What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mental Health Clinician (LAPC or LAPC-Eligible) – Jail-Based Services position at Toombs County Sheriff's Office?
Job Title:
Mental Health Clinician (LAPC or LAPC-Eligible) – Jail-Based Services
Department:
Toombs County Detention Center / Jail Mental Health Program
Full-Time | On-Site
Position Summary
Under the clinical supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) the Mental Health Clinician provides trauma-informed mental health assessment, individual counseling, crisis intervention, and case management services to incarcerated adults in a county jail setting. This position works as part of an interdisciplinary team (corrections staff, medical, psychiatry, re-entry coordinators) to identify mental health needs, reduce acute symptoms, stabilize functioning, and facilitate continuity of care upon release. Will also be expected to work with the court system, the local Recovery Community Organization under a grant funded position.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct mental health screenings and intake assessments for newly booked inmates and those referred by custody or medical staff.
- Provide brief individual therapy, crisis intervention, and de-escalation for inmates experiencing acute mental health symptoms, suicidal ideation, self-harm, or behavioral dysregulation.
- Develop and monitor individualized mental health treatment plans and safety plans in collaboration with the inmate and treatment team.
- Deliver evidence-based interventions (e.g., CBT, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, solution-focused brief therapy) appropriate for short-term correctional settings.
- Facilitate referrals to psychiatric services, substance use treatment, and higher levels of care (e.g., state hospital, crisis stabilization units).
- Coordinate discharge planning and re-entry support, including linkage to community mental health providers, medication assistance programs, housing resources, and benefits enrollment (Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, etc.).
- Document all clinical contacts, assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes in the electronic health record (EHR) in compliance with agency, state, and HIPAA standards.
- Participate in daily shift briefings, treatment team meetings, and case staffing with corrections staff, medical staff, and re-entry specialists.
- Respond to mental health emergencies on housing units and segregation/restrictive housing pods.
- Provide psychoeducation and coping skills training to inmates individually and in small groups (as permitted by security protocols).
- Maintain professional licensure requirements (or accrue supervised hours toward independent licensure if LAPC-eligible).
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Counseling or Clinical Mental Health Counseling from a CACREP-accredited program.
- Current Georgia Associate License (LAPC OR eligibility for associate licensure within 6 months of hire).
- Ability to pass a comprehensive county/corrections background check, drug screen, and security clearance for working inside a secure jail facility.
Preferred Qualifications
- One or more years of experience providing mental health services in correctional, inpatient, outpatient, emergency services, or crisis settings.
- Training or experience in trauma-informed care, suicide prevention (e.g., Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk), and co-occurring disorders.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of community resources and re-entry services in the Toombs County/Southeast Georgia area.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong clinical assessment and crisis intervention skills in high-stress, security-focused environments.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries and composure while working alongside corrections officers.
- Excellent documentation skills and familiarity with EHR systems.
- Understanding of confidentiality limitations in a correctional setting (e.g., mandatory reporting of threats to security).
- Cultural humility and experience working with diverse populations, including justice-involved individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and trauma histories.
Working Conditions
- Work is performed inside a secure correctional facility; exposure to loud noises, potential verbal aggression, and safety/security protocols is required.
- Must adhere to all facility security policies (no cell phones, contraband restrictions, etc.).
- May be required to work evening, night, weekend, or holiday shifts depending on facility needs.
- Personal protective equipment (stab-resistant vest) may be provided and required during certain duties.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary based on licensure status and experience, ongoing clinical supervision toward full licensure (LPC) is provided by employer, and professional development opportunities.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce.
Pay: $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000