Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:  

•  A Master’s Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field AND one (1) year of prior experience in a health or human services agency including one (1) year of experience with group and individual counseling. 
• Prior work experience in a correctional setting is preferred. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Must show proof of a current CPR/BLS certification prior to appointment. Act 33/34 clearances are required to prior to appointment at the cost of the applicant. 

Position Summary 

  The role of the Mental Health Specialist reports directly to the Director of Mental Health Programs. The Mental Health Specialist is responsible for coordinating and implementing behavioral health services to include case management, discharge planning, crisis intervention assessments, individual and group counseling, and screenings/assessments. 

Position Duties 

• Establishes positive, trusting rapport with client base while asserting ethical boundaries.
• Provides behavioral health supportive services to include, but not limited to psychoeducation, case management, discharge planning, and referral.
• Conducts crisis mental health assessments and risk assessments to determine clinically appropriate recommendations for housing and referral for additional services.
• Coordinates, monitors, and administers mental and behavioral health services and programs for inmates within the Allegheny County Jail.
• Serves as a liaison between physical and behavioral health service teams.
• Provides one-on-one and group psychoeducation and counseling to incarcerated individuals, as clinically appropriate and agreed upon by the treatment team.
• Consults with the multidisciplinary team on crisis intervention cases and possible transfers to alternate levels of care or other facilities.
• Works professionally with outside agencies, court services, judges, coworkers, and other stakeholders invested in divisionary efforts.
• Creates individualized treatment plans, collaboratively with other treatment providers and the participating client.
• Refers patients for additional services, if indicated.
• Maintains thorough documentation of services.
• Develops and conducts education programs.
• Follows all procedures to maintain safe provision of services within the institution.
• Functions as a member of the Mental Health Department.
• Participates in treatment team meetings with other members of the Mental Health Department.
• Participates in meetings, training programs, and other functions related to the job.
• Maintains client confidentiality in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Recognizes trends and identifies needs within the incarcerated population that could be served by increased mental health services.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Mental Health Programs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Diagnostic Criteria
• Crisis Intervention best practices
• Computer programs (i.e. Microsoft Office Software, Outlook, etc.)
• Techniques and best practices of mental health treatment and services
• Incarcerated populations, recidivism, and service engagement
• Trauma Informed therapeutic approaches, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and other research based efficacious modalities
• Treatment processes and the laws and regulations that govern correctional care and treatment

Skill in: 

• Strong research skills
• Organization
• Clinical documentation
• Detail oriented focus
• Patience
• Problem solving

Ability to: 

• Function independently and make informed decisions using sound professional judgement and ethics.
• Interact with the incarcerated population in a professional manner.
• Seek creative solutions to enhance, develop, or augment services/programs within the institution.
• Communicate effectively with healthcare providers and colleagues.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff.
• Adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple tasks in a stressful environment.
• Conduct individual and group counseling.
• Work shifts in a 24/7 facility. 

Hiring Requirements 

Background, Real Estate Tax, Drug and Medical 

Allegheny County employment policy requires that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status, along with a drug test and medical examination/s as required for the position. In cases pre-employment drug/medical screening is required, testing be completed within 48 hours of the acceptance of the conditional offer of employment. 

Residency 

New hires are required to become a resident of Allegheny County within one (1) year of appointment. 

Veterans’ Preference 

Will be awarded to eligible candidates where applicable. 

ALLEGHENY COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - M/F/V/D