Corrections Counselor

Job Summary

The Nevada Department of Corrections is seeking qualified candidates for Correctional Counselor
3. This recruitment is to fill existing vacancies at Northern Nevada Correctional Center in Carson City. Incumbent will provide support services to offenders in a correctional setting including assessments and psycho-educational classes. The mental health professional will provide case management and behavioral/human services to persons with mental illness, crisis intervention and de-escalation of crisis situations with the inmates. Under general supervision, provide group treatment to inmates through psycho-educational and other group formats, utilizing evidence-based and scientifically researched program models, review all pertinent historical clinical records before beginning treatment, evaluate inmates' mental health status and behavior for clinical needs and make appropriate referrals, evaluate all emergency or crisis requests, provide intervention strategy or treatment plans, prepare a mental health summary to assure continuity of care for inmates being transferred.

Corrections Counselors within in the Nevada Department of Corrections provide mental health services to offenders in a correctional setting including interviews, behavioral planning and implementation, consultation, psycho-educational classes, research, and training.

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in clinical psychology, psychology, counseling, education, social work, or closely related field and three years of post Master's degree experience providing therapy, psychological testing and programmatic services in a correctional, rehabilitative, clinic or institutional setting; OR a Doctoral degree from an accredited college or university in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, social work, or closely related field which included a one-year internship in an applied program and one year of professional experience providing therapy, psychological testing and programmatic services in a correctional, rehabilitative, clinic or institutional setting;

OR a Doctoral degree (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from an accredited school of professional psychology, a one-year internship in an applied program, and one year of experience as described above; OR one year of experience as a Corrections Counselor II in Nevada State service.

Interview individuals to determine treatment, programming, or placement needs; make behavioral health recommendations; interpret and integrate data with interview findings and behavioral observations; discuss results with offenders or other authorized individuals; prepare written reports on offenders interviewed which include potential behavioral health needs. Participate as a member of the treatment team in staff meetings; share information and analyze treatment options; define, provide, and schedule appropriate care.

Provide counseling services, relaxation training, relationship counseling, substance abuse counseling, and pain management counseling to facilitate recovery and maintain offender in the least restrictive environment possible. Provide crisis intervention by applying appropriate de-escalation techniques and principles in order to relieve the immediate problem; intervene with offenders who may be hostile, aggressive, combative or assaultive; follow established protocol in order to protect offenders, staff, and others who may be at risk;

form a crisis debriefing team of mental health and security professionals and debrief staff involved in emergency situations to alleviate emotional concerns. Consult and train staff regarding current policies and procedures to comply with statutory and ethical requirements and current scientific developments in areas relevant to agency services. Participate in planning, developing and coordinating program services to meet the needs of the population served;

participate in committees and facility activities in developing policies and procedures; and participate in quality review programs. In a correctional setting, participate on the Unit Management Team to deliver services…