Mental Health Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Essex County Correctional Facility

• Newark, NJ, Position Type: Part Time, Salary Range: $38.00 - $38.00Hourly, Job Shift: Evening, JOB SUMMARY The Mental Health Specialist provides clinical services including assessment, screening, brief therapy, crisis intervention, and community referrals for patients in a correctional setting. This position plays a key role in identifying and addressing mental health needs while collaborating with medical, mental health, and custody staff to promote patient well-being and safety. Functional Responsibilities Conducts emergency clinical assessments for individuals referred due to emotional or behavioral distress. Reviews and co-signs all mental health screening intakes completed by nursing staff for new arrivals. Develops individualized treatment plans addressing housing, medication referral, counseling, and community treatment needs. Conducts initial clinical assessments within three (3) days for individuals identified as high risk. Provides brief individual or group counseling when clinically appropriate. Performs assessments on individuals placed on suicide precautions and, in consultation with mental health staff, determines the need to continue, modify, or discontinue such precautions. Assists individuals with mental illness in accessing community services upon release. Cooperates with requests for information from the judicial system while maintaining compliance with HIPAA regulations. Maintains daily and monthly statistics on patient contacts and demographic data. Attends bi-monthly staff meetings and other required CFG or facility meetings. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives and assists in conducting CQI studies. Provides or assists in training custody staff on mental health topics, as requested or required by the facility. Completes all required documentation and clinical notes accurately and promptly. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

POSITION REQUIREMENTS Education Master’s degree preferred. Experience Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in mental health, behavioral health, or related support roles preferred. Experience in correctional health, residential programs, or clinical settings preferred. Licensure & Certification Certification in behavioral health, crisis intervention, or similar may be required depending on facility.

Skills & Competencies Strong communication, interpersonal, and observation skills. Ability to implement treatment plans and support patient behavioral goals. Knowledge of mental health interventions, crisis management, and de-escalation techniques. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Proficiency with documentation and electronic health record systems preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made, upon written request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

May be required to stand, sit, walk, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, or stretch for prolonged periods. Ability to communicate effectively and understand written and verbal communication. Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.