Job Summary:

Responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the Mental Health Program to include staff development, mental health counseling of students, according to the Job Corps Federal Regulations and the (PRH) Policy and Requirements Handbook. The Job Corps Mental Health and Wellness Program is coordinated by a licensed mental health professional responsible for overall direction of the program. The general emphasis of the Mental Health and Wellness Program is on the early identification and diagnosis of mental health problems; basic mental health care; and mental health promotion, prevention, and education designed to help students overcome barriers to employability.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates and abides by the Company Core Values and the operating principles.
• Advises the Center Director and Health Services staff of all mental health matters.
• Provides mental health assessments for applicants and students to examine mood, behavior, thinking, reasoning, and other areas related to emotional wellness.
• CMHC is a part of the center’s Applicant File review Team that reviews and assesses the applicant’s mental health, behavior and educational information e.g. IEP, 504 plan. This includes helping gather additional information from medical providers, schools or applicants to complete a clinical interview.
• Works with H&W staff to provide chronic care management for students with mental health disabilities.
• Provides Short-term therapy with mental health checks as needed. The focus of these sessions to be on retention and behaviors that represent employability barriers.
• Collaborates with TEAP Specialist regarding support and intervention needs of students with co-occurring conditions of mental health and substance use.
• Develops constructive programs for meeting students’ mental health issues and working with the Center disciplinary, maximum benefits, inter-group relations and the TEAP prevention programs.
• Provides documentation and referrals of students who are recommended for separation from the program.
• Collaborates with counseling staff in developing and/or leading psycho-educational skill-building groups to promote wellness (e.g., relaxation training, anger management, mood regulation, assertiveness skills, handling relationships, sleep hygiene, etc.).
• Participates in regular case management meetings between counselors and other appropriate staff with a need to know based on individual student needs.
• Provides on-call mental health services for emergencies, 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. CMHC may provide services by phone or in person to residential and non-residential students. May choose arrangements for services on behalf of the Center for appropriate services.
• The CMHC may conduct a mental health evaluation, when necessary, in the event of a mental health emergency and, refer the student for psychiatric care.
• The CMHC may make referrals to off-center mental health professionals or agencies for ongoing treatment and/or specialized services.
• The CMHC must provide a written referral/feedback system and document in the Student Health Record.
• Approves and signs MH Health Care Guidelines that include Health Staff Treatment Guidelines and Non-Health Symptomatic Management Guidelines
• Documents and submits forms and correspondence to local, State and Federal agencies to meet all requirements of the program.
• Attends staff training sessions as required.
• Facilitates staff training on topics related to adolescent growth and development.

Qualifications:

Minimum: Active, unrestricted license to practice as an independent practitioner in state where center is located and does not require supervision to practiced. Clinical/Counseling Psychologist or Clinical Social Worker.

Minimum 1 year of experience as a licensed independent practitioner providing assessment and treatment services to adolescents and young adults.

A one-time waiver may be requested for candidates with a master’s degree or higher in behavioral health, and a license to practice independently in the state.

Preferred:

Minimum plus Job Corps experience.

Knowledge: Knowledge of mental health issues of disadvantaged youth. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to relate to disadvantaged young adults (16-24 years old) and develop a rapport with students and staff. Ability to make sound decisions. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures in Government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, etc. Ability to effectively present information and to respond to questions from management, government representatives and students. Strong assessment skills. Flexible work schedule.