Inmate Mental Health Specialist

1. Bachelor's degree in Sociology, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or related field.
2. Two (2) years experience in Mental Health services, knowledge of community resources, and working with dually-diagnosed population.
3. An equivalent combination of training, experience, or a related Mental Health internship may be considered. Such experience must be clearly documented for consideration.
4. Possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license throughout employment without any restrictions, which affect job performance.

Under administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to ensure the availability of services relating to the Mental Health of the inmate population of the Broward Sheriff's Office Department of Detention and Community Programs. Position assists the supervisor in ensuring the provision of Mental Health services while inmates are in-custody. This position will work with a broad range of disorders and challenging behavior management issues. General duties involve the routine assessment of Inmate Mental status and needs, engagement and supervision of daily therapeutic activities, assisting in the development of prosocial behaviors and skills to facilitate inmate institutional adjustment, symptom reduction, and transition back to the community upon release. Incumbents perform essential functions as outlined herein according to area of assignment. Performs related work as directed.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Assists in the provision of Mental Health services to the inmate population in the Department of Detention and Community Programs.

Identifies inmates in need of Mental Health services.

Obtains a routine briefing and conducts routine assessments regarding the mental status of inmates needing Mental Health services.

Maintains daily program structure and engages inmates in therapeutic activities.

Demonstrates knowledge of and practice of effective counseling skills and ability to develop therapeutic rapport.

Provides group counseling using different evidence-based treatment modalities.

Facilitates groups with expertise, demonstrating ability to engage, set and maintain appropriate boundaries and monitor group process.

Provides supporting individual counseling to assist inmates with crisis intervention, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and/ or Mental Health and behavioral disorder recovery.

Demonstrates creativity in therapeutic interventions to maintain a safe, supportive, and clinically sound milieu.

Demonstrates working knowledge of community Mental Health services to assist inmates with release planning.

Contributes clinical information and observations about inmates staffed with the jail's contracted medical provider.

Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.

Attends meetings as directed.

Provides Mental Health education and training for Department of Detention and Community Program staff.

Assists in evaluating and monitoring functions under charge for compliance with established regulatory standards, American Corrections Association, National Commission on Correctional Healthcare, Florida Model Jails, State Statues, State Administrative Code, agency policies and procedures.

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. May require occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavier objects. Tasks are performed in a corrections environment where proper provisions are in place in terms of employee security and protection. Due to the nature and location of the work environment, tasks include potential for intermittent exposure to disagreeable elements consistent with routine conditions in a corrections detainment environment.

Broward Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Applicants who qualify will be subject to an extensive selection process and screening program, which may include, but not be limited to evaluation of training and experience; written test; computer based test; interview; polygraph examination; psychological evaluation; employment record, fingerprint and background check; medical examination; and drug screen. The expected duration of the selection process varies by position and could last 10 to 12 weeks. Reapplication will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
BSO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, citizenship status, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Veterans' preference per Florida law.Employment Type: Permanent Full Time