Under general supervision, provides intermediate-level behavioral healthcare counseling services in the Detention Facility, within scope of authority and according to County policies and procedures.

(Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.) 

• Provides intermediate-level care and counseling services to inmates within scope of authority; supervises behavior and activities of inmates; maintains strict confidentiality in all inmate matters.

• Responds to and manages behavioral health issues, including aggressive behavior, anger control, suicidal tendencies and other issues of inmates referred by staff and inmates in the Detention Facility.

• Interviews inmates with psychological instability and behavioral health issues; observes inmates conditions and behavior; develops behavioral health assessments; assesses lethality factors and recommends or authorizes inmate management procedures; advises inmates of community resources.

• Provides ongoing assessment, treatment planning and therapeutic treatment of inmates; utilizes specialized techniques for treatment and prevention of violence and suicide.

• Confers and consults with supervisors as needed; collaborates with other professionals to provide and advocate for continued care outside the limitations of the facility.

• Develops, interprets and updates mental health policies, procedures, rules and regulations; provides training for Detention Facility staff.

• Manages referrals to Jail Diversion Program, and participates on the Inmate Classification Board.

• Reviews and analyzes records and reports; prepares special and recurring reports; monitors budgets and expenditures for contract services; assures that appropriate services are provided.

• Updates and maintains a variety of inmate records; documents activities as required.

• Explains nature of Sheriffs Department programs, procedures and services to inmates.

• Provides information and assistance within the scope of designated authority.

• Adheres to the standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A} as amended; maintains and enforces all aspects of confidentiality of inmates' information.

• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Knowledge of County policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of biological, behavioral and environmental aspects of suicidal tendencies, emotional disturbances, mental disability, developmental disability and substance abuse.

• Knowledge of protocols and practices in behavioral healthcare, and principles of psychotherapeutic techniques and procedures, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV).

• Knowledge of Federal, state, and county laws related to inmates, detention facility policy and procedures, department written directives, and Wyoming standards for correctional facilities.

• Knowledge of counseling techniques and procedures, trends and practices in mental health assessments, and legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct.

• Knowledge of the principles of file systems, case files and records management.

• Knowledge of local community resources and various community services programs.

• Skill in assessing mental health problems, and making recommendations based on observations and interviews.

• Skill in providing effective patient care services.

• Skill in understanding, interpreting and applying relevant statutes, ordinances, codes and regulations.

• Skill in staying calm while working with people in crises.

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with public officials, outside agencies, County staff and the general public, while dealing with sensitive information.

• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

• Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or a related field; possession of a valid Wyoming License as a Psychologist, Clinical Social Worker, or Professional Counselor; AND one (1) year of professional counseling experience, preferably in an institutional environment; OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience; must pass a thorough background investigation.