Mental Health Counselor, Correctional Health Services

Job Description

About NYC Health + Hospitals

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest public health care system in the nation. We are a network of 11 hospitals, trauma centers, neighborhood health centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, and correctional health services. We are a home care agency and a health plan, MetroPlus. Our health system provides essential services to 1.4 million New Yorkers every year in more than 70 locations across the city's five boroughs. Our diverse workforce of more than 42,000 employees are uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers.

NYC Health + Hospitals / Correctional Health Services is one of the nation’s leading correctional health care systems in quality of and innovations to care, and access from pre-arraignment through compassionate release. In-jail services include medical, nursing, mental health, substance use treatment, social work, dental and vision care, discharge planning, and reentry support. In addition to providing direct patient care in the jails, CHS leverages the resources of the nation’s largest municipal health care system to help discharged patients successfully return to their communities. CHS is also a pivotal partner in New York City’s criminal justice reform efforts.

Facility : Various Locations on Rikers Island

Duties & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Clinical Supervisor and the Mental Health Unit Chief on Rikers Island, the MHC will provide quality mental health care to incarcerated individuals who need and / or want services . This position is responsible for providing assessment and counseling services to inmates.

• Conducts mental health evaluations, crisis intervention, assessments, and follow-up care.
• Determines and coordinates disposition of patients for appropriate level of mental health care
• Coordinates with Reentry Social Workers for appropriate discharge planning services
• Completes required statistical reports.
• Collaborates with the Department of Correction to ensure access to patients, proper housing, and treatment disposition.
• Coordinates patient care with other institutional programs.
• Leads group treatment on mental health observation units and other units as assigned.
• Completes all required documentation.
• Participates in clinical supervision with Clinical Supervisor at least once a week
• Participates in mental health and medical rounds as assigned.
• Participates in case conferences and treatment planning for patients receiving and being considered for mental health treatment.
• May conduct psychological testing as assigned
• May supervise social work interns or student volunteers as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Unit Chief, Assistant Unit Chief, and / or Clinical Supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Assignment Level I

1. Valid license and current registration or valid limited permit to practice as a Mental Health Counselor issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).

Assignment Level II

1. Valid license and current registration to practice as a Mental Health Counselor issued by the NYSED and two (2) years of full-time, paid, professional experience providing direct client care in a behavioral health setting.

Department Preferences

Preference given to those applicants with experience conducting both assessment and treatment with individuals with behavioral problems, substance use histories and severe mental illness. Preference will be given to applicants with inpatient or related experience.

Benefits

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes :