Counselor

Position Description

Performs personal, vocational, educational, or other counseling or training at the individual or group level. May assist in the coordination and management of the program. Work is performed under general supervision with performance based on individual counseling effectiveness and overall program results obtained.

Department

OSI Jail Operations

Major/Essential Functions

• Mental Health Screening - Conducts standardized intake and follow-up screenings using pre-defined forms created by a licensed psychiatrist. Accurately records findings and communicates results to the supervising mental health team for treatment planning.
• Case Management and Coordination of Care - Serves as a case coordinator for assigned patients by linking them to facility-based programming, psychiatric services, and reentry or community resources as appropriate. Tracks progress and ensures follow-through on referrals.
• Wellness Checks and Supportive Engagement - Performs routine cell-side activities to monitor patient well-being, provide supportive conversation, and observe for changes in mental health status. Escalates concerns promptly to licensed providers.
• Crisis Intervention - Responds promptly and effectively to mental health crises, using appropriate interventions. Ensures safety and stability of the individual and documents actions completely.
• Documentation and Compliance - Maintains timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record and ensures compliance with jail standards, departmental protocols, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Team Collaboration - Works collaboratively with psychiatry providers, nurses, custody staff, and program coordinators to support the delivery of mental health services and to promote patient safety and well-being within the facility.
• Other Duties as Assigned - Willingly performs all other assignments as directed by superior.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and one year experience in related area. Additional education in a related area may substitute for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of jail-based mental health service standards, suicide prevention practices and crisis intervention principles. Skills in rapport-building and therapeutic communication with diverse populations, including justice-involved individuals. Ability to coordinate care and make appropriate referrals to facility programs, treatment services, and community resources. Strong organizational and documentation skills, including accurate use of electronic health records and screening forms. Ability to conduct wellness checks and supportive interventions at the cell-side with professionalism and respect. Capacity to work independently under general supervision while collaborating effectively with psychiatrist, nurses and other team members. Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills suitable for high-stress environments.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.

Jeanne Clery Act

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act is a federal statute requiring colleges and universities participating in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose campus crime statistics and security information. By October 1 of each year, institutions must publish and distribute their Annual Campus Security Policy & Crime Statistics Report (ASR) to current and prospective students and employees. To view this report, visit the TTUHSC Clery Act website at https://www.ttuhsc.edu/compliance/clery-report.aspx.