Inmate Counselor

Purpose of the Job

The purpose of this position is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of Gila County Jail inmates.

This position assesses and records inmates' mental health needs, coordinates medication provision, liaises with other contacts and conducts research.

Supervisory Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position does not supervise other employees.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities TIME SPENT

• Conducts mental health assessments and prioritizes psychiatric needs of inmates, conducting interviews to listen to their issues; evaluates acute and chronic symptoms, and may determine essential care required, as mandated by regulations and protocols; documents and reports test results.

60%

• Documents contacts made with inmates, including on the phone and in person.

20%

• Coordinates with medical personnel to provide inmates with medications.

10%

• Liaises with officers, medical personnel, and outside contacts to obtain more information to help inmates; conducts research to find other mental health agencies.

10%

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Budget Responsibilities This position has no responsibility over any types of budget.

Project Responsibilities This position does not have project responsibilities.

ORAL COMMUNICATION DUTIES This position explains County procedures or processes. This position routinely provides therapy through verbal discussions with inmates.

WRITTEN COMMUNICATION DUTIES This position creates or edits documents, internal memos, emails and reports.

INTERACTIONS WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC Interacts extensively with employees, customers, the general public, vendors, regulatory bodies, and other groups and/or individuals and Institutions over the telephone, by email, and/or in person.

INTERACTIONS SPECIFICALLY WITH CUSTOMERS Continuously (More than 70% but less than 85% in a year)

Minimum Education/Directly Related Experience Required MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field.

Minimum Years Of Directly Related Experience Required One (1) year experience in counseling or related social work area.

Supplemental Information

Professional Credentials Required Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License.

Knowledge Required English Language and composition; psychology; case management - corrections. Department policies and procedures; psychiatric sciences including mental health maintenance, promotion and prevention; principles of mental health education and counseling; principles of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and concepts of disease; principles and practices of records management and patient file documentation procedures; hazardous chemicals and materials, first aid and CPR.

Skills Required Active listening; analytical thinking; analytical writing; communicating diplomatically; negotiating; problem recognition; developing alternative solutions; typing and data entry.

Abilities Required Express one's self orally; express self through written words; perform tasks with finger dexterity; speak clearly and sensibly.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Routinely sits to complete report and to operate computers.
• May be required to lift work related materials or equipment up to 10 lbs.
• Routinely requires dexterity for keyboard operation.
• Incumbents in this position may be required to walk to and from work sites.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Incumbents in this position perform work in the County Jail facilities; work involves intense concentration on activities going on around one’s location on a constant basis throughout the entire work shift; and must be able to work during weekdays, weekends, and holidays as needed. Must work with a manipulative and clinically challenging client population with possibility of high-risk infections.

SAFETY RISK EXPOSURE Incumbents in this position are subject to emotional individual encounters; physical danger, bloodborne pathogens, and communicable diseases.

PROTECTIVE GEAR & SAFETY MANUALS Incumbents in this position are required to constantly follow written safety procedures and manuals relevant to the division or department.

CONSEQUENCES OF ERROR Potential errors can result in property damage, individual injury, or loss of life.

Security Requirements Incumbents in this position are required to be U.S. citizens with no felony convictions.

Incumbents in this position are required to have unrestricted Driver’s License upon appointment.

Prior to being appointed, all incumbents in this position are subject to complete a background check as well as medical, polygraph, psychological, written and oral examinations.