**Applications are sought on behalf of the Sheriff's Office in Yuma County. Yuma County Human Resources does not review any applications submitted for this position. All applications are forwarded to Sheriff's Office in Yuma County** 

NATURE OF WORK: Under general supervision, performs professional work of moderate difficulty providing specialized behavior analysis to prisoners and is responsible for the provision of integrated, short term behavioral health counseling within the Yuma County Detention Center; this position has department specific responsibility.

(Illustrative Only) Provides counseling interventions to prisoners that may include behavior management, decision making, problem solving, goal setting, self-esteem, substance abuse issues and any other issues of concern; obtains prisoner’s social and medical history, and integrates assessment of physical health problems that may impact the prisoner’s mental illness; provides suggestions to psychologist or psychiatrists; conducts in-depth interviews with prisoners, their families and interested parties to gather necessary information for the behavioral assessment of prisoners; reviews all police reports to determine possible state of mind; assesses and evaluates prisoners’ behavior and anticipates future behavior; assesses and evaluates prisoners for medical, social, behavioral and psychological needs, substance abuse, suicide prevention, communicable diseases, and security issues; administers psychological testing; analyzes test results and makes recommendations to a psychologist or psychiatrist regarding care plan; coordinates video streaming appointments of psychologist or psychiatrist with prisoners for assessments; supervises the charting of the Detention Certified Nursing Assistants to ensure accuracy of information; conducts and monitors follow-up assessments of prisoners; makes recommendations and referrals to the Detention Classification unit regarding prisoners’ classification level and needs; authorizes removal of prisoners from specialty units or suicide watches; initiates Title 36 submission process based on assessments; develops and implements theoretical and conceptual models/methods to measure prisoners’ behavioral progress; attends regular meetings with psychologist or psychiatrist to review psychological services administered to prisoners; coordinates treatment with the Detention Center, courts and the Jail Liaison Program to ensure prisoners are being registered for applicable benefits, and/or are being provided services to ensure transition into society and continuity of care; provides crisis intervention services to staff during stressful situations; may be required to testify in court; prepares and maintains files, records and mental health charts relating to prisoner diagnosis, testing, treatment and progress; prepares incident and statistical reports; coordinates with detention personnel to develop and maintain a safe and therapeutic atmosphere consistent with principles and practices of the Detention Center; assists in developing and implementing prisoner care plans; maintains appropriate security and confidentiality of prisoner information; assures compliance with county, state, and Federal laws, rules, regulations, and departmental policies and procedures pertaining to prisoners in the Detention Center; adheres and models the codes of ethics associated with clinical specialty, license and certification; facilitates behavioral health clinical rotations for students in college and university nursing programs; coordinates individual student schedules, conducts orientations, ensures student safety; provides recommendations to professors; maintains up-to-date knowledge in the field, including current detention issues, intervention strategies, and after-care services; may provide consultation, education and training to staff regarding signs, symptoms and safety concerns when working with prisoners with mental illnesses; may assist in training new staff, as needed; regular and reliable attendance is required; performs other duties as assigned.

Master’s degree in Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Community Counseling, Social Work, or closely related field and two (2) years professional experience in behavioral health or social science; or a Bachelor’s degree in the above and four (4) years professional experience in behavioral health or social science; a valid unrestricted license as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor (LASAC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), National Certified Counselor (NCC) or a closely related certification; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge of: County policies and procedures; Federal, state, and county laws related to inmates, and Sheriff’s Office Detention facility policy and procedures; principles, methods, and techniques of group and individual counseling; legal terminology; behavior patterns of incarcerated persons, and contemporary behavioral health and system theories, practices and techniques used in understanding, describing and predicting behavior; human behavior and various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds; theoretical and conceptual methods relating to assessment instruments and measurement principles; community resources and social service agencies; required detention and security training; specialized computers and software to prepare reports and maintain databases.

Skills in: Interviewing techniques, intervention strategies, and after care services; preparing psychological and social profiles; analyzing and evaluating prisoners’ medical, psychological, and behavioral needs, identifying problems, and developing feasible solutions; establishing and maintaining rapport with client prisoners; maintaining solid boundaries with prisoners; working independently with minimal supervision and exercising independent judgment; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; educating staff and prisoners on wellness, mental health and prisoner treatment plans; interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations; dealing impartially with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds; following and communicating written and verbal instructions.

Ability to: Work collaboratively with judges, staff and court agencies; maintain absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, prisoner records, and other restricted information; comprehend and analyze a variety of individual and systematic therapeutic model and appropriate application, including evidence-based practice; work high volumes under short deadlines; adapt to changing and unscheduled tasks; maintain current licensure and all required training; perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Work is performed in a secure detention facility and in general office environment; direct inmate contact; stand and sit for a long period of time; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, and/or crawling; exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, and unpleasant odors; visual and muscular dexterity to operate: computer and office equipment, two-way radio and telephone; annual TB skin testing; random urinalysis testing.