSW)

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

Mental Health Coordinator coordinates mental health services for those identified as having mental health needs. Organizes services with a range of parties, including but not limited to doctors, counselors and other care providers. Ensures individuals’ mental health needs are met in compliance with ACA standards and our policies reflective of the regulations we must meet. Mental Health Coordinator will counsel or direct counseling with emphasis on prevention of recidivism; ensuring that optimum mental and emotional health is promoted. May help or direct other Mental Health staff to care for individuals with mental health and/or addiction service needs. Adheres to the policies and protocols of the Facility and the Health Services Unit.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Although it is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of all types of duties, responsibilities and performance standards, the following are the essential job functions:

Responsible for coordinating, assigning, and monitoring the work of Mental Health staff (including mental health and psychiatric contractors) as who provide direct services to incarcerated individuals.

Conducts evaluations of Mental Health counselors.

Ensures confidentiality of records and other information relating to clients’ treatment.

Oversees and participates in the collection of information about clients, to include any active suicidal ideations or history of suicide attempts, through interviews, observation, or tests.

Evaluates clients’ physical or mental condition, based on review of client information and interviews.

Ensures that clients are cared for individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming mental health challenges.

Guides or otherwise directs the guidance of clients in the development of skills or strategies for coping skills.

Acts as client advocate to coordinate required services or to resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.

Performs or assigns other mental health staff to assist in crisis intervention with clients including assessing for suicidal ideation and the need for observation status and follow up assessment for those on observation status.

Collaborates with other staff members to perform clinical assessments.

Ensures the development and implementation of treatment plans based on education, training and experience

Ensures that treatment plans are client specific.

Prepares or directs preparation and maintains all required treatment records and reports.

Evaluates the effectiveness of counseling programs on clients’ progress in resolving identified problems and moving towards defined objectives.

Maintains a communication device for on call status to determine appropriate care and management of detainees.

Assess detainees housed in segregation according to policy.

Consults with facility nursing and security staff including but not limited to shift commanders as necessary.

Interacts with treatment team, as well as families, Law Enforcement Staff, and any other interested parties with a valid right and/or need to know to exchange necessary information during the treatment process.

Reviews and modifies treatment activities or approaches as needed to comply with changes in clients’ status or needs.

Ensures that all client-related paperwork, including federal-and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes are completed and maintained.

Maintains current knowledge of new developments in counseling by reading professional literature, attending courses and seminars, or establishing and maintaining contact with other social service agencies.

Facilitates referral of patients, community resources or to specialists as necessary.

Coordinate or direct employee workshops, courses, or training about mental health care and services.

Maintains database for PREA and reports statistics to HSA monthly and as requested.

Coordinates on site and telemedicine psychiatric clinics.

Ensures compliance with ACA, PREA, USMS and ICE national detention standards.

FACTOR 1 - KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

A: KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

Some Knowledge of

Relevant medical terminology

Criminal-justice system

Modern record-keeping practices

HIPAA Security rules

ACA, PREA, USMS and ICE national detention standards

Working skill in:

Interpersonal communications

Computer software and technology

B: QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree in Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or closely related field preferred with a minimum of 5 years’ supervisory experience.

Bilingual; Spanish-speaking preferred.

C: LICENSE & CERTIFICATION

Licensure through the RI Department of Health in applicable field (i.e. LICSW, LPC, LMHC, etc.) is required..

FACTOR 2 – SUPERVISORY CONTROL

Mental Health Counselor(s) report to this position.

This position reports to the Health Service Administrator.

FACTOR 3 – GUIDELINES

Must follow all proper policies and procedures of the institution.

FACTOR 4 – PERSONAL CONTACTS

Not applicable

FACTOR 5 – ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Regular and reliable attendance and the ability to work a flexible full-time schedule to include weekends is required.

Must possess physical and mental endurance to respond properly and professionally to stressful situations.

Must perform in an ethical manner in all dealings with peers, patients, and internal and external members of the healthcare team.

FACTOR 6 – PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work does involve some walking, standing, driving personal motor vehicle, lifting objects up to 25lbs, bending, stooping, reaching and speaking clearly.

FACTOR 7 – WORK ENVIRONMENT

The correctional environment is a fast paced, stressful area of healthcare specialty. Applicant must possess a professional work ethic, and work well under pressure.