Mental Health Therapist II - Sheriff's Office

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Conducts mental health assessments and suicide risk assessments on jail prisoners and develops, documents, and implements treatment plans. Provides direct treatment and case management services. Works with prisoners’ families, health care providers, and security staff to provide an appropriate level of care.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling. Professional licensure in the State of Utah as a Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW), or Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CMHC), or Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass a required background check through fingerprinting and enrollment in the continuous RAP Back (Record of Arrest and Prosecution Back) program in accordance with current County Human Resources policy requirements.

Must be a resident of the State of Utah at the time of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Responds to prisoners experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Completes suicide risk assessments and disposition as clinically indicated.
• Conducts mental health assessments and makes appropriate referrals.
• Consults with members of the multi-disciplinary treatment team to discuss treatment plans, findings, treatment recommendations and options for patients.
• Collaborates with the medical, nursing, and sworn staff to address the full spectrum of patient care.
• Writes, implements and provides necessary documentation of patient’s treatment; maintains records and documentation to comply with state, federal, and NCCHC standards and requirements.
• Provides outreach to the public and professionals with questions about substance abuse and mental health treatment.
• Conducts training and presentations regarding suicide risk/prevention, substance abuse, mental health, and accessing treatment to security and health care team.
• Recommends and explains treatment options and services to clients.
• Provides group, individual therapy, and case management.
• Coordinates with multiple agencies to provide client care.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA)

Knowledge of:

• Psychotherapy and counseling techniques
• Agencies, providers, and organizations in the community that provide services for treatment of mental health care
• Structure and function of organizations and agencies (i.e., DCFS, court system, AP and P, etc.) which interface with mental health programs
• Division policy and procedure
• Diagnostic criteria from DSM IV-TR

Skills and Ability to:

• Work with various ages and populations of people to address their needs
• Be aware of and understand cultural diversity needs and issues
• Effectively manage crisis intervention
• Multitask and meet constant deadlines
• Work with computer software related to job specific duties
• Write treatment plans
• Act independently
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Function effectively in stressful situations

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position works in the Salt Lake County Jail (which is a locked down facility), has direct contact with prisoners, and may be exposed to stress because of human behavior in a jail environment.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THIS POSITION

This position is subject to being called back to work prior to or after the scheduled shift in the event of an emergency. 

May be required to work holidays, nights, and weekends as needed.