Mental Health Counselor (Per Diem)

The Hampden County Correctional Center’s Forensic Mental Health Services program is seeking enthusiastic and experienced Mental Health Counselors. The Mental Health Counselors are responsible for the supervision and support of the patients admitted to or on respite at the HCSD Evaluation and Stabilization Unit (ESU) and the clients living in the Mental Health Unit (MHU).

The MH Counselors establish and maintain a therapeutic/supportive environment for individuals in the ESU/MHU. The MH counselors support and implement suggested strategies for individual ESU/MHU treatment plans. The MH Counselors maintain relevant information and submit reports as necessary to perform duties to promote the safe, effective and efficient operation of the institution in accordance with prescribed policies and procedures.

Work Schedule : 7 am-3 pm or 3 pm-11 pm various days of the week as needed

Pay: $28.78 per hour

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and/or three years of experience working in the mental health field; Strong observation skills and ability to make appropriate treatment and safety referrals; Ability to facilitate positive and productive group meetings with the inmate population and psycho-educational classes/groups as well; Ability to communicate with program participants, program staff, and other criminal justice/ treatment professionals in a clear, direct, and respectful manner; Ability to prepare effective, concise, and accurate written reports; Bilingual skills in speaking, writing, and reading English/ Spanish are preferred

The Hampden County Sheriff’s Office is not your average law enforcement agency. Behind the walls of our facilities in Western Massachusetts, our firm but fair approach to corrections has been emulated across the country and changed countless lives for the better. We provide empathy and opportunity to all who come under our care and custody with the aim of uplifting individuals and their families.

Our Public Health Model for Correctional Health Care values wellness, treatment of disease, prevention of illness, and access to care during and after incarceration. The justice-involved population gets professional medical and mental health care while incarcerated, and we work to have a seamless transition to continue that care in the community post-release.

Our medical team earns a generous salary with state benefits including excellent health care options, dental coverage, life insurance, long-term disability coverage and paid time off. There are also several annual bonuses awarded for deportment, performance and educational achievements. Our Sheriff's Office manages four facilities including two in Ludlow, one in Chicopee, and one in Springfield.

If you want to help make the world a better place by ensuring our clients get the best mental health services anywhere, please consider joining our team!