Detention Counselor

The Detention Counselor (SO) is responsible for conducting face-to-face interviews with each inmate or detainee booked into the facility to determine risk and needs assessment. Asks numerous demographic and personal history questions with more in-depth exploration of specific potential problem areas such as dangerous to self, others, or mental health issues to determine a classification and make inmate or detainee housing decisions.

Completes documentation related to inmate contacts and movements. Follow up with personal requests and with inmates or detainees cleared from a suicide watch. Perform ongoing case management and crisis intervention.

Job Posting Closes at 11:59PM on:

01/18/26

Division:

Sheriff Detentions Division

Management Level:

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

Benefit Eligibility:

This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Description:

• Starting Pay $25.67 Per Hour. Top Out Pay After Years of Service: $38.51.

• Please Apply by January 18, 2026.

• Reviews current housing and determine if other housing would be more appropriate. Conduct face-to-face interviews when completing weekly and monthly housing reviews.
• Conducts face-to-face interviews with each inmate housed in their assigned module to determine mental health needs, jail classification, court dates, suicide risk, severity of charges, and other potential risk. Assist inmates in developing an action plan and provide resources to assist in coping with jail setting. Assist with community transitional needs.
• Conducts one-on-one individual counseling sessions with inmate/detainee as follow up to classification screening including emergency phone calls and Deputy request for inmate/detainee crisis. Complete referral forms on inmate/detainees presenting as homicidal, suicidal, or experiencing mental health problems. Screen inmates for the Behavioral Health Unit to identify those eligible to participate and issue application. Conduct face-to-face interviews when completing weekly and monthly suicide follow-ups, crisis calls, mental status exams, and inmate’s kite requests.
• Directs inmates to participate in available educational programs. Facilitates and leads various educational programs, including MRT, Healthy Choices, Relapse Prevention, Healthy Relationships, Anger Management, Building Self‑Esteem, Parenting, Boundaries, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
• Provide in‑service training to detention staff and detention academies on various counseling related courses.
• Consults with family, friends, jail staff and treatment agencies to obtain info to assist in classification and management of inmate/detainee. Assist County agencies in distributing and collecting written questionnaires on inmate/detainees that are being evaluated. Request background checks and criminal histories. Conduct integrity interviews. Make recommendations and type summaries.
• Creates written CorEMR summaries and progress notes of inmate/detainees contacts as part of a permanent record for continuity of care purposes and as documentation in the event of litigation.
• Consults and collaborate with mental health clinicians and psychologist to review or discuss inmate/detainees on suicide watch. Attend meetings with mental health, medical and counseling staff to discuss special needs of inmate/detainees.
• Collaborates and attends meetings with intervention, adult diversion, safety and security, criminal justice/mental health sub‑committee and gang intelligence unit.
• Opportunities to process and coordinate counseling volunteer applications, serve on various committees: to include Special Needs, Administrative Segregation, and Community Corrections, etc. and to supervise interns from universities and colleges.
• Other duties as assigned.

Colorado Notary Certification within 1 year of date of hire.

This position will require shift work.

Preferred - Bachelor's Degree or higher in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field.

100% Drug Free Workforce

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm, and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity, or any other status protected by Federal or State law.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Experience:

Work Experience:

Minimum one year

Certifications:

Languages:

Category:

Enforcement & Protective Services