Mental Health Professional - Marathon County Jail

The Mental Health Professional Opportunity:

The Mental Health Professional serves as a critical member of the Crisis Services team, working within the Marathon County Jail to provide timely, evidence-based mental health assessment, intervention, and coordination of care for individuals experiencing mental health challenges while incarcerated. This role bridges correctional and community mental health systems, supporting stabilization, continuity of care, and reintegration planning.

Mental health professionals in correctional settings play a pivotal role in mitigating crises, ensuring legal and ethical treatment standards are met, and addressing complex mental health needs in a secure environment. This includes conducting clinical evaluations, developing treatment recommendations, advocating for appropriate services, and collaborating closely with jail staff, community agencies, and healthcare providers to support recovery and reduce recidivism.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The starting pay range for this role is $75,712 to $82,430 annually, based on education and experience.
• This job is full-time and in person.
• PTO, paid holidays, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, assistance program, and more.
• As a full-time employee of NCHC, you would be eligible for the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS). The WRS is a hybrid defined benefit plan. It contains elements of both a 401(k) or defined contribution plan and a defined benefit plan. Participating staff contribute 7.2% and NCHC will match this at 100% each pay period!

What Qualifies You:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• More than 1 year experience supporting individuals with serious and persistent mental health conditions.
• Current Wisconsin Certified, Advanced Practice, or Independent Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensure or certification
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and use of a personal vehicle.

Preferred:

• More than 3 years of social work or counseling experience.
• Current Wisconsin Substance Abuse Counselor or Substance Abuse Counselor In-Training certification.
• Certifications (e.g., PMP, CPA, SHRM, Six Sigma)

In evaluating candidates for this position, North Central Health Care may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. 

What a Mental Health Professional does at NCHC:

• Conducts comprehensive mental health assessments for incarcerated individuals, including suicide risk, co-occurring disorders, and treatment history.
• Screens identified inmates to determine appropriate referrals for medical, psychiatric, or community-based services.
• Provides crisis intervention, brief therapy, psychoeducation, and coping skills development to support stabilization and recovery.
• Works collaboratively with correctional staff to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing mental health symptoms, including consultation on behavioral management strategies.
• Attends NCHC rounds for jail clients on the NCHC adult behavioral health unit and is the liaison for communication and coordination of care between Marathon County Jail and NCHC.
• Develops individualized care plans and makes appropriate, timely referrals to internal and external services.
• Maintains thorough, accurate, and timely clinical documentation and assessments in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
• Conducts ongoing risk assessments for self-harm or violence and determines appropriate levels of care.
• Advocates for the mental health needs and legal rights of incarcerated individuals while maintaining professional boundaries and safety protocols.
• Supports discharge and re-entry planning by connecting individuals with community-based mental health and social services.
• Participates in staff training, case consultations, and quality improvement initiatives related to correctional mental health services.
• Ensures compliance with relevant federal, state, and regulatory/accreditation regulations
• Other duties as assigned

About North Central Health Care:

Nestled in the heart of Central Wisconsin, North Central Health Care (NCHC) is a healthcare organization formed over fifty years ago as a partnership between three Central Wisconsin counties - Langlade, Lincoln, and Marathon. NCHC employs more than 600 professionals in diverse roles across a variety of care and work environments. We provide passionate and high-quality care for individuals and families within the fields of mental health treatment, addiction services, long term care, short term care, physical therapy, crisis stabilization and so much more. We have amazing employees who provide exceptional care and want to add to our team. You can visit our website at www.norcen.org/careers to learn more.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer sponsorship, including but not limited to visa sponsorship or employment-based immigration support.

In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, NCHC will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. North Central Health Care is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary : $75,712 - $82,430